Political Quotes

“first, let me thank Senators Landrieu and Murkowski for their work on this legislation. I was listening to Senator Murkowski go through how this process came together. I also listened to Senator Coburn's concerns about the process that has been used. Let me share with my colleagues why I strongly support the inclusion of the lands package in the National Defense Authorize Act and encourage my colleagues to support the vote later today. I reference specifically the Harriet Tubman National Historic Park. Talk about frustration. This park, although approved through studies and it went through all the appropriate ways for its designation, was held by one Senator on a hold for 3\1/2\ years, and that is despite the fact that since 2012 there was an offset to make sure it did not cost any additional resources--a requirement that I was told I needed to satisfy to remove the hold. There is a lot of frustration here. I appreciate what Senator Murkowski did and the history she went through. She is absolutely right. If we tried to bring these bills to the floor on an individual basis, we would never get done the work of the Senate. These land issues have been vetted, and I can tell you in regard to the Harriet Tubman National Historic Park, it is very much needed. This Senate did pass this particular designation earlier this year, so this has already been passed by the Senate.…”