February 5, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 24 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session
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PROMOTING UNITED GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO SAVE OUR SOUND ACT; Congressional Record Vol. 166, No. 24
(House of Representatives - February 05, 2020)
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[Pages H788-H796] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PROMOTING UNITED GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO SAVE OUR SOUND ACT Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2247) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide assistance for programs and activities to protect the water quality of Puget Sound, and for other purposes, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 2247 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Promoting United Government Efforts to Save Our Sound Act'' or the ``PUGET SOS Act''. SEC. 2. PUGET SOUND COORDINATED RECOVERY. Title I of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 124. PUGET SOUND. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions apply: ``(1) Coastal nonpoint pollution control program.--The term `Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program' means the State of Washington's Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program approved by the Secretary of Commerce as required under section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990. ``(2) Director.--The term `Director' means the Director of the Program Office. ``(3) Federal action plan.--The term `Federal Action Plan' means the plan developed under subsection (d)(2)(B). ``(4) International joint commission.--The term `International Joint Commission' means the International Joint Commission established by the United States and Canada under the International Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 (36 Stat. 2448). ``(5) Pacific salmon commission.--The term `Pacific Salmon Commission' means the Pacific Salmon Commission established by the United States and Canada under the Treaty between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Canada Concerning Pacific Salmon, signed at Ottawa, January 28, 1985 (commonly known as the `Pacific Salmon Treaty'). ``(6) Program office.--The term `Program Office' means the Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office established by subsection (c). ``(7) Puget sound action agenda; action agenda.--The term `Puget Sound Action Agenda' or `Action Agenda' means the most recent plan developed by the Puget Sound National Estuary Program Management Conference, in consultation with the Puget Sound Tribal Management Conference, and approved by the Administrator as the comprehensive conservation and management plan for Puget Sound under section 320. ``(8) Puget sound federal leadership task force.--The term `Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force' means the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force established under subsection (d). ``(9) Puget sound federal task force.--The term `Puget Sound Federal Task Force' [[Page H789]] means the Puget Sound Federal Task Force established in 2016 under a memorandum of understanding among 9 Federal agencies. ``(10) Puget sound national estuary program management conference; management conference.--The term `Puget Sound National Estuary Program Management Conference' or `Management Conference' means the management conference for Puget Sound convened pursuant to section 320. ``(11) Puget sound partnership.--The term `Puget Sound Partnership' means the State agency that is established under the laws of the State of Washington (section 90.71.210 of the Revised Code of Washington), or its successor agency, that has been designated by the Administrator as the lead entity to support the Puget Sound National Estuary Program Management Conference. ``(12) Puget sound region.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `Puget Sound region' means the land and waters in the northwest corner of the State of Washington from the Canadian border to the north to the Pacific Ocean on the west, including Hood Canal and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. ``(B) Inclusion.--The term `Puget Sound region' includes all of the water that falls on the Olympic and Cascade Mountains and flows to meet Puget Sound's marine waters. ``(13) Puget sound tribal management conference.--The term `Puget Sound Tribal Management Conference' means the 20 treaty Indian tribes of western Washington and the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. ``(14) Salish sea.--The term `Salish Sea' means the network of coastal waterways on the west coast of North America that includes the Puget Sound, the Strait of Georgia, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. ``(15) Salmon recovery plans.--The term `Salmon Recovery Plans' means the recovery plans for salmon and steelhead species approved by the Secretary of the Interior under section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. ``(16) State advisory committee.--The term `State Advisory Committee' means the advisory committee established by subsection (e). ``(17) Treaty rights at risk initiative.--The term `Treaty Rights at Risk Initiative' means the report from the treaty Indian tribes of western Washington entitled `Treaty Rights at Risk: Ongoing Habitat Loss, the Decline of the Salmon Resource, and Recommendations for Change' and dated July 14, 2011, or its successor report, which outlines issues and offers solutions for the protection of Tribal treaty rights, recovery of salmon habitat, and management of sustainable treaty and nontreaty salmon fisheries, including through tribal salmon hatchery programs. ``(b) Consistency.--All Federal agencies represented on the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall act consistently with the protection of Tribal, treaty-reserved rights and, to the greatest extent practicable given such agencies' existing obligations under Federal law, act consistently with the objectives and priorities of the Action Agenda, Salmon Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk Initiative, and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program, when-- ``(1) conducting Federal agency activities within or outside Puget Sound that affect any land or water use or natural resources of Puget Sound and its tributary waters, including activities performed by a contractor for the benefit of a Federal agency; ``(2) interpreting and enforcing regulations that impact the restoration and protection of Puget Sound; ``(3) issuing Federal licenses or permits that impact the restoration and protection of Puget Sound; and ``(4) granting Federal assistance to State, local, and Tribal governments for activities related to the restoration and protection of Puget Sound. ``(c) Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office.-- ``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the Environmental Protection Agency a Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office to be located in the State of Washington. ``(2) Director.-- ``(A) In general.--The Director of the Program Office shall be a career reserved position, as such term is defined in section 3132(a)(8) of title 5, United States Code. ``(B) Qualifications.--The Director of the Program Office shall have leadership and project management experience and shall be highly qualified to-- ``(i) direct the integration of multiple project planning efforts and programs from different agencies and jurisdictions; and ``(ii) align numerous, and often conflicting, needs toward implementing a shared Action Agenda with visible and measurable outcomes. ``(3) Delegation of authority; staffing.--Using amounts made available pursuant to subsection (i), the Administrator shall delegate to the Director such authority and provide such staff as may be necessary to carry out this section. ``(4) Duties.--The Director shall-- ``(A) coordinate and manage the timely execution of the requirements of this section, including the formation and meetings of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force; ``(B) coordinate activities related to the restoration and protection of Puget Sound across the Environmental Protection Agency; ``(C) coordinate and align the activities of the Administrator with the Action Agenda, Salmon Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk Initiative, and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program; ``(D) promote the efficient use of Environmental Protection Agency resources in pursuit of Puget Sound restoration and protection; ``(E) serve on the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force and collaborate with, help coordinate, and implement activities with other Federal agencies that have responsibilities involving Puget Sound restoration and protection; ``(F) provide or procure such other advice, technical assistance, research, assessments, monitoring, or other support as is determined by the Director to be necessary or prudent to most efficiently and effectively fulfill the objectives and priorities of the Action Agenda, Salmon Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk Initiative, and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program consistent with the best available science and to ensure the health of the Puget Sound ecosystem; ``(G) track the progress of the Environmental Protection Agency towards meeting the Agency's specified objectives and priorities within the Action Agenda and the Federal Action Plan; ``(H) implement the recommendations of the Comptroller General, set forth in the report entitled `Puget Sound Restoration: Additional Actions Could Improve Assessments of Progress' and dated July 19, 2018; ``(I) serve as liaison and coordinate activities for the restoration and protection of the Salish Sea, with Canadian authorities, the Pacific Salmon Commission, and the International Joint Commission; and ``(J) carry out such additional duties as the Administrator determines necessary and appropriate. ``(d) Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force.