Kim Schrier: “I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, in Washington State, we are blessed with an abundance of rivers and…”

“I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, in Washington State, we are blessed with an abundance of rivers and lakes that support fish and wildlife. Right now, projects like modifying tide gates and restoring or reconnecting floodplains and wetlands are not getting the priority they need to protect these important ecosystems. I am so pleased that the bill I introduced with Congressman Rick Larsen was included in WRDA. By prioritizing rivers with the greatest chance of recovery, we have the best shot at protecting these waterways and achieving the largest return on our investments. Healthy rivers mean clean water for fish, wildlife, and communities, and healthy salmon runs help us meet our treaty rights obligations, ensure thriving local economies and recreational opportunities, and protect our endangered salmon and orca populations.”