Nydia Velázquez: “There is no republican or democratic approach when it comes to issues that are impacting small businesses.”

We must confront the challenges that cause timelines of project approvals to grow, particularly lack of agency staffing, however, undermining the agencies responsible for protecting our environment is not the solution.

I am really pleased to support this legislation to enhance the Office of Rural Affairs. And I commend Mr. Goldman for his commitment and dedication to making this office operate more effectively for rural small businesses.

Short-sighted attacks on the Council, by some of my colleagues across the aisle will only compromise our ability to appropriately protect the air and water quality and public health that our communities rely on.

So, make no mistake, the real issue in this hearing is not CEQ's small budget request, it is, unfortunately, an attempt by some of my colleagues across the aisle and their big corporate donors, to undermine the Council's ability to protect…