Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3671, introduced by our colleague, Representative Ron Kind of Wisconsin, would authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the United States Geological Survey, to establish a sediment and nutrient monitoring network for the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The findings of the monitoring network would be used as a basis to assist public and private sediment and nutrient reduction efforts. Mr. Speaker, I would note that this legislation has passed the House in previous Congresses, and I ask my colleagues to again support its passage. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The majority has adequately described the bill. Based on the history of this legislative proposal, we're not opposing the measure; however, Members should note that today's bill has been changed from prior versions. The 10-year sunset has been removed. We were also concerned that the Federal Government would have unfettered access to private property under this program and that the data collected on this private property could be used against the landowner. However, after meeting with the affected parties, we've concluded that the U.S. Geological Survey regulations require prior written landowner permission for entry and for release of any data collected on an individual's property. I would like to include in the Record the appropriate permission form that is used for these purposes.…”