Barbara Boxer: “I think I can explain this amendment in 2 minutes, and then we can take a voice vote. I thank Senator Barrasso. He and I…”

“I think I can explain this amendment in 2 minutes, and then we can take a voice vote. I thank Senator Barrasso. He and I have a little different view on the importance of the National Environmental Policy Act in relation to this bill. Late last night he offered an amendment to essentially pretty much waive the protections of that act from this bill. Needless to say, as the chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I was concerned about the amendment. He and I have had extensive discussions, along with our staff, and we have reached an agreement on the way to proceed tonight. So, Mr. President, I am going to begin by carrying that out by sending a modification of my amendment to the desk that Senator Barrasso has approved.”