Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, my amendment provides a solution by putting channels which have been assumed for maintenance on equal footing with those that have been authorized, thus eliminating the distinction without a difference that currently exists to streamline the process and prevent these unnecessary, bureaucratic hang-ups from delaying critical safety and navigation work where it is needed the most. I urge a ``yes'' vote on my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Oregon is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, there are 1,100 harbors that this would apply to across the United States. We have already discussed at great length the fact that the Corps has a $2.4 billion backlog of O&M under existing authority and, after today, a $74 billion backlog of authorized but unconstructed projects. I understand the gentleman's concerns, and he is being a great advocate for his home port; but I would direct a question to the gentleman if, perhaps, he can answer it: With 1,100 ports in America, how many other ports are in a similar situation? And what would the cost be to the Corps, which already has a $2.5 billion backlog in O&M? Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin).”