New Lock At the Soo Locks

Floor Speech

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Mr. MOOLENAAR. Madam Speaker, the Appropriations Committee has now passed legislation with $75.3 million in funding for the construction of a new lock at the Soo Locks.

This is the first time in decades the construction of a new lock at the Soo Locks is being funded in legislation.

I have been pushing for this funding with my work on the Appropriations Committee, and I am grateful for the support of our colleagues.

Right now, the lock is 50 years old, and it has survived harsh winters through extraordinary maintenance.

However, if it were to fail for an extended period, it would create a cascading problem for the economy and national security, because iron ore that goes through the locks would have no way to get from Lake Superior to factories across the country.

Also, this is an issue that Democrats, Republicans, and President Trump all agree on.

When President Trump came to Michigan last year, I was joined by Congressman Bergman and Congressman Mitchell. We told the President about the Soo Locks, and he pledged his support. That was backed up in March when the Army Corps of Engineers requested $75.3 million in its budget for next year.

I appreciate and want to thank President Trump for his leadership on this. That request is funded in legislation now, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to keep this construction moving forward in the years to come.

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