-- ``(1) Establishment.--There is established a Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force. ``(2) Duties.-- ``(A) General duties.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall-- ``(i) uphold Federal trust responsibilities to restore and protect resources crucial to Tribal treaty rights, including by carrying out government-to-government consultation with Indian tribes when requested by such tribes; ``(ii) provide a venue for dialogue and coordination across all Federal agencies on the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force to align Federal resources for the purposes of carrying out the requirements of this section and all other Federal laws that contribute to the restoration and protection of Puget Sound, including by-- ``(I) enabling and encouraging the Federal agencies represented on the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force to act consistently with the objectives and priorities of the Action Agenda, Salmon Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk Initiative, and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program; ``(II) facilitating the coordination of Federal activities that impact the restoration and protection of Puget Sound; ``(III) facilitating the delivery of feedback given by Federal agencies to the Puget Sound Partnership during the development of the Action Agenda; ``(IV) facilitating the resolution of interagency conflicts associated with the restoration and protection of Puget Sound among the agencies represented on the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force; ``(V) providing a forum for exchanging information among agencies regarding activities being conducted, including obstacles or efficiencies found, during Puget Sound restoration and protection activities; and ``(VI) promoting the efficient use of government resources in pursuit of Puget Sound restoration and protection through coordination and collaboration, including by ensuring that the Federal efforts relating to the science necessary for restoration and protection of Puget Sound are consistent, and not duplicative, across the Federal Government; ``(iii) catalyze public leaders at all levels to work together toward shared goals by demonstrating interagency best practices coming from the members of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force; ``(iv) provide advice and support on scientific and technical issues and act as a forum for the exchange of scientific information about Puget Sound; ``(v) identify and inventory Federal environmental research and monitoring programs related to Puget Sound, and provide such inventory to the Puget Sound National Estuary Program Management Conference; ``(vi) ensure that Puget Sound restoration and protection activities are as consistent as practicable with ongoing restoration and protection and related efforts in the Salish Sea that are being conducted by Canadian authorities, the Pacific Salmon Commission, and the International Joint Commission; ``(vii) establish any necessary working groups or advisory committees necessary to assist the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force in its duties, including public policy and scientific issues; ``(viii) raise national awareness of the significance of Puget Sound; ``(ix) work with the Office of Management and Budget to give input on the crosscut budget under subsection (h); and [[Page H790]] ``(x) submit a biennial report under subsection (g) on the progress made toward carrying out the Federal Action Plan. ``(B) Puget sound federal action plan.-- ``(i) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall develop and approve a Federal Action Plan that leverages Federal programs across agencies and serves to coordinate diverse programs on a specific suite of priorities on Puget Sound recovery. ``(ii) Revision of puget sound federal action plan.--Not less often than once every 5 years after the date of completion of the Federal Action Plan described in clause (i), the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall review, and revise as appropriate, the Federal Action Plan. ``(C) Feedback by federal agencies.--In facilitating feedback under subparagraph (A)(ii)(III), the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall request Federal agencies to consider, at a minimum, possible Federal actions designed to-- ``(i) further the goals, targets, and actions of the Action Agenda, Salmon Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk Initiative, and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program; ``(ii) implement and enforce this Act, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and all other Federal laws that contribute to the restoration and protection of Puget Sound, including those that protect Tribal treaty rights; ``(iii) prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species; ``(iv) prevent the destruction of marine and wildlife habitats; ``(v) protect, restore, and conserve forests, wetlands, riparian zones, and nearshore waters that provide marine and wildlife habitat; ``(vi) promote resilience to climate change and ocean acidification effects; ``(vii) conserve and recover endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; ``(viii) restore fisheries so that they are sustainable and productive; ``(ix) preserve biodiversity; ``(x) restore and protect ecosystem services that provide clean water, filter toxic chemicals, and increase ecosystem resilience; and ``(xi) improve water quality and restore wildlife habitat, including by preventing and managing stormwater runoff, incorporating erosion control techniques and trash capture devices, using sustainable stormwater practices, and mitigating and minimizing nonpoint source pollution, including marine litter. ``(3) Participation of state advisory committee and puget sound tribal management conference.-- ``(A) In general.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall carry out its duties with input from, and in collaboration with, the State Advisory Committee and Puget Sound Tribal Management Conference. ``(B) Specific advice and recommendations.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall seek the advice and recommendations of the State Advisory Committee and Puget Sound Tribal Management Conference on the actions, progress, and issues pertaining to restoration and protection of Puget Sound. ``(4) Membership.-- ``(A) Qualifications.--Members appointed under this paragraph shall have experience and expertise in matters of restoration and protection of large watersheds and bodies of water or related experience that will benefit the restoration and protection effort of Puget Sound. ``(B) Composition.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall be composed of the following members: ``(i) Secretary of agriculture.--The following individuals appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture: ``(I) A representative of the National Forest Service. ``(II) A representative of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. ``(ii) Secretary of commerce.--A representative of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration appointed by the Secretary of Commerce. ``(iii) Secretary of defense.--The following individuals appointed by the Secretary of Defense: ``(I) A representative of the Corps of Engineers. ``(II) A representative of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord. ``(III) A representative of the Navy Region Northwest. ``(iv) Director.--The Director of the Program Office. ``(v) Secretary of homeland security.--The following individuals appointed by the Secretary of Homeland Security: ``(I) A representative of the Coast Guard. ``(II) A representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. ``(vi) Secretary of the interior.--The following individuals appointed by the Secretary of the Interior: ``(I) A representative of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. ``(II) A representative of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. ``(III) A representative of the United States Geological Survey. ``(IV) A representative of the National Park Service. ``(vii) Secretary of transportation.--The following individuals appointed by the Secretary of Transportation: ``(I) A representative of the Federal Highway Administration. ``(II) A representative of the Federal Transit Administration. ``(viii) Additional members.--Representatives of such other agencies, programs, and initiatives as the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force determines necessary. ``(5) Leadership.--The Co-Chairs shall ensure the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force completes its duties through robust discussion of all relevant issues. The Co- Chairs shall share leadership responsibilities equally. ``(6) Co-chairs.