Political Quotes

“on June 3 the House passed H.R. 1420 by a vote of 407 to 1. They approved the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act. This measure is the result of 3 years of hard work by the Committee on Resources, the minority and majority. The gentleman from California [Mr. Miller] and myself and the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Dingell] and other people were involved. We conducted seven hearings and three markups on ways to improve our National Wildlife Refuge System. It is the culmination of successful negotiations between members of the committee, the administration, hunting and conservation and environmental groups. The other body has now overwhelmingly approved the amended version of H.R. 1420. The three differences in the legislation include an expanded definition of the term ``compatible use'' to mean ``a wildlife-dependent recreational use or any other use of a refuge''; a requirement that the Secretary monitor the status and trends of fish, wildlife, and plants in each refuge; and a clarification requiring existing rights-of-way within refuges. I have carefully reviewed these changes and find them acceptable. By approving this measure today, we will conclude the legislative process and send the bill to the President of the United States. By so doing, I am convinced we have enacted an organic act for our 509 wildlife refuge units that will serve our Nation well in the 21st century.”