[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 68 (Friday, May 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2006

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union has under consideration the bill (H.R. 5427), 
     making appropriations for energy and water development 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 staff of the Energy and Water Appropriations 
Subcommittee for their continued support of the Florida Everglades FY07 
Energy and Water Appropriations bill.
  This legislation includes funding for the Army Corp of Engineers to 
proceed with Everglades Restoration, which 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 an 
invaluable investment that will ensure the Everglades is restored and 
protected.
  I am pleased that the chairman included $164 million for Everglades 
Restoration, which is so critical to ensuring continuation of this 
vital project. Just last week, the Interior Appropriations bill 
included an additional $69 million for Restoration. The funding 
provided in the Interior bill, combined with that in the Energy and 
Water bill, will together provide a total of $233 million to 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 and ecotourism.
  On behalf of myself, and the residents of southern florida I am so 
proud to represent, I thank the chairman for his support of this 
funding.

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