Political Quotes

“while I will be voting for the Energy and Water Appropriations bill at this early point in the legislative process, I want my colleagues to know that the funding in this measure for several important water projects in North Dakota are not adequate and must be improved in conference committee. I am particularly disappointed that the Subcommittee appears to be relying on the Senates' funding commitments for the Devils Lake outlet, the Buford-Trenton irrigation district flowage easements, and the Garrison Diversion MR and I projects to avoid committing appropriate and required funding levels in the House. I will be working closely with the House conferees to obtain a fair result for North Dakota in the conference committee and regret the House bill in its present forum falls so far short of the mark. I am voting for the bill to move us to the next step in the process-- conference committee--because I believe this will be the fastest way to make the needed improvements to this bill.”