--The following members of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force appointed under paragraph (5) shall serve as Co-Chairs of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force: ``(A) The representative of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ``(B) The representative of the Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office. ``(C) The representative of the Corps of Engineers. ``(7) Meetings.-- ``(A) Initial meeting.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall meet not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section-- ``(i) to determine if all Federal agencies are properly represented; ``(ii) to establish the bylaws of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force; ``(iii) to establish necessary working groups or committees; and ``(iv) to determine subsequent meeting times, dates, and logistics. ``(B) Subsequent meetings.--After the initial meeting, the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall meet, at a minimum, twice per year to carry out the duties of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force. ``(C) Working group meetings.--Meetings of any established working groups or committees of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall not be considered a biannual meeting for purposes of subparagraph (B). ``(D) Joint meetings.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall offer to meet jointly with the Puget Sound National Estuary Program Management Conference and the Puget Sound Tribal Management Conference, at a minimum, once per year. A joint meeting under this subparagraph may be considered a biannual meeting of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force for purposes of subparagraph (B), if agreed upon. ``(E) Quorum.--A majority number of the members of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall constitute a quorum. ``(F) Voting.--For the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force to pass a measure, a two-thirds percentage of the quorum must vote in the affirmative. ``(8) Puget sound federal leadership task force procedures and advice.-- ``(A) Advisors.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force, and any working group of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force, may seek advice and input from any interested, knowledgeable, or affected party as the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force or working group, respectively, determines necessary to perform its duties. ``(B) Compensation.--A member of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall receive no additional compensation for service as a member on the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force. ``(C) Travel expenses.--Travel expenses incurred by a member of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force in the performance of service on the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force may be paid by the agency or department that the member represents. ``(9) Puget sound federal task force.-- ``(A) In general.--On the date of enactment of this section, the 2016 memorandum of understanding establishing the Puget Sound Federal Task Force shall cease to be effective. ``(B) Use of previous work.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall, to the extent practicable, use the work product produced, relied upon, and analyzed by the Puget Sound Federal Task Force in order to avoid duplicating the efforts of the Puget Sound Federal Task Force. ``(e) State Advisory Committee.-- ``(1) Establishment.--There is established a State Advisory Committee. ``(2) Membership.--The committee shall consist of up to 7 members designated by the governing body of the Puget Sound Partnership, in consultation with the Governor of Washington, who will represent Washington State agencies that have significant roles and responsibilities related to Puget Sound recovery. ``(f) Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force, State Advisory Committee, and any working group of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force, shall not be considered an advisory committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.). ``(g) Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force Biennial Report on Puget Sound Recovery Activities.-- ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and biennially thereafter, the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force, in collaboration with the Puget Sound Tribal Management Conference and the State Advisory Committee, shall submit to the President, Congress, the Governor of Washington, and [[Page H791]] the governing body of the Puget Sound Partnership a report that summarizes the progress, challenges, and milestones of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force on the restoration and protection of Puget Sound. ``(2) Contents.--The report under paragraph (1) shall include a description of the following: ``(A) The roles and progress of each State, local government entity, and Federal agency that has jurisdiction in the Puget Sound region toward meeting the identified objectives and priorities of the Action Agenda, Salmon Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk Initiative, and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program. ``(B) If available, the roles and progress of Tribal governments that have jurisdiction in the Puget Sound region toward meeting the identified objectives and priorities of the Action Agenda, Salmon Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk Initiative, and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program. ``(C) A summary of specific recommendations concerning implementation of the Action Agenda and Federal Action Plan, including challenges, barriers, and anticipated milestones, targets, and timelines. ``(D) A summary of progress made by Federal agencies toward the priorities identified in the Federal Action Plan. ``(h) Crosscut Budget Report.-- ``(1) Financial report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and every 5 years thereafter, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force, shall, in conjunction with the annual budget submission of the President to Congress for the year under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, submit to Congress and make available to the public, including on the internet, a financial report that is certified by the head of each agency represented by the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force. ``(2) Contents.--The report shall contain an interagency crosscut budget relating to Puget Sound restoration and protection activities that displays-- ``(A) the proposed funding for any Federal restoration and protection activity to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year, including any planned interagency or intra- agency transfer, for each of the Federal agencies that carry out restoration and protection activities; ``(B) the estimated expenditures for Federal restoration and protection activities from the preceding 2 fiscal years, the current fiscal year, and the succeeding fiscal year; and ``(C) the estimated expenditures for Federal environmental research and monitoring programs from the preceding 2 fiscal years, the current fiscal year, and the succeeding fiscal year. ``(3) Included recovery activities.--With respect to activities described in the report, the report shall only describe activities that have funding amounts more than $100,000. ``(4) Submission to congress.--The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall submit the report to-- ``(A) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Natural Resources, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and ``(B) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Environment and Public Works, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to any other funds authorized to be appropriated for activities related to Puget Sound, there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025. ``(j) Preservation of Treaty Obligations and Existing Federal Status.-- ``(1) Tribal treaty rights.--Nothing in this section affects, or is intended to affect, any right reserved by treaty between the United States and 1 or more Indian tribes. ``(2) Other federal law.--Nothing in this section affects the requirements and procedures of other Federal law. ``(k) Consistency.--Actions authorized or implemented under this section shall be consistent with-- ``(1) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Salmon Recovery Plans of the State of Washington; ``(2) the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program; ``(3) the water quality standards of the State of Washington approved by the Administrator under section 303; and ``(4) other applicable Federal requirements.''. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Higgins of New York). Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California. General Leave Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2247, as amended. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from California? There was no objection. Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2247 would establish a new program office within EPA to enhance rehabilitation efforts for Puget Sound in Washington State. Introduced by the gentlemen from Washington, Mr. Heck and Mr. Kilmer, H.R. 2247 builds off an existing program for the Sound under EPA's National Estuary Program. The bill authorizes $50 million annually over 5 years to establish a Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force that will be responsible for coordinating the wide-ranging priorities for recovery of the region. We heard in our subcommittee hearing in June that human development has degraded the water quality and habitat of the Sound. We need to do more to protect our iconic waters, like Puget Sound, on which 4.5 million people rely for food, clean water, and other ecosystem services. We also know that the health of these waterways impacts critical species, such as salmon and the orca whales and a variety of other wildlife across the State. The Sound has been a member of the National Estuary Program since 1988, engaging in a wide range of habitat protection, water quality improvement and monitoring, but a recent GAO study found that the threat the Sound faces outpace efforts to combat them. In short, we must support a more directed approach to helping the entire Puget Sound recover. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2247, and I include in the Record letters of support from Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, Puget Sound Partnership, and the National Audubon Society. Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, Olympia, Washington, August 22, 2019. Re NWIFC Support for H.R. 2247--Promoting United Government Efforts to Save Our Sound Act. Hon. Peter DeFazio, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC. Hon. Sam Graves, Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, and Honorable Members of the Committee: The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission wishes to express our support for H.R. 2247 and respectfully requests passage of this important bill referred to your committee. The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission is comprised of the 20 treaty Indian tribes in western Washington, who have constitutionally protected, federally adjudicated, treaty-reserved rights to harvest, manage, and consume salmon and shellfish in their usual and accustomed areas. These treaty-reserved resources are inextricably linked to the health of Puget Sound. If we cannot recover Puget Sound, we will not recover salmon, we will not maintain our culturally and economically significant shellfish fishery, and we will not protect our treaty-reserved rights. We support H.R. 2247 because it recognizes the role of tribes as sovereign governments working collaboratively to restore our shared waters. The bill also provides a logical approach to Puget Sound recovery, by encouraging a more efficient use of government through improved federal agency coordination on Puget Sound actions. It is only logical that government agencies would align their related activities to compliment the significant contribution of federal funding directed toward restoration and not undermine those investments or our treaty-reserved rights. We also support H.R. 2247 because it authorizes much needed increases to Puget Sound funding. We greatly appreciate the Geographic Program-Puget Sound appropriations Congress continues to provide. However, funding for Puget Sound recovery needs to be significantly increased to address the numerous threats that the Sound and our reserved-rights face. For these reasons, we respectfully request you support passage of H.R. 2247 and thank you for taking the time to consider the bill and the important issues it addresses. We also extend our gratitude to Representative Heck for his leadership in introducing H.R. 2247, recognizing the important role of tribes and treaty rights in Puget Sound recovery, and taking the initiative to advance Puget Sound recovery as a national priority. Sincerely, Lorraine Loomis, Chairperson. [[Page H792]] ____ August 13, 2019. Hon. Peter DeFazio, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC. Hon. Sam Graves, Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves: We, the undersigned, are writing to urge your support to pass H.R. 2247, the ``Promoting United Government Efforts To Save Our Sound'' (PUGET SOS) Act, introduced earlier this year by Congressman Denny Heck and Congressman Derek Kilmer to strengthen federal support for actions that are essential to Puget Sound recovery. Puget Sound is a complex ecosystem encompassing mountains, farmlands, cities, rivers, forests, and wetlands. Sixteen major rivers flow to Puget Sound and 20 treaty tribes call the region home. Currently, 4.5 million people live in the Puget Sound area, with another 1.3 million expected to live here by 2040. In May, the Seattle Times reported that Seattle was the second fastest growing city in the nation in 2018, and the fastest in 2017. We are a region of innovators and entrepreneurs: 11 Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the Puget Sound area, many of which have shaped 21st century life. Our economy is roaring, and the region's natural beauty and recreational opportunities help businesses and companies attract top talent. On the surface, Puget Sound looks healthy and inviting, but, in fact, Puget Sound is in grave trouble. Southern Resident orcas, Chinook salmon, and steelhead are all listed under the Endangered Species Act. Toxic chemicals and pharmaceuticals continue to pollute our waterways, and shellfish beds are routinely closed to commercial and recreational harvest due to fecal contamination. Despite a significant investment of energy and resources from federal, tribal, state, and local governments, habitat degradation continues to outpace restoration. While this situation at times seems impossibly gloomy, the hundreds of passionate people who are devoted to seeing the return of a healthy and resilient Puget Sound give us hope. Scientists say that we can still recover Puget Sound, but only if we act boldly now. We know what we need to do. The primary barriers between us and more food for orcas, clean and sufficient water for people and fish, sustainable working lands, and harvestable shellfish are funding and political fortitude. The single greatest step we could take to ensure a durable, systematic, and science-based effort for Puget Sound recovery is to fully fund the implementation of habitat protection and restoration, water quality protection, and salmon recovery programs. The PUGET SOS Act (H.R. 2247) would authorize up to $50 million in funding for Puget Sound recovery, a significant and very welcome jump from the $28 million per year that Congress has appropriated for the last several fiscal years. The PUGET SOS Act also aligns federal agency expertise and resources. These are tremendous assets. Ensuring that federal agencies are coordinated, setting goals, and holding each other accountable will help increase their effectiveness and provide yet another boost to Puget Sound recovery. Establishing the Puget Sound Program Office at the EPA and codifying a Federal Task Force promises that these goals will be met. Passage of the PUGET SOS Act would demonstrate to the nation that Puget Sound is vital to the economic, cultural, and environmental security of the United States. By investing significantly in the health and wellbeing of Puget Sound, federal decision-makers demonstrate to the nation that Puget Sound is worth saving. Thank you for your past support of Puget Sound recovery. We urge you to support H.R. 2247, the PUGET SOS Act, to ensure that the federal government is a viable, willing partner in this race against time. Sincerely, Laura L. Blackmore, Executive Director, Puget Sound Partnership. Eoin Doherty, Independent Contractor; Nicholas Georgiadis, PhD, Sr. Research Scientist, Puget Sound Institute, University of Washington; Tansy Schroeder, Island County Planning & Community Development; Steve Dubiel, Executive Director, EarthCorps; Jeanette Dorner, Chair, Pierce Conservation District; Jesse Salomon, Senator, 32nd Legislative District; Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive; Diane Buckshnis, Edmonds City Council Position #4, WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council; Stephanie Wright, Snohomish County Councilmember. Katherine Walton, Livable Communities Coordinator, Futurewise; Helen Price Johnson, Board of Island County Commissioner; Dennis McLerran, Cascadia Law Group; Terry Williams, Co-chair, Snohomish Basin Salmon, Recovery Forum; James W. Miller; Co-chair, Snohomish Basin Salmon, Recovery Forum; Norm Dicks, Former United States Representative, House Appropriations Committee, Defense Sub; Mark Phillips, City of Lake Forest Park Councilmember, Vice Chair of WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council; Stephanie Solien, Co-chair, Southern Resident Orca Task Force; Will Hall, Mayor for City of Shoreline. John Hoekstra on behalf of Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust; Denis Law, Mayor, City of Renton; Teresa Mosqueda, Seattle City Councilmember; Stephanie Buffum, Executive Director, Friends of the San Juans; Teresa Mosqueda, Seattle City Councilmember; John Stokes, City of Bellevue Councilmember, Chair of WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council; Jacques White, Executive Director, Long Live the Kings; Commissioner Janet St. Clair, Board of Island County Commissioners, District 3; John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH, Secretary, Department of Health. Stephanie Wright, Executive Director, RE Sources for Sustainable Communities; Shari