Political Quotes

“with this vote on the motion to proceed to S. 1140, the Federal Water Quality Protection Act, the Senate really has a unique opportunity today to pass a strong bipartisan bill--a bill that will direct the EPA to write a reasonable rule to protect our navigable waterways. As I mentioned before, I introduced this legislation with my Democratic colleagues Senators Donnelly, Heitkamp, and Manchin, as well as many of my Republican colleagues. I appreciate all my colleagues who spoke out in favor of this legislation. Let me just conclude this discussion with these thoughts. Our beautiful rivers and lakes deserve protection, and this bill does nothing to block legitimate efforts to safeguard the waters of the United States. By striking the right balance, we will restore Washington's attention to the country's traditional waterways, protecting these cherished natural resources. At the same time, we will give certainty to farmers, ranchers, and small business owners that they can use their property reasonably without fear of constant Washington intervention. The existing rule on waters of the United States is the poster child of EPA overreach. The courts have already begun to weigh in with their concerns and have stayed the rule nationally. There is a great legal uncertainty about whether this waters of the United States rule will survive these legal challenges. These challenges could take years.…”