[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 107 (Friday, June 29, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 26, 2007

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2643) making 
     appropriations for the Department of the Interior, 
     Environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending 
     September 30, 2008, with Mr. Watt (Acting Chairman) in the 
     chair:

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to thank 
the Chairman, Ranking Member, and staff of the Interior and Environment 
Appropriations Subcommittee for their continued support of the Florida 
Everglades in the FY08 Interior and Environment 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 $72 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 Corps of Engineers in the Energy and 
Water Appropriations bill will help to ensure restoration moves 
forward. This funding is a step in the right direction, showing the 
continued support of the Committee for Restoration. As the FY08 
Appropriations cycle moves forward, I will work to ensure that 
Everglades Restoration remains a top priority.
  I thank my colleagues from Florida for their continued support of the 
Florida Everglades and Restoration funding. Additionally, I would like 
to thank the President for his steadfast support as well as the 
Governor of Florida. 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 the residents of Southern Florida I am so proud to 
represent, I thank the Chairman, Ranking Member, and their hardworking 
staff for their support of this funding.

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