Tarantino, Board President, Orca Conservancy; Robert Davidson, President & CEO, Seattle Aquarium; David Baker, Mayor, City of Kenmore; Director Alison Studley on behalf of Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group; Allan Elkberg, Mayor, City of Tukwila; Mindy Roberts, Program Director, WA Environmental Council; Kathy Lambert, King County Councilmember. Nancy Backus, Mayor, City of Auburn; Howard Garrett, Orca Network President; Dow Constantine, King County Executive; David O. Earling, Mayor, City of Edmonds; Lunell Haught, President, League of Women Voters of Washington; Wendy D. McDermott, Director, Rivers of Puget Sound-Columbia Basin; Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands; Charlotte Garrido, Kitsap County Commissioner; Stephanie Bowman, Commission President, Port of Seattle. Clare Petrich, Commission President, Port of Tacoma, Co- Chair, The Northwest Seaport Alliance; Maia D. Belion, Director, WA State Department of Ecology; Gail Gatton on behalf of Audubon Washington, Executive Director and Vice President; Senator Derek Stanford, Washington State Senate, 1st Leg District; Jamie Stephens, San Juan County Council Chair; Jay Manning, Chair, Leadership Council, Puget Sound Partnership; Mayor Jim Ferrell on behalf of City of Federal Way; Councilmember Keith Scully, City of Shoreline; Chairman Jeromy Sullivan on behalf of Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe; John Marchione, Mayor, City of Raymond. Matt Pina, Mayor, City of Des Moines; Joshua Morris, Urban Conservation Manager, Seattle Audubon Society; Kelly Susewind, Director, WA Department of Fish and Wildlife; Colleen Weiler, Jessica Rekos Fellowship, Whale and Dolphin Conservation; Sam Merrill, Chair, Conservation Committee, Black Hills Audubon Society; Jimmy Matta, Major, City of Burien; Representative Cindy Ryu, Washington House of Representatives, 32nd Leg District; Victoria R. Woodards, Mayor, City of Tacoma; Jeff Wagner, Mayor, City of Covington. Penny Sweet, Mayor, Kirkland City Council; Michael Dawson, Water Quality Manager, Jefferson County Public Health; Matt Deniston, Managing Partner, Sitka Tech Group; President Arthur Campbell, N. Central Washington Audubon Society; Director Rachel Vasak on behalf of Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Assoc.; Karen Larkin, Chair, Tacoma Public Utility Board; Austin Bell, Deputy Mayor, City of Burien; Secretary Kurt Fremont, Puyallup River Watershed Council on behalf of President Carrie Hernandez and the Board of Directors for the Puyallup River Watershed Council; Nancy Tosta, Councilmember, City of Burien, Chair, Burien Airport Committee; Bob Edgar, Councilmember, City of Burien. Lucy Krakowiak, Councilmember, City of Burien; Nate Nehring, Councilmember, Snohomish County; Representative Steve Tharinger, Washington State House of Representatives, 24th District, Co-Chair of the Strait Ecosystem Recovery Local Integrating Organization; Krystal Marx, Councilmember, City of Burien; Pedro Qlguin, Councilmember, City of Burien; Deborah Jensen, Principal, D Jensen & Associates; Jessie Israel, Director, Puget Sound Conservation, The Nature Conservancy in Washington; Karen Affeld, Executive Director, N. Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation & Dev. Council; Commissioner Kate Dean, Jefferson County, Co-Chair of Strait Ecosystem Recovery Network Local Integrating Organization. Other Individuals and Organizations: Richard Brocksmith, Executive Director, Skagit Watershed Council; Zero Waste Washington; Liz Christeleit, Sitka Technology Group; Peggen Frank, Executive Director, Salmon Defense; Michael Messina, Director, Market Development & Business Affairs, Whooshh Innovations; Jennifer Grathwol Thomas, MES Principal Ecologist Water & Land Natural Resource Consulting; Heidi M. Kirk, Processing Manager, Evergreen Home Loans; Jim Wilcox, Wilcox Farms; Rebecca Benjamin, Executive Director, North Olympic Salmon Coalition; Aaron Peterson, Managing Director, Regional Fisheries Coalition; Auburn City Council. Diana Gale, Puget Sound Partnership, Board of Directors, 2007-2016; Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society; Dana C. Ward, Co-Chair Conservation Committee on behalf of Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society; Bill Blake, Co-chair, Stillaguamish Watershed; Bill Dewey, Taylor Shellfish Farms; Cindy Spiry, Snoqualmie Tribe, on behalf of Snoqualmie Watershed Forum; Neala Kendall, PhD, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife; Tessa Francis, University of Washington; Larry Franks, Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery; Don Hunger, Executive Director, Northwest Straits Foundation; David Bestock, Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association; Laurie Gogic, Whale Scout. Chris Garcia, City Council--City of North Bend; Jim Ribail, Carnation City Council, Position 2; Terry Ryan, Snohomish County Council Chair; Puget Soundkeeper Alliance; Toby Murray, Leadership Council Member, [[Page H793]] Puget Sound Partnership; Robert Kaye, Conservation Committee Chair, North Cascades Audubon; John Burk, Division Manager, City of Tacoma; Nan McKay, Member, Northwest Straits Commission, Member, Northwest Straits Foundation Board of Directors, Past Chair, Puget Sound Action Team, Past Executive Director, Puget Sound Water Quality Authority; Rodney Pond, Executive Director, Sound Salmon Solutions; Mendy Harlow, Executive Director, Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group; Lance Winecka, Executive Director, South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group; Jan Newton, Co- Director, Washington Ocean Acidification Center; Terrie Klinger, Co-Director, Washington Ocean Acidification Center; Alan Clark, Chair, Northwest Straits Commission; Snohomish Conservation District; Jeff Osmundson, President, Skagit Audubon Society; Deborah Stinson, Mayor, City of Port Townsend. Private Citizens: Elizabeth Chapple, Donna J. Nickerson, Kimi Izzi, Natasha Lozano, Holly Powers, Jennifer Stock, Phil Arminger, Linda Studley, Lynn Stansbury, Raven Skyriver, Fred Rowley, Angela Liljegren, Tamara Stepas, Leah Zuckerman, James Nichols, Kathy Jacobs, Joan Alworth, JP Kemmick, Jessica Baird, Sheida Sahandy, Gina Abernathy, Dany Border, Betsy Adams, Joni K. Dennison, Richard Noll, Scott Patrick, Annika Fain, Cat Martinez, Rebecca Canright, Mary Simkin-Maass, Joan Miller, Katie Devlin, Desi Nagyfy, Barbara Rosenkotter, Pam Barber, Kate Pflaumer, Matt Nunn, Sharon Truax, Emily Norland, Marjorie Millner. Stacey McKinley, Brenda Michaels, Chris Tompkins, Curtis Cawley, Jane Jaehning, Randy Collins, Amy Mower, Anne Hawkins, Chris Marrs, Matt McKenna, John Smith, David Taft, Bea Kelleigh, Peg Peterson, Julia Buck, Donna Mason, Pamela Harris, John Koblinsky, Tamara Wood, Marian Wineman, Sue Froeschner, Ashley Song, Rich Bergner, Walt Tabler, MaryJane Gasdick, Benjamin Premack, Richard Kimball, Brie Gyncild, John Pottle, Lynn Barker, Charles Barker, Roseann Seeley, Ara Biji Kobara, Dorrie Jordan, Jeanette Kors, Brandon Herman, Lyle Anderson, Mike Snow, Shannon Markley, John Lundquist, Doris Wilson. Vicky Gannon, Corinne Salcedo, Pam Borscope, Tom Putnam, Rebecca Putnam, Joanne Mayhew, Maradel Gale, Donielle Stevens, Aaron Hussmann, Barbara Stevenson, Linda Story, Shane Kostka, Mary Jo Wilkins, Phyllis Farell, Fay Payton, Anne Ryland, Philip Ratcliff, Joe Ginsburg, Carey Falter, Jeffrey Pancier, Hilary Thomas, Matthew Hilliard, Jennifer Nelson, Mark D. Blitzer, Katherine Balles, Delorse Lovelady, Cornelia B Teed, Natalie Chapin, Kristin Felix, Nikki Nichols, Robert Hannigan, Tess Morgan, Katie Stansell, Michael Hoffman, Laurie Kadet, Miranda Marti, Serena Winham, Len Elliot, Matt Anderson, Norman Baker, Patrick Conn, Margot Rosenberg. Elizabeth Shoemaker, Ronnie Bush, Francis Lenski, Paul Roberts, Aaron Flaster, Marco Constans, Ginny Davis, Marilyn Smith, Richard Horner, Vanessa Jamison, Ann Lazaroff, Donna Alexander, Phyllis Oshikawa, Emily Rahlmann, Robert Triggs, Don Thomsen, Sandra Boren, Alex Logan, Chris Burdett, Cathy O'Shea, Julie Lakey, Mary Cunningham, Kathleen Schaeffer, Richard Weiss, Janice Sears, Linda Massey, Paul Shelton, Jim McRoberts, Maria DeLeo, Rebecca Sisson, Terence McDonald, George Keefe, Connie Nelson, Janet Wynne, Yolanda Sayles, James Hipp, Michael Garten, Liz Campbell, Pike Oliver, Jonny Layesky, Laurette Culbert. Danielle Zitomer, Valerie Chu, Jim Pierson, Jennifer Lutz, Suzanne Steel, Thomas Keefer, Lyn Gardner, Kenneth Davis, Charlie Butt, Barbara Vigars, Neeyati Johnson, David Law, Carol Fillman, Jenna Judge, Dan Calvert, Hayley Mathews, Janet Williams, Derek Buchner, Kanit Cottrell, Mona McNeil, Lina Gleason, Cherie Warner, Susann Daley, Karina Morgan, Toni Howard, Brendan DeMelle, Patrick Hickey, Alexandra Stote, Michael Tucker, Warren Wilkins, Priscilla Martinez, Tracey Ouellette, Glen Anderson, Walter Gerber, Mary Gerber, Bonnie Rochman, Peggy Printz, Ashley Couch, Ivan Storck, Elizabeth F. Nedeff, Sherrell Cuneo. Bob Zeigler, Eleanor Dowson, Carole Henry, Chris Knoll, Deborah Gandolfo, Jonathan Frodge, Deborah Engelmeyer, Stuart Mork, Susan MacGregor, Thom Peters, Sherry McCabe, Amanda Sue Rudisill, Margot Rosenberg, Linda Ellingboe, Asphodel Denning, Katrina Sukola, Glen Anderson, Sylvie Karlsda, Mona McNeil, Bill McFerren, Todd W Currie, Sylvie C Currie, Sharron Coontz, Tonya Stiffler, Matt Anderson, Gordon Wood, Robert Jensen, Jeni Woock, Sarah McCoy, Roger Martin, Sheliah