Political Quotes

“First of all, I have great respect for the gentleman who offers this amendment, but I do find myself in the position of opposing it. In step with the myriad amendments offered by Republicans to reduce leadership salaries, this amendment seeks to reduce funding for the Bureau of Reclamation's policy and administration account by $5 million, ostensibly to fund it at the fiscal year 2022 enacted level. However, in fiscal year 2022, $64.4 million was appropriated for policy and administration, so this amendment reduces this funding by $4.321 million below the fiscal year 2022 enacted level. The Bureau of Reclamation brings water to 31 million people and is the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, producing enough electricity to serve 3.5 million homes. This account funds day-to-day Bureau of Reclamation management, administrative, and policy functions that are necessary to ensure effective and efficient implementation of all Bureau of Reclamation programs from which 31 million people receive water and 3.5 million homes receive electricity. That is a big job. This account also funds the Office of the Commissioner and regional offices. This leadership is critical for ensuring that one in five Western farmers has irrigation water for 10 million acres of farmland that produce 60 percent of our Nation's vegetables and 25 percent of its fruits and nuts.…”