Political Quotes

“it is my intention to vote in favor of the Conference Report making appropriations for the Department of the Interior and related agencies, but I do so with some reservations. I commend the appropriations conferees for negotiating a multitude of very contentious issues, but I am particularly concerned with several anti-environmental provisions that remain in the report. The Balanced Budget agreement provided $700 million above the President's request for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and I am very pleased that the appropriators were able to honor that agreement. Land and water conservation funds and the matching State grant program have been very important to Connecticut's ability to acquire land and enhance recreation areas and parks. Without this funding, local communities will continue without the assistance they so deserve to acquire open space and further develop recreational areas. Unfortunately, Senate language providing $100 million in grants to States for land acquisition was not included in the conference report.”