Alan Simpson: “This bipartisan en bloc amendment was developed in coordination with the minority. It contains noncontroversial…”

“This bipartisan en bloc amendment was developed in coordination with the minority. It contains noncontroversial amendments addressing important issues at the agencies funded in this bill that have been agreed to by both sides. It provides support for the Department of the Interior's efforts to identify critical minerals in the United States. It highlights the importance of the rural water technical assistance grants, as well as the clean water and drinking water State revolving funds. It emphasizes support for the Federal wildland firefighters and Bureau of Indian Affairs road construction. Finally, it includes additional support for research into harmful algal blooms and provides assistance to the territories. Mr. Chair, I support the adoption of this en bloc, and I reserve the balance of my time.”