On the recordOctober 23, 2013
I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, the Flores amendment is, quite frankly, an affront to states' rights. By preventing the Army Corps of Engineers from coordinating ocean and coastal planning with Federal and State partners, it will inhibit the ability of States like Rhode Island, my home State, from managing resources in a way that fits their needs and priorities. We have long recognized that our ocean resources do not adhere to State boundaries. Accordingly, their management must be regionally based. In the Northeast, our Regional Ocean Council has allowed our States to pool resources and our businesses to have a voice in decision-making. The Flores amendment may inhibit regional efforts, including ongoing Hurricane Sandy recovery and restoration planning to protect against future storm damage. Put simply, it is an attempt to impose restrictions and requirements on coastal States and districts that will prevent our counties, cities, along with State Governors, from working collaboratively with their Federal partners on projects critical to coastal economies. The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentleman has expired.
