American Recovery And Reinvestment Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

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Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I appreciate the modifications of the amendment by Senator Boxer. The Boxer amendment rightly states that we should try to expedite NEPA. I appreciate the improvements she has made to that.

My amendment, which I urge Members to support, is amendment No. 326, offered by Senators Enzi and Vitter and Crapo and Risch and Bennett and Roberts as well as myself. The amendment is a practical, moderate solution to a real problem, as every school, road, bridge or dam funded under this bill will require compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

The Congressional Budget Office and countless business leaders agree we must address NEPA in this legislation. My amendment would not waive NEPA, it would only require that it be completed in 9 months. I appreciate Senator Boxer's efforts to do this in an expeditious way. This amendment goes further and says 9 months. If projects are truly shovel ready, this should be no problem.

This amendment prevents bureaucratic delays and will put people to work. I am asking my colleagues to vote in favor of amendment No. 326 and I would appreciate a voice vote.

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