"As last week's devastating blackout made all too clear, our nation's energy infrastructure is in alarming disrepair. Millions of Long Islanders were thrust into darkness because of an antiquated power grid. As usual, we handled this crisis by coming together. Drivers left their cars to direct traffic. Neighbors shared water and food. Crime was incredibly rare. I was grateful for, though not surprised by, this outpouring of community spirit. At the same time, the blackout made clear how vulnerable our electric grid is to accidents, let alone terrorism.

"One part of the energy solution for us on Long Island is the Cross-Sound Cable. When most of the Northeast was out of power, the Department of Energy issued an emergency order to turn the cable on Friday, returning much of Long Island to normalcy. This temporary waiver will expire Sept. 1, but that should not be allowed to happen.

"Often used as pawn in a political chess match, the time has come to put our differences aside and commit to a future of energy reliability. Political leaders from across the ideological spectrum, energy experts and even environmental groups have joined together in support of finally tapping into this unused resource.

"Stretching across the Long Island Sound, the cable is capable of carrying 330-megawatts of energy to and from the island. But since being installed underwater over a year ago, the cable has been used only once, in the blackout. If it's good enough to use in a pinch, why can't we use the cable to supplement our electrical grid every day?

"When Congress returns from recess, working toward a safer, more secure energy future for Long Island will be at the top of my 'to do' list. The Cross-Sound Cable is not a cure-all, but it's the first, easiest step in a more energy-secure Long Island."