Porter Goss: “Mr. Chairman, in an effort to finetune the bill before us, we are offering our amendment to address three specific…”

“Mr. Chairman, in an effort to finetune the bill before us, we are offering our amendment to address three specific concerns raised about H.R. 1675. Frankly, these are concerns raised by some who may oppose the bill altogether. However, it has been our approach to sit down with the interested parties, roll up our sleeves and attempt to solve the problems with the legislation in a reasonable and workable manner. Many Members and their staff have spent hours working out the details of this amendment, and we are grateful for the cooperation shown by Chairman Young and Saxton in getting to this point. Mr. Chairman, the heart of our amendment addresses three issues: First, what is the role of the hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation in the refuge system? Second, how much freedom should the Fish and Wildlife Service have in establishing--and expanding--refuges without congressional approval? And third, what safeguards exist to ensure that the management standards of existing refuges are maintained if the management authority is put in the hands of an individual State? In my remarks during the rule, I mentioned the legacy of J.N. ``Ding'' Darling--a hunter who was a steadfast conservationist. He understood that given the proper balance, hunting and conservation were compatible.”