Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Votes for Everglades Funding in Interior Spending Bill

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Votes for Everglades Funding in Interior Spending Bill

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) today voted for the Interior spending bill after the removal of a provision that would allow drilling as close as three miles off the Atlantic Coast and nine miles off the Gulf Coast.

"The debate today emphasized the large bipartisan thirst for offshore drilling that Florida faces," Diaz-Balart said. "Last year, I underscored the need for a permanent, state-controlled ban on drilling around the entire state. Thankfully, in this bill we were able to avert exposing Florida's shores to drilling. However, we still clearly need a permanent deal that lets Floridians decide what happens in Florida waters."

"I am very pleased that $69 million for Everglades Restoration was included in this bill," Diaz-Balart continued. "The Chairman and his staff were understanding and willing to work with me on this critical issue."

http://www.house.gov/mariodiaz-balart/news/2006news/051806_interiorapprops.htm