On the recordMarch 19, 2010
Let me thank the gentlelady from California. I want to congratulate my colleague for her extraordinary leadership on this issue of such importance. We know of the real environmental challenges facing the oceans throughout the world. Oceans represent the vast majority--more than two-thirds of the surface of our planet--and this effort to educate our future generations about our responsibilities to be good stewards is so very, very important. Back home, we have the Lenfest Foundation, in which Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest have put forth tens of millions of dollars into these types of efforts. And here in Washington, my friend, Tom Lindenfeld, with the Blue Guardians. There's so many people, Americans, who have focused the Nation's attention on this challenge. I want to rise as an appropriator that's on the subcommittee that handles the NOAA appropriations. First of all, these authorizations are important, but they will be held to the PAYGO rules. It's still vitally important that the Congress speak and indicate its preference. I'm a supporter of this bill. I want to thank my colleague for her introduction and hope that all of my colleagues will favorably support it.
