Earl Blumenauer: “there is a theme this morning on the floor of the House: dealing with how we can promote livable communities. Whether it…”

“there is a theme this morning on the floor of the House: dealing with how we can promote livable communities. Whether it is dealing with community-oriented policing, ``Weed and Seed,'' or associating the comments of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett) about Better America Bonds, there is a lot that the Federal Government can do to make a difference for things that people really care about, making their families safe, economically secure and healthy. Mr. Speaker, a critical part of making the Federal Government a better partner in promoting livable communities is the work we do with basic infrastructure. Rather than spending a lot of new money, making new rules and regulations and starting new programs, one the most important contributions the Federal Government can make is using our existing resources more wisely. Nowhere is that more clearly illustrated than what we do with water resources. Currently, the Federal Government makes it easier to spend money paving a creek to stop flooding than to restore wetlands to achieve the same goal. I have already introduced legislation that would make it easier for communities to invest in cheaper, greener approaches to flood protection. This approach does not need to cost the Federal Government an additional dime, and it gives the communities more choices as they solve their problems and increase livability.”