Political Quotes

“let me begin by saluting the chairman of the Committee on Resources as well as the ranking member for their leadership in demonstrating that Republicans and Democrats can work together on important environmental legislation. This legislation is clearly in the spirit of that great conservation President, Teddy Roosevelt, legislation that will further our investment in open space, our investment in conservation and wildlife habitat, farmland preservation and the protection of wetlands. I have had the privilege over the last 6 years of representing the south side of Chicago and the south suburbs. One thing I have seen every day that I drive through the district I represent, that is, the south suburbs keep growing south. Clearly the need to protect land for open space and conservation must be a priority. This legislation nicknamed CARA is a step in the right direction. I believe it is probably the most important environmental vote that I will have an opportunity to make in the 6 years that I have been here. I think of Illinois and the home State that I represent, and Illinois historically has not done very well in acquiring Federal dollars for conservation and for open space and wildlife habitat, but this legislation will turn that around.”