Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2023

Floor Speech

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Mr. LaLOTA. Mr. Speaker, for so many communities across Suffolk County and beyond, the Long Island Sound is so much more than a body of water. It is a way of life that has sustained and provided for our communities for generations. The Long Island Sound is a cornerstone of our environmental makeup, a driver of our local economy, and a hub of recreational and cultural activities for millions of people, Mr. Speaker.

For decades, the sound has faced numerous environmental challenges, including pollution, habitat loss, and the impacts of a changing world. These challenges have threatened the health of the sound and the well- being of the communities that rely on it.

That is why it is incredibly important that, later today, we will be voting on and hopefully passing my legislation, the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2023. This critical piece of legislation seeks to reauthorize vital programs that have been essential in preserving and restoring one of our Nation's most treasured natural resources, the Long Island Sound.

My legislation addresses these challenges head-on by authorizing robust funding and strategic initiatives to improve water quality, restore habitats, and enhance the resilience of the sound's ecosystems. This bill also reauthorizes crucial programs that have already made significant strides in reducing nitrogen pollution, protecting wetlands, and promoting sustainable development along the shoreline.

This legislation is not only about environmental protection but investing in the future of our communities and the people who rely on the sound. By continuing to safeguard the sound, we are supporting the local economies that depend on tourism, fishing, and other maritime industries. We are also ensuring that future generations can enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that the sound offers.

I thank my colleague from across the aisle and the sound, Congressman

Joe Courtney of Connecticut, members of the bipartisan Long Island Sound Caucus who have worked tirelessly on this legislation for more than a year, including my good friends Representatives D'Esposito and Garbarino, and Chairman Graves and Chairman Westerman, whose leadership was instrumental in getting this legislation to the floor. Our collective efforts reflect a shared commitment to the health and prosperity of the entire region.

I also thank the various stakeholders, environmental organizations, and community leaders who all pitched in and who have tirelessly advocated for the protection and restoration of the sound, especially my friends at Save the Sound and Citizens Campaign for the Environment.

Mr. Speaker, the Long Island Sound is an irreplaceable natural asset, and we have to protect it. This legislation provides the tools and resources necessary to continue the important work of restoring and preserving this vital ecosystem. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and reaffirming our commitment to the Long Island Sound.

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