Alan Simpson: “You seem to think that the only way to address this problem is to have a Federal bureaucracy. You know what, we could…”

“You seem to think that the only way to address this problem is to have a Federal bureaucracy. You know what, we could bring clarity to all of our problems by just eliminating the States. Why have States? Why not have everything under Federal control? That makes sense, because everything goes from State to State eventually. It makes no sense to me. This does not bring clarity to the situation and it does not help in the regulation of our Clean Water Act. This does not make the waters of the United States cleaner. All it does is give more authority to the Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA. {time} 1040 If you want to bring charity, then bring a bill down here to define what navigable means. And you can do that. As I said, a hanging is clarity--not necessarily the best outcome. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.”