Paul Tonko: “Like many, I am hopeful that a compendium of tragedies that had to fall in Puerto Rico... have a silver lining in that…”

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

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.

We know the human cost of inaction. To be precise, last year it was 109,680 lives we lost. Is that a cost we are willing to bear? With that in mind, our work is not done, and I hope we can find the will to truly meet the moment. This…

I believe that leaves the individual of focus this evening, the chairwoman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. Rodgers).