Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I want to join with our distinguished chairman in strong support of H.R. 673, the Florida Keys Water Quality Improvements Act. The Florida Keys are a spectacular natural resource of international significance. Home to North America's only living coral barrier reef, the Florida Keys are located in a unique and fragile marine environment requiring special attention. We must ensure that these resources are protected for future generations. The Florida Keys marine ecosystem is dependent upon clean, clear water with low nutrient levels for its survival. However, as population and tourism within the Keys have increased over the years, improvements in wastewater and storm water management have not kept pace. The result is an increased discharge of pollutants into the near-shore waters of the Florida Keys. This increased pollution has had devastating effects on the marine environment, and is threatening the reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The legislation on the floor today will assist greatly in improving the water quality of the Florida Keys region.”