Waters of the United States

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry, which I chair, held a hearing to review the definition of the ``waters of the United States'' proposed rule and its impact on rural America.

Enacted in 1972, the Clean Water Act established a Federal-State partnership to protect our Nation's navigable waterways; however, despite strong opposition from Congress and the public, the Obama administration has taken upon itself to redefine the Clean Water Act's jurisdictional waters. The EPA's proposed rule could have serious consequences for rural America and the Nation's economy.

Yesterday, members of the House Committee on Agriculture asserted that the administration has acted on its own, without input from the States and stakeholders, to broaden the scope of the Clean Water Act, threatening the livelihood of farmers, ranchers, and rural America.

It is my hope that yesterday's hearing will spur the administration to pull the rule and consult with the States and stakeholders first or repropose the rule and allow a new round of public comment.

Mr. Speaker, there is too much on the line to continue down the current path.

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