Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 897, the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act. Representative Carl's legislation seeks to protect an underwater forest located 10 miles off the coast of Gulf Shores, Alabama, in the Gulf of Mexico. At roughly 60,000 years old, this forest provides a window into our past in a way that is not found anywhere else on Earth. Protecting this resource is critical for the research efforts that it supports. This forest was first discovered by local fishermen in 2004 in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan and has received attention from scientists and universities around the world. H.R. 897 designates the forest as a sanctuary in a manner which embraces the multiple use of our Nation's natural resources. The legislation protects the forest by prohibiting the cutting or removing of the forest's trees while also providing protections for national security and law enforcement activity, commercial and recreational fishing, and energy production that was previously permitted or authorized. I commend my colleague, Representative Carl, for his efforts to advance the legislation. Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 897, and I reserve the balance of my time.”