Political Quotes

“H.R. 5 provides that Federal agencies must consult with State and local governments before proposing Federal regulations. This amendment that I am offering modifies this provision to require that Federal agencies also consult with concerned citizens at the same time. The amendment was adopted without dissent in the full Committee on Government Operations in the last Congress in October. The amendment recognizes that concerned citizens should have the same rights to participate in the rulemaking process as State and local governments. For example, if EPA is considering a new drinking water standard, the public that drinks the water should have just as much input into the standard as the public water suppliers who have to comply with that standard. I think this amendment makes a great deal of sense. It brings about a consultation with all those who are involved in the matter, and therefore would help those who are about to propose regulations to make the wisest regulations possible. I urge support for the amendment.”