This is part of our ongoing work with the Army Corps, ... It's been reported that some of these cases may have prevented things like the modernization of levees. This is part of our normal work, to determine what has happened.

But he also said there are still a number of unknowns and couldn't project what he would need considering those unknowns.

As Administrator Johnson indicated yesterday, there are a number of uncertainties remaining, and we, as well as the administration, do not want those uncertainties to delay actions that affect people's health.

This legislation is purely about providing E.P.A. the clarity and certainty it will need down the road to ensure a timely and effective response.

The committee is continuing to work on a bipartisan bill because that remains the preference, but the senator also recognizes the time limitations in this year's legislative calendar and the need to get legislation to the president. With that in mind, of course we're considering some other options.

Something has got to be done to improve the return on our investment.