Political Quotes

“I thank Chair DeFazio. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Water Resources Development Act. There is no question that Chairman DeFazio and Chairwoman Napolitano have worked tirelessly over the last year--and probably longer--to get this bill to the finish line. This bill delivers for our Nation's crumbling water infrastructure. Madam Speaker, S. 1811 enjoys broad bipartisan support because it pays attention to the unique and particular needs of the different regions of our diverse Nation. The package includes provisions to protect 90 percent of North America's surface fresh water on our Great Lakes. This includes a specific authorization of the invasive species control system at Brandon Road Lock and Dam. The project serves a unique national role, and once completed, will serve as a bulwark for preventing Asian carp and other invasive species from threatening the fragile ecosystem of our Great Lakes and its $7 billion fishery. Madam Speaker, today's authorization marks an important milestone for protecting the Great Lakes recreational fishing industry. Our region has advocated to include this authorization for nearly a decade. And since 2010, when Congress authorized the Great Lakes Interbasin Study, our delegation searched for a long-term and basin-wide solution to the predatory Asian carp.…”