Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman from Hawaii for yielding. Madam Chair, I rise in support of the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act, which includes legislation to improve ocean data collection and information sharing between Federal agencies and coastal observation partners. Our coastal communities rely on accurate ocean data and monitoring for information about ocean acidification, harmful algal blooms and hypoxia forecasting, tsunami preparedness, navigation, and port security. I worked with my fellow co-chair of the House Oceans Caucus, Don Young, to reintroduce the Integrated Coastal Ocean Observing System Act, which is included in this bill and will allow the Integrated Ocean Observing System to strengthen its work using satellites, buoys, underwater gliders, and tide gauges to deliver accurate and continuous data on our oceans and coasts. Mapping the ocean floor is expected to be a top priority as the United Nations' Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development begins in 2021. We must strengthen investments in the Integrated Ocean Observing System and ocean monitoring so we can meaningfully contribute to these efforts. I thank my colleague from Alaska (Mr. Young) for his leadership on this issue, and I thank Chairman Grijalva for his support. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.”