Bart Stupak: “Mr. Speaker, the subject of this motion to instruct is critical to the success of this conference. On June 25, 1996, I…”

“Mr. Speaker, the subject of this motion to instruct is critical to the success of this conference. On June 25, 1996, I came to the floor prepared to unequivocally support a bill that protects the environment and provides needed flexibility for local governments. I was very concerned to learn that $375 million in earmarks were added to the agreed upon bi-partisan bill. I introduced into the Record the administration's position on these earmarks. The administration position states, ``The administration * * * strongly opposes the provisions added in title V which would jeopardize public health and undermine the SRF by limiting states' flexibility to prioritize project funding.'' In addition to inserting this statement, I engaged the gentleman from New York, the chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee in a colloquy on this issue. He pledged to maintain the 75-percent trigger in the final conference report. By supporting this motion, the Members of the House will show their agreement with the gentleman from New York. Please do not let an urgent bill like the Safe Drinking Water Act fall prey to backroom pork politics. I urge the Members of the House to support this motion.”