Alan Simpson: “I thank the chairman for his recognition. I don't have the letter to read, but listen, the only argument that's being…”

“I thank the chairman for his recognition. I don't have the letter to read, but listen, the only argument that's being made here that makes any sense is we have got to bring clarity to this issue. We have got to bring clarity to the confusion of this issue. Well, I will tell you that a hanging is clarity, but it's not necessarily the right option. That's essentially what we're doing here. We're giving control of all these waters that have traditionally been in the control of the States to the Federal Government. And I will tell you, we will have an opportunity to debate this same issue again on the Interior bill dealing with the EPA. This deals with the Army Corps of Engineers. The fact is is that you don't need this to clarify this, the policies proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers. You can clarify it by legislatively defining what ``navigable'' means. If the Supreme Court has a problem trying to decide what ``navigable'' means, then let's address that so we know what we intend by that. The argument is made repeatedly by some of those that have supported this amendment, whether you are from Virginia or Maryland, and I will tell you, if you want in Virginia or Maryland or Washington or Michigan, the Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA to control every drop of water that falls on your State, I'll help you do it. Let's write legislation to do that so that you guys can have the clarity of the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers.…”