Bruce F. Vento: “I rise with specific concerns regards the Energy and Water Appropriation measure. When conference with the Senate was…”

“I rise with specific concerns regards the Energy and Water Appropriation measure. When conference with the Senate was sought the full House accepted my instruction which put the House on record in opposition to the Senate provision regards the Denali Commission which provided the authorization of an economic development commission with such sums as necessary and then topped it off with a $20 million appropriation. Little was understood, surely no hearings and no clear concept of what the purpose and cost would be were understood with the Senate language. The House on a voice vote said no to this policy path and process by accepting the veto instruction. In conference I understand that the Senate advocate insisted upon this provision and that the best the House conferees could do was to fence, to subject to authorization the $20 million that was included in the final conference that we are being asked to agree to today. I must say I'm disappointed with this result and hope that the House can forestall and quick action to free up this $20 million solely for Alaska.”