Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019

Floor Speech

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Mr. COHEN. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

This amendment, which is an environmental amendment, would prohibit the House from spending funds to purchase plastic drinking straws in our eating areas in the House.

Plastic drinking straws are a considerable environmental risk to mammals and fish. They are dropped and discarded on the streets but particularly in the oceans. And they have had whales show up with 17 pounds of plastic in their stomachs and tortoises with straws in their nostrils and all kinds of awful things. It is a threat to sea turtles and all kinds of marine wildlife.

This would be an opportunity for us to show the public that we are aware there are cities, restaurant associations, and other groups that are banning straws or at least asking that they be made optional for customers so that they are used or not used, but let the customer make that decision. I think this would be a great thing for the House to do to show that we understand this environmental problem.

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Mr. COHEN. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.

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Mr. COHEN. Reclaiming my time, I appreciate the chairman and all the work he has done for many, many years in the House, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve with him.

And I appreciate the ranking member for his help on this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I ask for an ``aye'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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