Political Quotes

“I wish to briefly note my support for this bill, and for the efforts of Senator Feinstein, the sponsor, and Senator Johnston, chairman of the committee of jurisdiction, in bringing this bill to the floor. Because the California Desert Protection Act will affect the costs of managing Federal lands, we in Congress must retain authority over this legislation to ensure that any commitments for future Federal costs are responsible and necessary. This was a primary concern of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee when we considered this bill. Beyond the question of Federal costs, however, this is a California plan for public lands in that State, put together mostly by long discussions and debate among Californians. It is a plan on which former Senator Cranston of California worked with his constituents for many years to set aside some parts of that State as permanent wilderness, wildlife preserves, and public parks. Certainly, I understand that not all residents of California agree with this bill. However, in the main, this is a California plan for Californians, and we ought to allow Senator Feinstein and her constituents some latitude in determining the future of natural and scenic areas of their State.”