Political Quotes

“The Ledger-Times reminds us that the refuge and the project at Land Between the Lakes would provide very similar services and that the creation of the refuge will put future LBL funding at risk. Mr. President, supporters of the refuge have compiled a seemingly impressive list of endorsements. But listen to who is on the list: Mall Interiors, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Pride, Inc. I have no doubt that these are fine organizations, but how are they qualified to speak to a proposed wildlife refuge in western Kentucky? Of course, there is also a list of Kentucky environmental organizations who support the refuge. But again, you will not hear the name of a single county or county organization in or near the proposed wildlife refuge that supports it. In fact, the closes organization is located over 80 miles and five counties away from where the refuge would be located. We should listen to the people of western Kentucky before creating a refuge that currently includes at least 7,000 acres of cropland. What will happen to that cropland? What about the communities and families in and around the refuge? At a minimum, we should be holding official public hearings in the community and inviting public comment before establishing a wildlife refuge instead of creating it through an appropriations earmark. Mr. President, my amendment redirects the bill's earmarked funds toward Land Between the Lakes projects that already enjoy wide support in Kentucky.”