Funding obviously is critical, but if permitting approvals are not issued in a timely fashion, these projects cannot move forward.

It is important that any future WRDA legislation supports the timely and efficient delivery of water resource projects in communities that need them while continuing to meet our national priorities.

I am pleased to begin 2022 with a discussion of how we can build upon that success by advancing the Water Resources Development Act.

These rollbacks will set us back in achieving our conservation goals by increasing costs and burdens of doing the right thing.

The Administration and Congress should pursue bipartisan policies to preserve our Nation's public lands, wildlife, and ecosystems.

I think this is an issue, and Senator Carper mentioned this, that we need to consider against the background of the growth of our debt and deficit during this pandemic.

Conservation is most effective when led by State and local entities in cooperation with voluntary efforts by private landowners.

Cooperation with States and landowners is key for species recovery.

In my view, the fact that it is very difficult to do speaks to the need to do it.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you Ranking Member Blunt too.

Well, it seems to be training, training, training is the aspect that has come very forward in all of your recommendations.