U.S. Representative Alcee L. Hastings Reacts to Judge Hinkle's Ruling on Nelson-Hastings DNC Suit

Press Release

U.S. Representative Alcee L. Hastings Reacts to Judge Hinkle's Ruling on Nelson-Hastings DNC Suit

Washington, DC - Honoring the 60th anniversary of the Everglades National Park, U.S. Representatives Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) and Mario Diaz- Balart (R-Miami) today introduced important bipartisan legislation recognizing the anniversary and dedicating Congress to restoration efforts of this pristine ecosystem. Representatives Hastings and Diaz-Balart are the bipartisan Co-Chairs of the House Everglades Caucus.

"Restoring the Everglades remains neither a Democratic nor a Republican issue, but a Florida issue. Our legislation highlights the importance that Florida Members of Congress place on preserving and protecting the Rivers of Grass for all future generations of Americans to enjoy. We led the fight to override the President's veto and pass WRDA, and we will continue our efforts to see this restoration through," said Representative Hastings. "Representative Diaz-Balart and I have been working together to preserve the Everglades for years, and I am pleased to be introducing this resolution with him."

"It is a great honor to be the sole Member of Congress representing the entire Everglades National Park. Creating awareness about the importance of the Everglades has always been a priority of mine and this resolution reaffirms Congress' commitment to the preservation and restoration of this natural treasure," said Congressman Diaz-Balart. "I thank Congressman Hastings for joining me in this bipartisan effort and for always being a leader in recognizing the importance of the Florida Everglades."

In 2000, the Federal government and the State of Florida embarked on the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), the largest environmental restoration effort in history to repair and revive the ecosystem. Just last month, Congress overrode a President Bush veto and passed the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) of 2007, authorizing $1.8 billion in Everglades restoration funding and reaffirming Congressional support for Everglades Restoration.

Original bipartisan cosponsors of the resolution included Representatives Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Allen Boyd, Corrine Brown, Vern Buchanan, Kathy Castor, Ric Keller, Ron Klein, Connie Mack, Tim Mahoney, Kendrick Meek, John Mica, Adam Putnam, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Robert Wexler. Florida Senators Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez are planning to introduce companion legislation in the Senate.

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