[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 79 (Friday, May 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



[[Page E1025]]

     
                     CLEAN WATER AMENDMENTS OF 1995

                                 ______


                               speech of

                           HON. HENRY BONILLA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 1995

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 961) to 
     amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act:

  Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge all my fellow Members to 
vote for H.R. 961, Clean Water Act Amendments. This is much needed 
legislation. The Clean Water Act includes an unfunded Federal mandate 
which places a terrible toll on our State, county, and local 
governments and the taxpayers who pay their bills.
  In my hometown of San Antonio, TX, the Federal stormwater 
regulation--a provision of the Clean Water Act--has forced the 
municipal water districts to raise taxes on property owners. This 
egregious assessment is listed on monthly water bills as the FED STMWTR 
FEE, so constituents know this levy is a direct result of Federal 
mandates. Let me tell you, they are upset.
  Many small businesses' water bills have risen from $30 to $200 a 
month. This is money that could have gone for employee raises or 
company improvements and investments.
  The city of Laredo, TX, also in my district, faced a $3 million-a-
year bill from unneeded stormwater regulation. This city on the border 
with Mexico has to comply with United States Federal regulations while 
Nuevo Laredo, it's sister community on the Mexican side, does not. This 
means that the discharged water does not get any cleaner. The 
stormwater fee is irrelevant in Laredo, but it's required. In fact, it 
is a lot like money flowing down a sewer. Well intentioned, but of no 
practical use.
  Please vote for this sensible legislation. Far too many American 
communities are in dire financial situations and cannot afford these 
costly and, in many cases, unnecessary burdens.


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