Dana Rohrabacher: “I rise in support of H.R. 2131. Mr. Speaker, let me just note that the argument that we must try to preserve our…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 2131. Mr. Speaker, let me just note that the argument that we must try to preserve our tropical rain forests because the tropical rain forests have a possible treasure house of biodiversity for this generation and future generations I think is a very valid argument. I have lived in jungles in my life. I understand the many thousands, if not tens of thousands, of variety of not only animal and insect and plant life but all kinds of life that is surrounding one in the jungle. And, yes, in future generations we may find tremendous assets that are right in front of our face but we do not recognize it now. The idea of trading debt with some of these countries and getting for that debt a commitment to try to preserve these rain forests, I think, is a very good idea. Let us just remember that in many cases these countries would not be repaying that debt anyway. So this is a win-win proposal. Let me just say, however, that believing in this bill and believing in the biodiversity of the jungles does not mean that one has to believe that the jungles in some way contribute to helping the global warming situation.”