Barbara Boxer: “earlier today, I introduced in the Senate a bill that passed the House of Representatives on Thursday, May 11-- the…”

“earlier today, I introduced in the Senate a bill that passed the House of Representatives on Thursday, May 11-- the Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 2000. I introduced the bill and asked that it be put on the Senate calendar for one simple reason. I believe that the fastest way to pass legislation to protect our national lands legacy is to take up where the House left off last week. I know that the Energy and Natural Resources Committee has been trying for many months to get a lands legacy bill, and I commend the efforts of Senator Bingaman, Senator Landrieu and others. But I am also aware of the great differences of opinion on the Committee. I personally support the Bingaman bill, which is similar to legislation I introduced last year, the Resources 2000 Act. Some Senators support the Landrieu bill. Others oppose both approaches. Thus, it may not be possible to get a strong bill out of the Energy Committee this year. And, Mr. President, we are running out of time. There are probable fewer than 60 working days left in the 106th Congress. So that is why I have asked that the House bill be placed on the Senate calendar, so that at any time the Majority Leader can take it up and place it before the Senate. The House bill isn't perfect. I would like to see further changes. But it would be a good start for the Senate. We must not let this session of Congress end without passing this critical legislation to protect our natural heritage.”