Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, my district represents roughly 150 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. On a day-to-day basis the quality of life and the very livelihood of many of my constituents are directly affected by Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes are one of this Nation's most precious resources. This amendment is one way we can help protect and preserve the largest body of fresh water in the world. I am and have always been in favor of States rights and there are some that will invoke that issue in regard to this amendment. Action by Congress is needed, however, because the Great Lakes States and provincial governments of Canada have a patchwork of regulations that do little to protect the Great Lakes from the dangers associated with oil and gas drilling. Protection of this resource cannot vary from State to State or from one body of water to the next. The only appropriate policy is to keep drills out of the Great Lakes. I feel it is necessary today to vote in favor of this amendment to eliminate the risk as opposed to allowing this activity to take place.”