On the recordApril 30, 2015
Let me begin by thanking Chairman Simpson and Ranking Member Kaptur for the work that they have done, a very challenging and popular appropriations when it comes to energy and water and also the issues of the environment. I have a very simple amendment that reinforces our commitment to communities from rural America to urban America, from hamlets and villages to large urban centers. And it simply emphasizes a quality of life: for all Americans to have a good, clean environment; to reduce asthma in children; to help senior citizens; and to have a good quality of life in their sunset years, in their older homes, in older communities, of which I represent, is an important funding necessity for this Nation. I want to emphasize the work that has been done and remind my colleagues--for those of us who had the privilege of being here--that President Clinton issued an executive order directing Federal agencies to address the disproportionately high and adverse human health environmental impacts on minority and low-income populations, which covered rural America, which oftentimes experienced the impact of the environment. We have worked over the years to improve their quality of life, and today I ask that we continue to do so. In particular, I want to refer to a project in Houston, Texas, called the CAS site. That site was attempted to be cleaned up. It is in an older neighborhood, Madam Chair. Senior citizens own their homes. They have been there for a long time.…
