March 2, 2012

Water Resources Hearing

This week I participated in a subcommittee hearing of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. The purpose of the hearing was to highlight the challenges of financing water infrastructure projects. It focused in part on ways to fund such projects outside of the traditional path, which is through the Clean Water Act. During the hearing, I talked about how I think one of the challenges of funding such projects during difficult fiscal times is that people can’t actually see the water infrastructure they rely on for clean water until it’s damaged. In contrast, it’s easy to see the impact of taxpayer dollars on a bridge repair or a road reconstruction project. There are so many communities all over the country struggling with aging infrastructure that must be repaired or replaced. We must seek innovative ways to fund these projects because many simply cannot wait for better economic times. If you’re interested, you can view my comments here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpaXKCnFeIo.

States’ Rights

On Thursday the House passed H.R. 1837: the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act. My primary concern with this bill is the precedent it sets for federal intervention and the preemption of states’ rights. H.R. 1837 overturns long running agreements in place regarding use of San Joaquin River water. This will result in a greater portion of the river water being used for agriculture. This bill will have an impact beyond California because other states will now be subject to the same type of federal intrusion. I voted NO. H.R. 1837 passed and the entire vote is recorded below:

USS Constitution

I recently met with staff at the USS Constitution Museum, nationally recognized as an innovator in historical and maritime education. Located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, the museum features exhibits that offer a detailed account of what life was like on board the USS Constitution a.k.a. “Old Ironsides”. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to hoist cargo, unfurl a sail or just rest in a hammock the same way our brave sailors did 200 years ago. This year we are commemorating the bicentennial of the War of 1812, an engagement in which the USS Constitution played a prominent role. I talked with staff about plans taking shape for a variety of events to commemorate the USS Constitution’s role in this final war for American independence. The USS Constitution is the United States Navy’s oldest commissioned battleship. I look forward to attending some events this summer in celebration of “Old Ironsides”.

What’s Up Next Week

At this writing, the schedule for next week had not been released.