Political Quotes

“Madam Chair, this amendment is quite simple. It would block the Corps of Engineers from issuing rules or regulations that would charge a fee for surplus water on the Missouri River. I offer this amendment to stop an overreach by the Corps of Engineers in its attempt to charge constituents in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana for what is legally theirs--water from the Missouri River. The States of South and North Dakota sacrificed hundreds of thousands of acres of prime farmland during the creation of the dams on the Missouri; but in doing so, they did not give up the right to their own water from the river. The Flood Control Act that created the dams and reservoirs specifically said: It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Congress to recognize the interests and rights of States in determining the development of watersheds within their borders and likewise their interests and rights in water utilization and control. Madam Chair, I don't believe congressional intent could be any clearer in this instance. Rural water systems, businesses and tribes up and down the Missouri River rely on it for water and have been pulling water from the river for nearly 60 years without a fee. Let us not forget that 2 years ago at this time residents up and down the Missouri were suffering one of the greatest floods that the river has ever seen. Many are still working to get back to the way things were, to the extent that it's even ever going to be possible.…”