Political Quotes

“within the last hour or so I have had several calls in my office from various media, including the New York Times, asking for comments on why the Senator from Alaska would insist on killing the passage of the Sterling Forest --that is that issue that affects both New Jersey and New York, with a purchase of private lands with Federal funds--by insisting that my Tongass provision prevail? And how could I possibly take such an action and stop this process? First of all, I think it is important for the Record to note the circumstances, as I understand them, that occurred in the House among the leadership at approximately 6:30 this morning, or thereabouts, because I think it reflects on the process around here. Some of it does need some airing. At that time, it was the intent of the leadership on the House side to include in the CR, to accommodate Senator Hatfield and his contribution to this body, the so-called Mount Hood Parks package, and other incidental considerations. Then, there was a communication from the White House that there should be an accommodation on another issue as well, and that was the San Francisco Bay cleanup proposal, a proposal that is worthy, a proposal that is in the omnibus parks bill, as well as the Sterling Forest, which is in that bill, which I support.…”