Political Quotes

“the order directed by the White House would raise supersaturation gas to more than 130 percent. I have said something just now which is very important, Madam President. I have said ``by the White House.'' I am now told by good authority that on direct orders from our White House these agencies and their scientists were overruled so that Al Gore--and I repeat that--so that the Vice President could get directly involved in what I believe is a phenomenally dangerous precedent in the utilization of his power. The States of Oregon and Washington were asked to comply by the signature of their Governors. Oregon finally did. And I understand, as of this moment, Washington is complying. They are forced to comply by the blackmail of the Federal Government. The National Marine Fisheries Service and its scientists have been overruled. Everybody who has studied this issue for the last 2 rac{1}{2} years, including a decision brought about by all of these agencies together known as a biological opinion, as of 12 o'clock last night were overruled. I can only say that in the history of this country I am not sure that a precedent like this has taken place. In the public-land West where the Endangered Species Act is already raising havoc with the unemployment of thousands of loggers in the Pacific Northwest now, for an arbitrary and capricious decision almost singlehandedly by this White House, clearly the integrity of this law is thrown into jeopardy.”