[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 179 (Monday, December 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2028, 
 ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
   2016, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF S. 612, GEORGE P. KAZEN 
             FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I will vote for the bipartisan Water 
Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, which combines 
parts of the House and Senate Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 
bills passed through each chamber earlier this year. The WIIN Act takes 
an important step forward in addressing the water needs of Southern 
California by reauthorizing infrastructure projects nationwide to 
reduce flood damage, replenish our water supply, and restore our 
ecosystem.
  This final bill includes many bright spots. I was particularly 
pleased that, following the efforts of Congressman Xavier Becerra, 
Congressman Adam Schiff, and myself, this bill reflects a strong 
commitment to the Los Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration project. The 
project will rejuvenate Los Angeles park space and wetlands, build new 
public spaces, create recreational opportunities, and boost the 
regional economy, creating a healthier, revitalized Los Angeles River. 
I am also heartened that this bill contains significant improvements 
for local water suppliers to complete water reuse and recycling 
projects, and authorizes long-overdue aid to combat the Flint water 
crisis.
  This bill is not perfect. For example, I would have liked it to have 
shown a much deeper commitment to protecting the Endangered Species 
Act. However, it was urgent that we pass this bill instead of waiting 
until next year and the uncertainties of a new Congress and new 
President.
  My vote for the WIlN Act is a vote for our state's long-term water 
infrastructure. I believe this legislation will provide California with 
critical help in addressing our ongoing drought crisis.

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