James Oberstar: “So I compliment the gentleman, Mr. Chairman, on his vigilance on this matter, but I feel that the vehicle is not…”

“So I compliment the gentleman, Mr. Chairman, on his vigilance on this matter, but I feel that the vehicle is not appropriate. It has, first of all, not had widespread scrutiny in our committee. We have not had an opportunity until just now to review the approach the gentleman takes. It has been my intention that, in cooperation with the gentleman from Michigan and others of our colleagues in the Great Lakes States, to approach this subject in the forthcoming Water Resources Development Act of 2000. I would like to ask my colleague if he would consider withdrawing the amendment, preserving the option and, of course, protecting his right to come forth in the WRDA bill and to cooperate with us in a similar venture.”