On the recordJuly 17, 2003
I am simply asking people on the floor of the House and this body to establish a priority here. What is more important? Is it, in fact, the preservation of our forests? Is it to try to mitigate against the catastrophic fires that we have been experiencing and that we will continue to experience because of the overloaded conditions in the forests? Is that more important than purchasing $50 million worth of art? The gentleman and I both know I think it is patently clear that, regardless of whether or not the Federal Government ever bought a piece of art or funded a particular artist, art would thrive in America. People would paint. People would do everything that they have been doing, regardless of whether or not the Federal Government chose to participate in that particular endeavor. So, again, I am just asking that the House establish a priority here.
Source
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