[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H572-H573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NAVIGABLE WATERS PROTECTION RULE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend 
President Trump for providing much-needed relief and regulatory clarity 
through the enactment of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule.
  Under the Obama administration, in an era rife with government 
overreach and constricting regulations, our Nation's hardworking 
farmers were subjected to regulations--specifically, under the Waters 
of the United States rule--that impeded on their businesses and their 
livelihoods.
  Instead of enacting meaningful environmental protections and 
returning power back to State, local, and municipal governments, WOTUS 
put government overreach in the express lane. Farmers were forced to 
hire expensive attorneys to define which bodies of water on their 
properties were subject to Federal regulations.
  The most concerning part is that bodies of water such as small ponds,

[[Page H573]]

ditches, drains, and even areas of dry land were subject to these 
regulations.

                              {time}  1015

  Sadly, this is just another textbook example of the types of 
government overreach that must be eliminated. Thanks to the Navigable 
Waters Protection Rule, erroneous, misguided regulations enacted by the 
Obama administration are finally repealed. Hardworking Americans will 
once again have the freedom to compete within the marketplace, spur 
innovation, and create lasting value.
  Under this rule, regulatory certainty will be returned to farmers, 
landowners, and manufacturers; the laws and specific powers that the 
Federal Government has been given under the Constitution and the Clean 
Water Act will be respected; and the relationship between the Federal 
Government and the State regarding the managing of land and water 
resources will be rebalanced.
  By eliminating these constructive regulations, President Trump 
continues to deliver on his promises to our farmers, landowners, and 
manufacturers.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand alongside the President as we 
support, defend, and fight for the men and women who provide food, 
shelter, and essential commodities that Americans rely on every day.


  Recognizing National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, January has been proclaimed 
as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
  These appalling criminal acts not only tear at the fabric of our 
society, but they also reflect a blatant disregard for the sanctity of 
human life.
  Though human trafficking is often a hidden crime, its effects are 
far-reaching. It is estimated that over 25 million people--children and 
adults around the world--are victims of both human trafficking and 
slavery. Traffickers rob victims of their freedom, split families 
apart, and impose sizeable threats to communities.
  Let's be clear. We must remain relentless in our fight to end these 
abhorrent crimes. We must all work together to protect and support 
survivors, prosecute those responsible, and proactively foster a 
culture of justice and accountability for these crimes.

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