Political Quotes

“Madam President, I am joined by the chair and ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Committee to discuss section 1046 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act conference report, which we will vote on shortly in the Senate. I would like to thank the chair and ranking member for their leadership on this important legislation and rise with them today to discuss the provision and address my concerns about the effects on Army Corps of Engineers' reservoirs in Texas. It is important to remember that the long-term reliability of the Corps' multipurpose reservoirs remains a critical economic issue for many regions of our country. Cities, water districts, businesses, and other users depend on these reservoirs both for hydropower generation and to meet their larger water supply needs. That is especially true in arid States such as Texas. Indeed, the reservoirs have helped our States--and many others--to mitigate the effects of serious droughts. For that matter, Texas suffered the most intense drought in recorded State history just a few years ago, and water levels at a number of reservoirs remain dangerously low. Statewide, reservoirs are only at 64 percent of their capacity, according to the Texas Water Development Board. As one of America's fastest growing States, water supply management is becoming more and more important to individual Texans and their communities. Thankfully, local and State leaders have worked hard to devise effective strategies.…”