Max Baucus: “I rise today to discuss my intent on four rollcall votes where I was necessarily absent due to my required presence in…”

“I rise today to discuss my intent on four rollcall votes where I was necessarily absent due to my required presence in my home State of Montana. These votes are directly important to Montana and the Nation. I would like the opportunity to further the debate on these timely issues. The cloture vote on Senator Byrd's amendment to the fiscal year 2003 Interior Appropriations legislation has a direct and fundamental impact on Montana for three reasons. First, the amendment reimburses the United States Forest Service for funding expended fighting fires this year. This funding is essential because of the high fire danger that still exists in the West due to the prolonged drought and funding already spent on fires cannot be used for existing USFS obligations and duties on our national forests. Second, my good friend from West Virginia's amendment has already been modified to include the most important funding that could be dispersed this year for Montana's economy. I'm speaking, of course, about natural disaster funding for our farmers and ranchers. Montana is suffering through its fourth year of drought and conditions could not be worse. If we do not move forward with a disaster package, there will simply be fewer family farms and ranches around next year. Period. This is a debate that has gone on far too long and the House and President Bush need to come to the table and accept the work of the Senate.”