Issue Position: Environment

Issue Position

Issue Position: Environment

All of us must do all we can to preserve the Florida Everglades, one of the world's greatest environmental treasures. We have a responsibility to save this natural habitat for future generations.

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP) coordinates the efforts of federal (Department of the Interior, Army Corps of Engineers), State of Florida, and local entities such as the South Florida Water Management District on a series of projects designed to restore the environmental health of the "River of Grass." We have already seen benefits following the recent restoration of the Kissimmee River. As critical habitats have been restored, species, some endangered, have returned.

I have utilized my influence as a member of the House Rules Committee to ensure that the federal government genuinely participates in CERP as an equal partner. On November 6, 2007, with my support, Congress voted to override a Presidential veto and make law the Water Resources Development Act. This legislation sets aside nearly $2 billion for three projects under CERP. Since the creation of CERP, I have worked for federal funding for the program. The State of Florida has contributed $2 billion to date for CERP.

I will continue to work to ensure that Congress does its part to fund CERP. It will always be a top priority for me to fund environmental restoration in Florida.

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