[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 63 (Friday, May 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2007

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                               speech of

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2006

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 5386) making 
     appropriations for the Department of the Interior, 
     Environment, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending 
     September 30, 2007, and for other purposes:
  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to thank 
the Chairman and the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee for their 
continued support of the Florida Everglades in the Interior 
Appropriations bill.
  This legislation includes funding for implementation of the Modified 
Waters Deliveries Project. This project is critical to Everglades 
Restoration, and will ensure natural water flows continue through 
Everglades National Park.
  The Florida Everglades is a unique and precious ecosystem that must 
be preserved for future generations. Everglades Restoration is a long-
term investment that will ensure the Everglades is restored and 
protected.
  I am pleased that the Chairman included $69 million for Everglades 
Restoration, which is so critical to ensuring continuation of this 
vital project. The Interior share of funding combined with the 
appropriations made to the Army Corp of Engineers in the Energy and 
Water Appropriations bill will allow restoration to move forward.
  I thank my colleagues from Florida for their continued support of the 
Florida Everglades and Restoration funding. Additionally, I would like 
to thank the Governor of Florida for his steadfast support of 
Everglades Restoration. Floridians understand the great benefit the 
Everglades provide not just to our ecological diversity, but also to 
our economy, which is so dependent upon tourism.
  On behalf of myself, and the residents of Southern Florida I am so 
proud to represent, I thank the Chairman and his hardworking staff for 
their support of this funding.

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