Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise with deep disappointment that the Rules Committee didn't make in order any of my amendments to improve the management and health of the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee, and Flint Rivers. Floridians are incredibly frustrated that the Apalachicola River is dying because of mismanagement and overuse upstream. Just this year, it was named one of the country's most endangered rivers. Two years ago, in a rare show of collaboration and bipartisanship on this very issue, Members from Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, agreed to language that actually acknowledged the mismanagement and encouraged the States to stop the arguing and work together to find a solution. What a novel concept, but even that tiny compromise is being stricken in this bill. We have an egregious problem that my amendment would have fixed, and this Congress won't even allow it to be discussed. I am well aware that other States involved in this issue have a lot at stake. It is infuriating that other States won't recognize what is at risk in Florida. There are people all over the country, even some of you in this Congress, who spend time in the region and enjoy the Apalachicola's beauty and resources. It is shameful and shortsighted that we are letting it die because of politics and dysfunction in this House.”