Bill Lee: “First, let me thank Ranking Member McCollum, for her tremendous leadership on this subcommittee and all environmental…”

“First, let me thank Ranking Member McCollum, for her tremendous leadership on this subcommittee and all environmental issues. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 5538, the Fiscal Year 2017 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill. This bill dangerously cuts spending by $64 million cut from FY16 and is $1 billion less than the President's FY2017 request. And this is yet another spending bill filled with ideologically driven riders from House Republicans. While there are few positives in this bill, like restoration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) grants under the Historic Preservation Fund and an increase in the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and Water Infrastructure program, there are too many poison riders and cuts to critical programs. For instance, this bill still falls short of providing all of the necessary funding to address the Flint water crisis and fix our decaying water infrastructure. As I've mentioned before, I was part of a Congressional Delegation that recently traveled to Flint, Michigan to listen to the residents of Flint regarding the horrendous impact of these government decisions that lead to the poising of those of children and families. The environmental injustice in Flint is an example of how many low-income communities of color are treated differently than affluent communities around the country. That is why full funding for the EPA is more important than ever.…”