I really appreciate your leadership and your efforts on behalf of the Chesapeake Bay.

We want to resist the temptation to replace fishery science with politics.

we don't want to put undue burdens on localities.

We believe that restoring our Nation's largest estuary is a shared responsibility, not just of State and local governments and the private sector, but of the Federal Government as well.

the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program be reauthorized, with a heightened focus on new authorities, increased implementation and accountability.

the role of the Federal Government is critical to the success of the Bay restoration project.

I would encourage the Committee not to include language that would impose any additional regulations or restrictions on non-native oysters or commercial menhaden harvests.

I look forward to continuing to work on those issues.

I think this is a great way for us to accomplish that.

I couldn't agree with you more and your statement about seeking energy independence and also making sure we stop the exporting of dollars and jobs that are related to our dependence on foreign sources of energy.

I am interested in your comment earlier when you talked about securing full funding and dedicated sources of funding for our Land and Water Conservation Fund.