Frank Lautenberg: “I must say, because I come from New Jersey, the most densely populated State in the country, it does not mean that we…”

“I must say, because I come from New Jersey, the most densely populated State in the country, it does not mean that we have less of an interest about species that are in jeopardy, be they animal or flora fauna, than do they in the more remote parts of the country. And this debate, I think, ought to be taking place at a different pace and a different time. We just went through a hearing and a markup on Tuesday in the EPW Committee. It was carried and was going to be presented on the floor. Instead, I have to say that I am surprised that the Senator from Texas, after having won an agreement from the subcommittee to pass the amendment along, suddenly now it is attached to a rescission bill. What is the urgency, Mr. President, of moving this so quickly? Are we willing to say today that we do not want to continue preserving those species that may save lives, that may interest our children and our grandchildren in a particular type of fish, or a particular type of bird, or particular type of animal?”