Political Quotes

“H.R. 2909, the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Eminent Domain Prevention Act, prevents the Fish and Wildlife Service from purchasing land for inclusion in the Conte Refuge without the consent of the owner. I served with Silvio Conte for nearly 20 years, and I know that he cared deeply about the protection of migratory bird habitat and the creation of this refuge. This bill will further both of those goals by increasing public support for this refuge. Local residents want to see important habitat protected, but some fear the Federal Government's sometimes heavy-handed land acquisition policies. This bill allows the Service to preserve important habitat, but also protects property owners from overzealous bureaucrats. The protections in this bill will enhance the public's support of the refuge since surrounding property owners will know that their property cannot be taken without their consent.”