Political Quotes

“If the 15-year contract is not extended, this plant-- the only manufacturing plant, with 2,000 jobs--will be lost, and the pulp timber will be exported out of the State, which is really a travesty. Now, that is the interest of the Senator from Alaska in this package. So, Mr. President, I hope that clears up any doubts in the minds of anybody relative to the environmental aspects of the merits of this contract. This is to provide a chlorine-free new mill to replace the old one. But it can only happen if there is a contractual commitment for timber, because nobody is going to spend $200 million without an assured supply and a contract with the Federal Government. So I am committed to moving these bills. My committee has held hearings on these bills and held the markups. I have supported and voted for each of these bills. I am not the problem, Mr. President. But unless these holds are lifted, I don't see how I can be part of the solution. So I urge my colleagues--particularly the leadership--to do what they can to end this gridlock. It just has to be stopped.”