Political Quotes

“Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I want to commend my colleague from Oregon and his comments. As a matter of fact, I don't disagree with pretty much anything he said. I had my first good meeting with Mr. Sams this morning, and I would agree, I think he is qualified. I am particularly impressed with his background as a Native American, as a veteran. One thing I like to talk a lot about is how our Alaskan Native American populations serve at higher rates in the military than any other ethnic group in the country--special patriotism. Mr. Sams certainly carries that tradition on quite well. And I have already talked to Senator Wyden. I intend to work with him and Mr. Sams just on a few more issues, a few more discussions. Again, we had a very good conversation this morning. This is nothing about his qualifications, but I wanted to make sure the administration is aware of some issues, at very high levels, as it relates to this position, this job. And, again, I agree with my colleague from Oregon; this is an extraordinarily important Federal Agency. As a matter of fact, it is so important for my State that I want to explain a little bit to my colleagues, many of whom don't really know what the National Park Service does. But to my State, it is enormously important; it is powerful; and it can touch on people's lives in huge ways. Let me just give you a little bit of the numbers. The Federal Government manages roughly 66 percent of the lands in Alaska.…”