Rick Larsen

I have no other speakers on the en bloc, so I will close by asking Members to please support the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection.

However, underutilization became even more widespread during the pandemic...

Managing federal real property has been on GAO's High-Risk list for 20 years.

This hearing is an opportunity to begin, or actually continue discussions, about what the Federal real estate portfolio should look like in the future...

I look forward to learning how GSA is mitigating the financial liability of vacant leased space...

Thank you, Chair Perry and Ranking Member Titus, for holding this very important hearing on the utilization of Federal office space.

As Representative Larsen mentioned, about 15 percent of ATSDR's staff had to be deployed in response to East Palestine.

First, let me congratulate Ranking Member Napolitano on her service to Congress and the United States.

Thank you, Chairman Rouzer and Ranking Member Napolitano for holding this second hearing on the Administration's FY 2024 budget request for agencies within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Maintaining robust Federal funding for EPA and defending against potential cuts in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations process will continue to be a top priority for House Democrats.

I hope we all know that it is always cheaper to prevent pollution from occurring than to clean up its aftermath.

I am most concerned that the Sackett decision has transferred significant costs from polluters to states, localities, and everyday American families.

I am further dismayed by their focus on putting polluters over people and eliminating Clean Water Act protections.

If the House Republican proposal becomes law, fewer Americans will have access to clean water and clean air.

Thank you very much.

The Coast Guard needs the necessary tools, authorities, and resources to address these challenges.

By embracing emerging technologies such as unmanned systems and renewable energy resources, we can enhance the Coast Guard's capabilities while reducing our environmental impact.

The Coast Guard must continue to prioritize innovation and the development of cutting-edge technologies.

We need to invest in the Coast Guard's capabilities, ensuring it has the resources, personnel, and equipment to address emerging threats and demands.

Port and vessel decarbonization is an important opportunity in maritime operations.

The melting Arctic presents new challenges and opportunities as well.

By adequately resourcing the Coast Guard, we protect lives and property and ensure the Service remains mission-ready.

Climate change is humanity's next great challenge.

The transformational investment in the BIL is a great start, but Congress needs to build on this by securing a reliable funding stream for intercity passenger rail.