Sam Farr: “I rise today reminded of the first lines in the Tale of Two Cities ``It was the best of times; it was the worst of…”

“I rise today reminded of the first lines in the Tale of Two Cities ``It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.'' I am pleased that one of my bills, the California Coastal Rocks and Islands Wilderness Act of 1998, is included in the Omnibus National Parks and Public Lands Act. Unfortunately, because of the lateness of the legislative calendar, it will be difficult to reconcile the differences between the executive and legislative branches on how we go about protecting our natural resources. I am glad to have an opportunity to discuss the language that I introduced along with Messrs. Gallegly, Bilbray and several other California Coastal Members. I especially want to give my thanks to Mr. Gallegly for his hard work and efforts to get this legislation on the floor today. Unfortunately, in the hoopla of the moment I can not forget that this bill is destined to be vetoed. Mr. Chairman, the purpose of the Rocks and Islands Wilderness Act is to recognize the ecological significance of the tens of thousands of small rocks, islands and pinnacles off the California coast, by designating them as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.”