Paul Tonko: “Right. You know, I think over and over again people are measuring with exit polling the sentiments of the electorate out…”

“Right. You know, I think over and over again people are measuring with exit polling the sentiments of the electorate out there; and people have said that there is a need for government. They want effective government, efficient government. Well, I think when we look at some of the data that are collected, Representative Garamendi, it is important for us to acknowledge that as we rebuild in our areas that have been damaged by Mother Nature, you don't just replace; you need to improve upon the situation. For instance, if there are data that are telling us that more and more water volume is expected in certain watershed areas, as in my district, it would be foolish to spend tax dollars, the hard-earned taxpayer dollars and simply replace an infrastructure, a bridge, at the same height, at the same span, if, in fact, we know that the water and the force of that water is growing with time. And so these are the ways to, I think, incorporate the soundness of academics and analysis that go into how we respond to this. And if much of it is driven by climate change, global warming, some of the impacts of Mother Nature that are causing these disruptive scenarios, then ought we not look at sound policy that then stretches our thinking and really puts a laser sharp focus on these situations? So this is a call for a big-picture view.…”