[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


WAIVING POINTS OF ORDER AGAINST CONFERENCE REPORT ON S. 835, ESTUARIES 
                      AND CLEAN WATERS ACT OF 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2000

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I commend the House leadership for bringing 
this important legislation before us. The Estuary Habitat and 
Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act of 2000 clarifies Congress' commitment 
to restoring one million acres of estuaries over the next decade and 
promoting a partnership between federal, state, and local governments, 
and the private sector.
  The conference report we consider today includes one area that is 
particularly important to Southern California and the residents of the 
district I am honored to represent. This area is the Los Cerritos 
Wetlands. Los Angeles County has lost more than 93 percent of its 
coastal wetlands. The Los Cerritos Wetlands are one of only three 
sizable areas of coastal wetlands remaining that could be restored to 
provide better habitat for fish and wildlife. Furthermore, these 
wetlands are among a limited number nationwide existing in an urban 
environment. It will offer numerous benefits to school children, 
university researchers, and simply improving the quality of life in a 
major city such as Long Beach.
  Thus far, state and community agencies have worked closely together 
in the spirit of cooperation and coordination called for in the Estuary 
Restoration Act. The Wetlands Recovery Project--a partnership of 
federal, state, and local government, non-governmental organizations, 
and the private sector--has made acquisition of these wetlands its top 
priority. The restoration of the Los Cerritos Wetlands will provide an 
important addition to improving the environment in our region.
  Again, I thanked the House leadership, my good friend Representative 
Wayne Gilchrest, Chairman Bud Shuster, and the other members and staff 
who--through this legislation--have made an important contribution to 
the Nation and to Southern California.

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