Steve Israel: “I want to thank Chairman Pombo and Ranking Member Rahall for bringing this bill to the floor today. I also want to thank…”

“I want to thank Chairman Pombo and Ranking Member Rahall for bringing this bill to the floor today. I also want to thank my colleague from Connecticut, Representative Simmons, and the rest of the members of the Long Island Sound Caucus for their very hard work on this legislation and their ongoing efforts to preserve and protect the Long Island Sound. I have the privilege of serving as co-chair of the Congressional Long Island Sound Caucus with the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Simmons) and we have worked together for many years in the hope that this bill would become a reality. This bill is bipartisan. It is bicoastal. It is bicameral. It is one of the most important initiatives that we can take to protect the Long Island Sound, to identify and enhance sites with ecological, educational, and recreational value in Connecticut and New York. The Long Island Sound is one of our Nation's great natural wonders. It sustains a diversity of birds, wildlife, and marine organisms. It is a very important part of the national economy. It remains a vital component of our identity, our way of life.”