Roth, Jacqueline Jacoby, Peter Marshall, Bill Lavely, Janet Walworth, Robert Richards, James Grimes, Pam Borso, Kathryn Jean Seymour, Sandra Gehri Bergman, Natalie Van Leekwijck, Sabine Doenninghaus. Ann Seiter, Laura Ferguson, Marta Green, Steve Tholl, Brent Barnes, Denise Ross, Jon Bridgman, Jeff Parsons, Carrie Byron, Leah Kintner, Michael Johnson, Don Gourlie, Stephanie Suter, Heather Saunders, Kristin Hayman, Todd Hass, Kari Stiles, Nathalie Hamel, Kaitlin Harris, Leska Fore. ____ Audubon, National and International Programs, Washington, DC, September 18, 2019. Hon. Peter DeFazio, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC. Hon. Sam Graves, Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC. Hon. Grace Napolitano, Chairwoman, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, Washington, DC. Hon. Bruce Westerman, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, Washington, DC. On behalf of the National Audubon Society's more than 1 million members, our mission is to protect birds and the places they need for today and tomorrow. We write to offer our support for the following bills related to important coastal and water conservation issues that will be the subject of the September 19, 2019 Markup before the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. HR 4031--Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019 The Great Lakes are home to 30 million people and 350 species of birds, but increasing challenges are on the horizon for the world's largest body of freshwater. Fluctuating water levels exacerbated by climate change, invasive exotic species and excess nutrients are putting even more stress on this ecosystem that is so important for birds and people. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has helped clean up toxic pollutants, protect wildlife by restoring critical habitat, and help combat devastating invasive species. HR 4031 would increase funding for conservation projects to $475 million over five years, by increasing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative's authorization incrementally from $300 million per year to $475 million per year. HR 1132--San Francisco Bay Restoration Act The San Francisco Bay Area, home to the Pacific Coast's largest estuary, is also home to a rapidly growing population of 8 million people, and provides for a host of social and economic values through ports and industry, agriculture, fisheries, archaeological and cultural sites, recreation, and research. However, San Francisco Bay has lost 90% of its tidal wetlands and more than 50% of its eelgrass and mudflat habitat. Climate change exacerbates these conditions through drought that alters the salinity balance, ocean acidification that reduces species abundance and diversity, increasing water temperatures, and rising seas causing flooding that eliminates living shorelines and puts communities at risk. Many species of waterbirds forage in the San Francisco Bay, including Brant Geese and Surf Scoters, underscoring the value of this ecosystem. HR 1132 would authorize a San Francisco Bay Restoration Grant Program in EPA and funding of up to $25m per year to support the restoration of this estuary. HR 1620--Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization Act Salt marshes are special places to birds and other wildlife, but sea level rise has elevated the waters in the Chesapeake Bay by one foot during the 20th century and is accelerating due to climate change. Salt marshes provide valuable ``ecosystem services'', including nurseries for the Chesapeake Bay's commercially important fish, a buffer protecting coastal communities against storm surge, a filter that stops nutrient and sediment pollution from entering the Bay, and a recreational resource attracting visitors who contribute millions of dollars to local economies. Chesapeake Bay's salt marshes host globally significant populations of both Saltmarsh Sparrow and Black Rail. HR 1620 would increase the authorization of appropriations for the Chesapeake Bay Program to more than $90m per year. HR 2247--Promoting United Government Efforts to Save Our Sound Act Despite significant investments in Puget Sound ecosystem health by state, federal, tribal and local governments, concerned members of the public, and conservation organizations, progress towards ecosystem recovery targets remains slow. The number of marine birds wintering in Puget Sound has declined significantly in the last 30 years and migratory, fish-eating birds appear to be at the greatest risk. HR 2247 would authorize up to $50 million in funding for Puget Sound recovery. The PUGET SOS Act also aligns federal agency expertise and resources, ensuring that federal agencies are coordinated, setting goals, and holding each other accountable will help increase their effectiveness and provide a boost to Puget Sound recovery. HR 3779--Resilience Revolving Loan Fund Act of 2019 Pre-disaster planning can help communities adapt to the changing flood patterns that threaten people and birds species dependent on shoreline and riverine areas. These changes have led to more frequent instances of ``nuisance flooding,'' as well as catastrophic events. NOAA has found that ``nuisance'' or ``sunny day'' flooding is up 300% to 900% than it was 50 years ago. In addition, catastrophic flooding events have increased in both frequency and intensity. These trends have been particularly pronounced in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains, where the amount of precipitation in large rainfall events has increased more than 30 percent above the average observed from 1901-1960. As sea level rise accelerates, it only exacerbates these impacts, which further compounds vulnerability in flood-prone communities. [[Page H794]] HR 3779 would amend the 1988 Stafford Act to offer low- interest loans to states for ``disaster mitigation projects'', including investments in natural infrastructure projects, which would help communities prepare and recover from natural disasters. We urge you to support and advance the bills listed above. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Sincerely, Julie Hill-Gabriel, Vice President, Water Conservation, National Audubon Society. Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2247. H.R. 2247 represents good governance by codifying the Environmental Protection Agency's restoration activities in the Puget Sound. The Puget Sound is the Nation's second largest estuary, supporting more than 4.5 million people, more than $365 million in gross domestic product, and a wide variety of species. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Heck). Mr. HECK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California. Mr. Speaker, I do indeed rise in strong support of H.R. 2247, the Promoting United Government Efforts to Save Our Sound, or the PUGET SOS Act. As indicated, Puget Sound is, in fact, located in western Washington, but it is a national treasure. Indeed, to modify just slightly what my friend from Florida suggested, by water volume it is actually the largest estuary in the United States of America. Puget Sound and its tributaries are one of the most ecologically diverse in all of North America, and it is, as has been indicated, the economic engine for the western part of our State, supporting maritime industry, commercial and recreational fishing, shellfish growers, tourism, and recreation. But it is more than that. It is also absolutely critical to the Tribes that reside in Washington State who have stewarded it for literally millennia. And need I remind you; they have treaty-reserved rights to its natural resources. Above and beyond that, it is central to the identity of anyone from western Washington. I ask you this: For those of you who have been to Seattle and have made the comment or a post from an August visit, it is beautiful. What is the image that comes to your mind? It is of Mount Rainier, above the shimmering waters of the Puget Sound. Or--and more about this later--it is of that magnificent black and white fish, the orca, breaching the surface of the water. But here is the deal, Puget Sound is dying. Slowly but surely, it is under serious threat. Water and air pollution, sediment contamination, and water flow disruption continue to devastate the fish, marine, mammal, bird, and shellfish populations of Puget Sound. Indeed, that orca, the Southern Resident orca, population is down to 72, arguably not sustainable because we need to save the Sound. And if these trends continue, we will lose much of what makes Puget Sound a national treasure so special. And that should concern us all. Fortunately, there have been many people across the Puget Sound region that have been treating these deteriorating conditions as a call to action. Tribes, State governments, local groups and private sector people are investing in recovery efforts. Back in 2013, I teamed up with my good friend, roommate and colleague, Congressman Kilmer, to establish the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus to promote Puget Sound preservation at the Federal level. And in 2016, the Obama administration created the Puget Sound Federal Task Force, by executive action, to coordinate recovery efforts more efficiently among the Federal agencies. Still, we must bring more attention to bear on Puget Sound recovery, and that is why we introduced the PUGET SOS Act. The bill will simply codify the Federal task force to ensure that coordination among Federal agencies continue--and we all want that-- into the future and it also creates the Puget Sound Recovery National Program office at the EPA, elevating Puget Sound recovery efforts and putting them on a par with those deservedly of the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay. And for the first time, the bill authorizes funding for Federal Puget Sound recovery actions. This is a product of years of collaboration between Tribal, State, and local stakeholders, including private sector investors. Specifically, I thank the members of the committee. I especially thank my friend, Congressman Kilmer. And I most especially thank my friends across the aisle, who joined in cosponsorship in support of this. