Political Quotes

“Let me make a couple of observations. In arguing against the amendment, it is somewhat ironic that the two Senators probably have as much exposure as any Members who come from States where there is either a risk or an exposure to electricity blackouts. Clearly, training a new generation of energy workers suggests we need the best engineers in the world to create the best energy development, the best delivery system. That will help fund the solutions to the States' problems, particularly California. I remind my friend from Nevada, the floor manager, and the distinguished senior Senator from California, we are not creating a new program. We are not creating a new program that requires authorization. We are directing funding to the DAO Office of Science to carry out this important function as opposed to what we are doing relative to the California issue. As far as the CALFED issue is concerned, I agree California needs to address its problems with the help of the Congress. However, they must do so in a process that is customarily laid out in procedure before this body. I am happy to help the Senator from California with her concern, but the Senate has never, ever, ever, ever held a hearing on the proposals mentioned here. That is significant itself. Many Senators in this body assume there is a process where we hold a hearing, we do an evaluation, and we hear from witnesses on the merits of the proposal. There has been no explanation offered as to why we have not had a hearing.”