Ted Poe: “I have a letter here from one of my grandkids, 7-year-old Olivia. ``January 28th. ``Dear Congressman Poe, ``I am writing…”

“I have a letter here from one of my grandkids, 7-year-old Olivia. ``January 28th. ``Dear Congressman Poe, ``I am writing to tell you that the environment is very important to me. ``We need to make sure that enough money is spent on keeping the world clene. ``I love seeing all the beauty in the world. ``I know that you agree with me that trees, flowers and lakes are worth protecting. ``I planted broccoli last year and I want every kid to have that opportunity at their school too. ``Please do your best! ``Sincerely, Olivia. #8, Dallas, Texas.'' Mr. Speaker, No. 8 is my granddaughter Olivia. I call my 12 grandkids by their birth number. Well, Olivia, Mr. Cicilline and I are introducing legislation to protect trees on government easements of interstate highways. Sometimes trees are cleared at taxpayer expense so that billboards on adjacent property can be seen. Olivia is right, ``Trees are worth protecting.'' We should preserve the trees on the interstates because, as No. 8 says, ``The environment is important.'' And that is just the way it is. ____________________”