Political Quotes

“I rise in support of H.R. 4578, a bill making appropriations to the Department of Interior and Related Agencies for FY 2001. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Chairman Bill Young and Ranking Member Mr. David Obey of the Committee on Appropriations, and Chairman Ralph Regula and Ranking Member Mr. Norman Dicks of the Subcommittee on Interior Appropriations for their work on this important bill and for their support on issues affecting the territories. I thank the members of the appropriations committee and the subcommittee for their work to ensure that Guam received $10 million for Compact Impact Aid in this year's interior appropriations bill given Guam's continuing economic recovery from the Asian financial crisis and our unprecedented 15.3 percent unemployment rate. Increasing Compact Aid for Guam has been a priority as the responsibility of supporting an unfunded federal mandate has placed a heavy financial burden on the people of Guam. Also included in this legislation is the Lands Legacy Trust Fund which will provide $12 billion over the next six years to pay for land conservation, preservation and maintenance. This is an important program that will assist the territories conserve and preserve scarce lands and natural resources for future generations.”