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission and the Puget Sound Partnership for their effort. The threats facing the Puget Sound are numerous and they are existential, but I believe that with a strong Federal partnership role and smart investments, we can act before it is too late. We can help recover the Puget Sound and preserve its ecological, economic, and cultural significance for generations to come. The PUGET SOS Act is a strong first step towards recovery, and I encourage my colleagues to support the bill. And again, I extend my gratitude to all of those who have put your shoulders to the wheel and gotten it this far in the process. Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Newhouse). Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman. We are all saddened, and deeply frustrated, to see the iconic Puget Sound continue to devolve into a dumping ground of human waste and sewage. It is no wonder, the species in our Nation's largest estuary are facing increasing odds of extinction. We must do more to address this environmental crisis. An aquatic toxicologist working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has found that growth rates for salmon species in Puget Sound are stunned, metabolisms are distorted to the point of starvation, and physiological functions are disrupted when exposed to high levels of Prozac, caffeine, cholesterol medication, ibuprofen, bug spray, cocaine, birth control pills, and dozens of other drugs and personal care products present in Puget Sound. Mr. Speaker, I am very glad to see my friends from the west side of the State, Mr. Heck, who has spent a great deal of his illustrious career working on this issue, as well as Mr. Kilmer, who has also spent an inordinate amount of time working on this very, very important issue, working to address the debilitating impact the environmental degradation in Puget Sound is having on shellfish, on the endangered salmon, and on steelhead. And, as was mentioned, on our iconic Southern Resident killer whales, which are truly on the verge of extinction. {time} 1330 As my colleague Cathy McMorris Rodgers and I have been saying for years, we must focus on solutions that the science tells us will directly aid fish species now and not waste our precious resources and time on political motivations like the efforts to tear down our dams. This is a deadly distraction from the actual science-based solutions to support salmon recovery. I want to continue to work with my colleagues to address problems facing endangered fish species throughout our region in a comprehensive manner. The challenges are many: We must continue to tackle the pinniped issue, the avian predation issue, but we also must ensure that a robust hatchery program is in place; We must continue to prioritize the world-class fish passage in our hydroelectric infrastructure; We must continue to take a serious and thoughtful look at fishing and other human-caused impacts; and We must build upon the habitat improvements and greater ecological conservation measures. Mr. Speaker, we must focus on the science, not the politics. We must focus on the facts, not ideology or emotions. While I support the passage of this legislation--and I do--that we are voting on today, I believe it can and should only move forward as part of a much more comprehensive discussion and effort in the Pacific Northwest to address the needs of our iconic species; [[Page H795]] the protection of our environment; the reliability of our clean, renewable energy infrastructure; and, certainly, the future of our region's economy and livelihood. Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to gentleman from Washington (Mr. Kilmer). Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise today in support of the PUGET SOS Act, and I want to thank my good friend and colleague from the State of Washington, Representative Heck, for his tireless leadership on this important legislation, and his partnership in working to recover this iconic body of water. Those of us who are lucky enough to call Washington State home know that the Puget Sound is a truly special body of water. Generations of our friends and neighbors have built their lives and made livelihoods on Puget Sound. Tribes, since time immemorial, have called the Sound their home. We know that Puget Sound is critical to the environment and to our economic future in our region as well. Our economy is stronger because of the Sound. Our maritime industry is stronger, our fisheries, tourism because--listen--people want to come there. They want to boat or kayak on it. They want to go fishing or crabbing on it. They want to dig for clams and hike along the Sound's beaches. In fact, those experiences are vital to people from near and far, including my own family. It is one of our natural treasures. Some of our region's most culturally important species, including salmon and orca and Dungeness crab, rely on a healthy Sound. And despite years and years of effort to protect and restore Puget Sound, we still have a lot of work to do to address the significant challenges, including stormwater runoff and habitat loss and harmful algal blooms that continue to threaten the crown jewel of our region's identity and economy. That is why I am proud to see the House advance this critical bill, which will bring to bear the coordinated Federal resources necessary to save Puget Sound. If we are going to recover our salmon and orca populations, if we are going to ensure future generations can dig for clams, if we are going to respect and uphold Tribal treaty rights, we need the Federal Government to step up and support the work already being done by the State and Tribes and local communities and businesses that all depend on a healthy Sound. We need all oars in the water rowing in the same direction. I am proud that, by passing this bill, we will make meaningful progress toward those goals. Mr. Speaker, I am not just here speaking on this bill as a Representative, I am here today as a dad. If future generations, including my two little girls, are going to have the opportunities to enjoy these treasures and to build their livelihoods in our region, we have got to act now and protect and restore the Sound. So, again, I thank my colleague and friend, Denny Heck, for his leadership on this issue. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. Rodgers). Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation. I rise in support of the PUGET SOS Act, Save Our Sound Act, important legislation to clean up the Puget Sound. I join as someone who represents a district in eastern Washington. My district actually borders Idaho, but I believe that we need to be locking arms. We need to be working together to clean up Puget Sound. For decades, we have invested billions of dollars, billions of dollars in research and technology, to recover salmon in the Pacific Northwest and save our orcas, and we need to continue that work to look for the best science to recover salmon and to save our orcas. I am proud of the work that we have done. We see salmon returns improving. When you look at where we started to where we are today, we are at record levels. Now, in Washington State, some are suggesting that we need to tear out our dams in order to save salmon and to save our orcas. It is a solution that is not backed by science. The reason that I am in such support of helping save the Sound and cleaning up Puget Sound is because it is the number one watershed, right now, for salmon and for saving our orcas. And if we really want to focus on getting results, we need to come together and figure out how we clean up Puget Sound, how we get the salmon returns improved, and, ultimately, how we all save the salmon. So, for those of us in eastern Washington, we often feel like some in the State are looking to us. We want to lock arms and figure out how we actually make a difference, and one of those is going to be cleaning up the Puget Sound. So, in eastern Washington, we have been on the forefront of policy to ensure strong salmon runs and clean up our rivers and lakes. I represent the city of Spokane, the second largest city in Washington State. The people of the city of Spokane have committed to over $300 million to clean up Spokane River so that we will no longer be dumping raw sewage. The mayor, David Condon, brought people together for an innovative water storage system, and President Barack Obama brought him to the White House to celebrate and honor this innovative approach. Inland Empire Paper Company has spent nearly a billion dollars on technology to clean up and ensure that the water that goes into the Spokane River is clean. We are spending millions and millions of dollars to clean up Lake Roosevelt behind