VIDEO: Smith Applauds Legislation to Block EPA Overreach on Waters of the U.S. Rule

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to applaud the passage of H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act. This legislation prohibits the EPA from using its Waters of the U.S. rule to expand its authority beyond Congress’s intent.




Remarks as prepared:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act, and applaud its passage by the House of Representatives.

This bill prohibits the EPA from using its Waters of the U.S. rule to expand its authority beyond Congress’s intent.

Waters of the U.S. is yet another executive overreach by this administration.

The Clean Water Act intentionally limited the EPA’s jurisdiction to navigable waters.

Yet Waters of the U.S. would expand federal jurisdiction to include virtually all water flows, from ditches to prairie potholes, even on private land.

Nebraskans are concerned Waters of the U.S. could severely harm our agriculture economy by increasing costs and uncertainty for producers.

America’s farmers and ranchers are already great stewards of the land and take numerous steps to protect our natural resources.

By blocking the Waters of the U.S. rule, H.R. 1732 stops the administration’s latest power grab and supports agriculture producers across the country.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.