Political Quotes

“Madam Chair, I just want to correct a couple of the statements made sincerely by the opposition to this. I want to be clear that the cost of this is borne not by the taxpayers, but by the utilities themselves. The reason that they are not able to do it now, of course, is because of a lack of clarity and the liability. So this simply clears that part of it up. Again, I want to get back to I was a regulator for nearly 10 years. Some people may remember not so many years ago a major rolling brownout that led to blackouts in the northeastern part of this country. All of that was caused by trees growing into transmission lines. It has a cascading effect. And, yes, if it is a large forest, those trees growing into transmission lines can also create forest fires. This is a very basic approach. Most of the arguments that the gentleman raised are to the underlying bill, not to this amendment. This amendment is very straightforward. I urge a ``yes'' vote. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.”