Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendments which are included in en bloc No. 1. My amendments are simply. I will sum them up in six words: Community Engagement, Education, Outreach, and Consultation. The impacts of climate change and environmental degradation affect us all. But the fact is climate change has a disparate impact on low- income and minority communities. Indeed, these communities are also disproportionately impacted by other environmental hazards. It is also worth mentioning that these communities, which suffer resource deficits, cannot simply relocate out of flood zones or pay for expensive mitigation efforts. Similarly, my Native brothers and sisters have unique cultures that are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts which threatens their ways of life, subsistence, lands and water rights, and survival. For example, the Great Lakes have been an integral part of the history of many of the region's tribes. However, too often, the most vulnerable communities are left out when it comes to the great ideas and projects like those we are authorizing in this bill. Tribal communities and low-income communities have a great stake in this debate. My amendment makes sure that they are included and active participants in the efforts authorized by this bill.…”