This was a consensus bipartisan bill supported by folks in both parties, signed into law by that extremist environmentalist, Ronald Reagan.

I appreciate the acknowledgment by all the witnesses that that is a factor, despite the lack of acknowledgment by the U.S. Congress.

Even though the Endangered Species Act has proven more than 99 percent effective in preventing extinction, a lack of suitable habitats has severely limited many species' prospects for recovery.

At this point, President Obama cannot eat a sandwich without being accused of gross executive over-reach and illegal infringement on congressional authority.

I wish today's hearing was going to be a thoughtful discussion about the importance of habitat and protecting and recovering imperiled American fish and wildlife.

We should be talking about how to secure more habitat and protect ecosystems needed for populations of threatened and endangered fish and wildlife to first recover and then be delisted.

It is perfectly appropriate and, in fact, necessary for the maintenance of our republic that our laws protect the interests of all Americans in conserving the lands and wildlife we all own together as citizens and taxpayers.

I give Congressman Valadao credit for at least being honest about his intentions. But when my colleagues across the aisle continuously push to gut the Endangered Species Act, I will continue to defend it.

Congressman Valadao, the author of that anti-ESA provision in the energy and water appropriations bill was very candid when asked about his goal. He said it was part of a process that would 'hopefully someday repeal' the Endangered Species…

I was hoping that was not the choice we were being confronted with.

So, I ask that all Members here today stand up to protect our threatened and endangered species.