Bill Nelson: “I rise today as a voice to counter that of the giant multinational oil corporations. It has been during three decades of…”

“I rise today as a voice to counter that of the giant multinational oil corporations. It has been during three decades of my public service that I have held fast to a promise to fight to keep big oil away from Florida's coastlines, to keep that industry from soiling our homes and from ruining our economy. In Florida, a clean, healthy environment is the infrastructure of our tourism-driven economy, and it is the source of sustenance for millions of residents and visitors alike. In America, where we have only 3 percent of the world's oil reserves, our addiction to ``black gold'' will not be broken just by more drilling but by mounting an aggressive effort to fully exploit greater efficiencies in alternative fuels. As part of my promise to Florida, I have said that I could not support an Interior Secretary who would advance this administration's willingness to acquiesce to the oil lobby and its ever-increasing desire for greater profits beyond the recent record levels. Mr. President, I know this nominee is a person deserving of our respect. He is a gentleman. In fact, he will receive an overwhelming vote of support from the Senate. But I must stand on my principles to oppose this nomination. I do so for the future of Florida and for the future of our country. I thank the Chair. The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unanimous consent, the mandatory quorum call has been waived. The question is, Is it the sense of the Senate that debate on Executive Calendar No.…”