[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E319-E320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             FULL-YEAR CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2011

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JON RUNYAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 18, 2011

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1) making 
     appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other 
     departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes:

  Mr. RUNYAN. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the Broun amendment 
No. 246. This amendment would prohibit the use of funds

[[Page E320]]

made available by this act to be used for beach replenishment projects 
by the Army Corps of Engineers.
  In understand the need for shared sacrifice, and applaud my 
colleagues for looking to further reduce spending wherever possible, 
however funding for the Army Corps of Engineers and the Flood Control 
and Coastal Emergencies Fund have already taken a huge hit in the 
underlying legislation.
  New Jersey has 127 miles of coastline with a large portion of it 
lying within my Congressional District. This shore-line is the economic 
engine behind a multi-billion dollar coastal tourism industry. Tourism 
is New Jersey's second largest industry, and provides jobs for many of 
the 35 million people living within 100 miles of our beaches.
  Within my district lies Long Beach Island. Over 2 million people use 
the beaches of Long Beach Island every year. The island is key part of 
New Jersey's economy with over $15 billion in ratables.
  Long Beach Island is a barrier island and acts as a natural levy 
protecting long stretches of New Jersey's coastline from flooding. The 
New Jersey coast is frequently the victim of powerful hurricanes, and 
Nor'easters. We need beach replenishment projects to help repair these 
natural levies after natural disasters.
  These projects are vital to the homeowners Long Beach Island. Without 
beach replenishment projects they are in danger of losing their 
homeowners insurance, and seeing the value of their homes plummet. In 
an already deflated housing market we can't afford more foreclosures!
  Mr. Chair, I look forward to supporting the underlying legislation, 
which cuts the Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies Fund by $30 
million. However, I cannot support this amendment at this time.
  I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.