[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 4, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E11]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      THE REINTRODUCTION OF THE 21ST CENTURY WATER COMMISSION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN LINDER

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 4, 2005

  Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, today I reintroduced my proposal, the ``21st 
Century Water Commission Act.'' This proposal, which was approved by 
the House on November 21, 2003, but unfortunately not considered by the 
other body before the 108th Congress adjourned, will bring together our 
nation's premier water experts to recommend strategies for meeting our 
water challenges in the 21st century.
  Some highlights of my 21st Century Water Commission legislation are 
as follows:
  The commission will look for ways to ensure fresh water for U.S. 
citizens for the next 50 years;
  The commission will be composed of nine members appointed by the 
President, and key leaders in the House and Senate;
  The commission will look for ways to eliminate duplication and 
conflict among federal governmental agencies;
  The commission will consider all available technologies and other 
methods to optimize water supply reliability, availability, and 
quality, while safeguarding the environment;
  The commission will hold hearings in distinct geographical regions of 
the United States, and in Washington, D.C., to seek a diversity of 
views, comments, and input; and
  A final report will be due within three years of the commission's 
inception. The report will include a detailed statement of the findings 
and conclusions of the commission, as well as recommendations for 
legislation and other policies.
  I want to be clear that this bill does not give the federal 
government more direct authority or control over water. Rather, this 
commission will make recommendations on how we can coordinate water 
management efforts on all levels so that localities, states, and the 
Federal government can work together to enact a comprehensive water 
policy to avoid future water shortages.
  As Benjamin Franklin noted in 1746, ``When the well's dry, we know 
the worth of water.'' Nothing could be truer, and many states across 
the country that are currently facing a water crisis, or have in the 
last few years, understand the wisdom of these words.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House in moving 
this bill forward promptly. The U.S. cannot afford to reevaluate its 
water policies every time a crisis hits. Now is the time to get ahead 
of this issue, and I believe that the 21st Century Water Commission can 
serve as a channel for sharing the successful strategies and ideas that 
will allow us to do so.

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