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Ensuring that the Chesapeake Bay is restored to a healthy and thriving ecosystem is one of my top priorities in Congress. The Bay provides a great economic and recreational resource for residents of the Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore. Not only do local watermen depend on the Bay to harvest oysters and crabs, but outdoor enthusiasts enjoy observing the 3,600 species of plants, fish, animals and waterfowl.
As a member of the House Committee on Resources, which has jurisdiction over the protection of coastal and marine environments, I will work hard to make certain that Chesapeake Bay restoration legislation is approved. In addition, I will work with my colleagues on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, of which I am a member, to educate other Members of Congress on the importance of revitalizing the Bay.
I currently serve as co-chair of the Congressional Shellfish Caucus. This is a bi-partisan group of concerned Members of Congress created to promote and enhance awareness of the issues affecting the United States shellfish industry in Congress.
In 2007, our nation will celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the founding of Jamestown. Because of this legislation’s great importance to the Chesapeake Bay region, I was proud to co-sponsor H.R. 5466, a bill to establish the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. I was also proud to participate in a legislative hearing on this bill on September 28, 2006 on the House Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Resources Committee to advance this legislation, which honors the unique, natural and historical heritage of the Chesapeake Bay.
As a delegate in the Virginia General Assembly, I was a member of the tri-state Chesapeake Bay Commission.
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