[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 157 (Thursday, December 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4340, UNITED STATES-BAHRAIN FREE 
                   TRADE AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT

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                               speech of

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2005

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent an area that 
borders the Long Island Sound. The Sound is one of our Nation's natural 
treasures, providing important environmental, recreational, and 
commercial benefits to its surrounding regions. Not only is the Sound 
the natural habitat for one of the most diverse ecosystems in the 
Northeast, but it also provides enjoyment for the millions of residents 
and vacationers who swim and boat in the Sound every year. Moreover, 
commerce relating to the Long Island Sound generates more than $5 
billion in the regional economy each year.
  Preservation of the Long Island Sound is not a parochial issue, but a 
national one. The Sound is a charter member in the National Estuaries 
Program, and has been designated as one of only 28 estuaries of 
national significance. Unfortunately, the effects of having more than 8 
million people living within its watershed have caught up with the 
Sound, as untreated sewage and other types of pollution have harmed the 
water quality and caused a dramatic drop in the Sound's fish and 
wildlife populations.
  With the passage of the Long Island Sound Restoration Act in 2000, 
which authorized $200 million for cleaning up the Long Island Sound 
over the past 5 years, we have seen improvements in the quality of the 
water in the Sound. However, our work is not complete. We must continue 
to build on this progress and provide more assistance in cleaning up 
the Sound. I am confident that the funds authorized in this bill will 
have a significant impact on the ongoing efforts to improve the quality 
of the Long Island Sound. We must do everything possible to ensure the 
continued funding of these efforts, and this legislation is the 
appropriate means for achieving the desired end.

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