Political Quotes

“I would like to thank the good gentleman. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Gosar-Newhouse amendment which would prohibit any funds in this act from being used for purposes of removing Federal dams, which are a vital component of the water infrastructure in the West. I would like to thank my good friend and colleague Congressman Gosar for his hard work on this issue which is so important, given the devastating drought conditions facing most of the Western United States. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor for March 31, 2015, all or significant portions of 11 Western States, including the State of Washington, are suffering from severe to exceptional drought. Given the current drought conditions facing my State and many other States in the West, now is not the time to consider removing Federal dams. These dams provide important hydropower in my State and also have conservation, recreation, and navigation benefits. Additionally, Mr. Chairman, these dams play a pivotal role in water storage, irrigation, and flood control. They also help ensure many rural and agricultural communities in the West have access to clean water supplies, providing critically important irrigation for countless agricultural operations and millions of acres of farmland. We have fought these dam wars for decades; and, with the West facing a possible 100-year drought, now is not the time to destroy and remove these assets which benefit all of us.…”