Joseph Knollenberg: “I want to state at the outset that this amendment makes the language for this Agriculture Appropriations bill, H.R.…”

“I want to state at the outset that this amendment makes the language for this Agriculture Appropriations bill, H.R. 4461, exactly the same, word-for-word, as the language in the energy and water appropriations bill, the same, word-for-word, that will be in the foreign operations bill that will come before this body this week. This language passed by voice vote with no opposition in about 1 minute just a few days ago. I would like to make four quick key points that are actually directed in this amendment. Number one, no agency can proceed with activities that are not specifically authorized and funded. Number two, no new authority is granted. Number three, neither the United Nations framework convention on climate control, nor the Kyoto Protocol are self-executing and specific implementing legislation is required for any regulation, program or initiative. Number four, since the Kyoto Protocol has not ratified and implementing legislation has not been approved by Congress, nothing contained exclusively in that treaty is funded. Mr. Chairman, I just want to urge all Members to support what is a bipartisan supported amendment, and it has been our effort to strengthen through clarification and offer consistently in all of these bills and we think that is the proper approach, it simplifies things, clarifies things and I think strengthens things.”