Paul Tonko: “Thank you, and good morning. I thank Chair Shimkus and Chair Whitfield for holding this hearing.”

I am proud to represent New York's Capital Region, a community and economy that is inextricably linked to the historic Hudson and Mohawk Rivers that flow nearby.

Our water resources serve as sources of drinking water for millions of people, provide habitats for more than 200 fish species, and support critical outdoor recreation and tourism industries.

Mr. Tonko's bill would create a new program specifically for what it defines as the New York-New Jersey Watershed.

They say, ‘Well, she’s the future of the party.’ I say, ‘She’s the today of the party,’