Nydia M. Velazquez: “The chairman of the committee stated that this amendment gives broad authority to the administration, but it is the same…”

“The chairman of the committee stated that this amendment gives broad authority to the administration, but it is the same authority that we gave to the administration in the provision created for highways in the surface transportation bill, MAP- 21. This amendment is modeled exactly on that provision, so what is good for the goose is good for the gander, right? So I do not understand your logic. I do not understand your argument. But let me just say, Mr. Chairman, that this is going to benefit metropolitan areas. We held hearing after hearing in the Small Business Committee regarding this issue, and this issue was brought up to my attention by small agricultural interests from rural areas that were concerned that waterways, particularly those in rural areas, were being ignored. The truth of the matter is that this amendment will ensure that rural areas are given a greater voice. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.”