U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack released the following statement about an amendment he offered earlier this week to H.R. 2354, the Energy and Water Appropriations Act for FY 2012:
“ On Thursday, the House was considering amendments to the Energy and Water Appropriations Act. I offered an amendment to support Great Lakes maritime transportation. It would prevent the administration from diverting dredging funding to other federal programs.
Today, only 1/3 of our nation’s channels are dredged to their authorized depths and widths. For every inch silted in, the American Laker Fleet collectively, per voyage, leaves 8,000 tons of iron ore in Duluth – enough to build 6,000 American cars.
My amendment enjoyed the support of Democrats and Republicans and it was agreed to by voice vote. The overall bill contained cuts which collectively lowered federal Energy and Water spending down to FY 2006 levels. This is a much needed step on the path towards achieving national fiscal responsibility. As such, I voted for this legislation and it was agreed to in the House on Friday.”
Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.
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Source: cravaack, July 19, 2011