Grand Coulee Dam. We are on track to have Lake Roosevelt meet clean drinking water standards so that we can enjoy Lake Roosevelt, we can fish, and we can enjoy the beaches. It breaks my heart, though, when I hear what is going on in Puget Sound and the impact that Puget Sound is having on recovering salmon and orcas: In 2009, 10 million gallons of raw sewage spilled into Puget Sound; in 2017, 250 million gallons of raw sewage spilled into Puget Sound; in 2019, 4.5 million gallons. We have been warned that stormwater is killing coho salmon before they even spawn. As the Seattle Times said during the 2017 failure that spilled 250 million gallons of sewage into the Sound: ``Not a single person from an environmental group or the public turned out to testify or demand action on the crippled West Point Treatment Plant, or even take notice of one of the largest local public infrastructure failures in decades.'' Mr. Speaker, we are failing. We are failing to meet our obligation and the high standards that we expect for every body of water; yet, nearly every week, we have to defend our dams from the same environmental groups that have refused to look at the facts. So I am stepping forward today, as a Representative from eastern Washington, with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, to say let's focus on what is actually going to get the results, what is going to recover salmon, and what is going to save our orcas. Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Schrier). Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to be standing on the floor today speaking in support of the PUGET SOS Act. The passage of the bill in this House is something that our State has been collectively working toward for years. I thank Representative Heck and Representative Kilmer and the other Members of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus for their leadership. The challenges facing our Sound are great and are compounded by our State's growth and climate change. Chinook populations remain far below recovery goals, despite having been listed as threatened since 1999 under the Endangered Species Act. As the only member from Washington State on the House Agricultural Committee, I plan to use my position to highlight the importance of responsible farming practices, ecosystem recovery, and riparian habitats. Mr. Speaker, the narrative that we can have farms or fish is false-- we can have both. State- and county-level agencies are also doing their part to help both fish and farmers. The Washington State conservation Commission is doing some amazing [[Page H796]] work in the agricultural world. Our conservation districts work statewide to implement natural resource improvement projects and build landowner engagement and commitment. Just one example is the work that the Pierce County conservation District did when they partnered with local farmers to address management practices and were able to have a substantial impact on the health of 278 acres for shellfish harvesting. The Puget Sound needs protecting. Other bodies of water like the Chesapeake Bay and the Great Lakes have formal program status under the Clean Water Act, which helps ensure their consistent Federal funding. The Puget Sound and all of the wildlife in it deserve the same status under the Clean Water Act. It is shortsighted and irresponsible to not fight for the Sound and its future. We owe it to the species whose futures are imperiled because of human activity. We owe it to our children and generations we will never know. We absolutely must protect Puget Sound. Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close. I urge support of this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, with all of the support from the Washington delegation, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. HECK. Mr. Speaker, several important considerations underlie the purpose and intent of the Puget SOS Act. Puget Sound and its tributary waters are one of the most ecologically diverse ecosystems in North America with natural resources that have ecological, economic, and cultural importance to the United States and the many Tribal nations that have stewarded it for millennia. The health and productivity of Puget Sound is not only the cornerstone of the region's quality of life and vibrant economy, but its worldclass salmon fishery, commercial aquaculture, agriculture, and port activities ripple throughout the Nation. Threats to Puget Sound, such as water pollution, sediment contamination, environmental degradation, and habitat loss, jeopardize the economic productivity and natural resources that support the increasing population of the region. For nearly a decade, State, local, and Tribal governments, cooperative partnerships, and concerned citizens have worked together in a deliberate and coordinated way to direct and manage public resource allocation toward habitat restoration, improving water quality and shellfish farms, and developing a body of scientific knowledge, all of which have advanced the Puget Sound recovery efforts. Tribal governments with treaty-reserved rights in the natural resources of Puget Sound have long served as co-managers of fishery resources, have engaged in Puget Sound Partnership processes and public forums to encourage a holistic and scientific approach to recovery efforts, and have continued in their role as stewards of Puget Sound, including by engaging with multi-faceted restoration and protection actions, and are thus an indispensable, equal partner in all Puget Sound recovery actions. Despite significant and nationally recognized accomplishments, the rate of damage to Puget Sound still exceeds the rate of recovery. To outpace mounting pollutants and other cascading negative impacts, the next step in fortifying the recovery system is to align Federal recovery and protection efforts seamlessly with State, local, and Tribal investments, as the Puget SOS Act would do. Water and air pollution, sediment contamination, habitat loss and decline, and water flow disruption continue to devastate the fish, marine mammal, bird, and shellfish populations of Puget Sound, threatening local economies, and Tribal treaty rights, and contributing to: Significant declines in the populations of wild Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Summer Chum Salmon, Steelhead, and Pacific Herring, which are essential food sources for humans, fish, seabirds, mammals, and other wildlife; Risks to the sustainability of fish arid- shellfish populations, and their food chains, reproductive cycles, and habitats, which also threaten Federal obligations to protect Tribal resources, culture, traditions, and economies; Marine species being listed as at-risk or vulnerable to extinction, according to State, Federal, and provincial lists that identify the species of Puget Sound and surrounding areas, including the iconic population of southern resident Orca whales; Sediment contaminated with toxic substances--such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals (mercury), and oil (grease)--polluting Puget Sound, threatening public health, and posing; significant dangers to humans, fish, and wildlife; Rivers and beaches failing to meet water quality standards and becoming unsafe for salmon, as well as business and recreational activities, such as fishing and swimming; The closing of shellfish beds from contaminated pollution caused by sources such as stormwater and agricultural runoff; and Mortalities and morbidity in shellfish due to the acidification of Puget Sound. Puget Sound is a national treasure and its recovery and protection will significantly contribute to the environmental, cultural, and economic well-being of the United States and the many Tribal nations that have stewarded it for millennia. The PUGET SOS Act underscores the recognition that Federal Government should align its efforts and resources to fully implement and enforce the goals of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, including State implementation of non-point source water quality standards for salmon, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and all other Federal laws that contribute to the recovery and protection of Puget Sound. The Act also recognizes that the Federal Government should uphold Federal trust responsibilities to restore and protect resources crucial to Tribal treaty rights--including by carrying out government-to-government consultation--as well as support regional, local, and Tribal efforts to address environmental challenges. The PUGET SOS Act is intended, among other things, to ensure that the recovery and protection programs, projects, and initiatives that the Federal Government undertakes in, or that otherwise impact, Puget Sound shall be actively coordinated and aligned with the protection of Tribal treaty rights and resources, the Treaty Rights at Risk Initiative, Salmon Recovery Plans, the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program, and the Puget Sound Action Agenda. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to all stakeholders who have come together to advocate for the recovery and protection of Puget Sound. The PUGET SOS Act is an important step towards those goals, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Keating). The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2247, as amended. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________
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