Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman and Members, I am pleased to offer this amendment regarding additional resources for environmental justice on behalf of our esteemed colleague, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who had to return to Texas this evening on very important official business. The amendment is on page 26 of the 60-page bill, and it reprograms funding for the Department of Energy's departmental administration to increase support for environmental justice program activities by $1 million, offset by a reduction of like amount in funding for departmental corporate information technology programs. The amendment increases funding for the Department, and the program is an essential tool in the Department's effort to improve the lives of low-income and minority communities, as well as the environment at large. Twenty years ago, when President Clinton issued Executive Order 12898 that directed Federal agencies to identify and address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their actions on minority and low-income populations, America walked toward a new horizon, and we began to understand that a healthy environment sustains a productive and healthy community which fosters personal and economic growth. Maintaining funds for environmental justice that go to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges, and other organizations is imperative to protecting sustainability and growth of the community and environment.…”