Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. JAMES. Mr. Chairman, today, I stand before my colleagues with a grave concern that demands our immediate attention.

The Great Lakes, the lifeblood of our region, are under siege from a silent yet deadly threat, PFAS chemicals. These persistent, toxic substances pose a significant risk to both human health and our environment. Congress cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this pressing issue. The health and well-being of Michigan and Great Lakes communities depend on it.

That is why I have submitted an amendment that would bar any of the provisions in this bill from attempting to impede research into PFAS chemicals. Stopping PFAS research would be a disservice to the public and to millions of Americans who rely on the Great Lakes.

Mr. Chairman, we cannot allow political agendas to stand in the way of scientific progress and the health of our people. Our people are too important for that.

That is why I am similarly supporting an amendment from my friend, Representative Jack Bergman from Michigan, which would also ban gas and oil drilling in the Great Lakes.

This isn't a left versus right issue. This is an issue that impacts all of us and future generations.

Congress must do all that it can to protect the Great Lakes, and one step is supporting comprehensive research initiatives to fully understand the extent of PFAS contamination and its potential impacts.

We owe it to future generations to safeguard the Great Lakes and ensure they remain a source of clean water and natural beauty for years to come. Let us unite in our commitment to protect our environment and the health of our citizens.

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Mr. JAMES. Mr. Chair, once again, I thank my colleagues for supporting this very important bill. The Great Lakes is important to the entire United States of America and to Michigan especially.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

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