Political Quotes

“Madam President, again, I want to thank Senator Rosen for her leadership, and we certainly are looking forward to taking up the legislation that she has introduced. H.J. Res. 27 Madam President, I know we are on debate on the waters of the United States. The rule provides for exceptions for ranchers and farmers. I would hope that we reject the resolution. I would like to start my statement of support for a strong definition of ``waters of the United States'' with a reflection on the history of the Clean Water Act. Congress overhauled the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, originally enacted in 1948, with amendments in 1972 that gave the act its current dimensions. The 1972 legislation spelled out ambitious programs for water quality improvement that industries and municipalities are still implementing today. The 92nd Congress held a series of votes on the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, which would later come to be known as the Clean Water Act. The Senate passed the bill, which came out of a conference committee with the House after 39 meetings, by a vote of 74 to 0. The House passed the bill by a 366-to-11 vote. Nineteen-seventy two was a Presidential election year. Despite a first term notable for its landmark environmental achievements, President Nixon vetoed the bill in an attempt to set himself apart from his opponent, George McGovern.…”