Robert Torricelli: “it is basic in this institution, indeed in our Union, that each of us, as representatives of some States, have respect…”

“it is basic in this institution, indeed in our Union, that each of us, as representatives of some States, have respect for the economy, the culture, and the traditions of other States. Indeed, this should not, and cannot, be a debate between Illinois and New Jersey against Montana and Alaska. Disproportionately, this would impact the great State of Alaska and several other Western States. Because of the gracious invitation of the Senator from Alaska, I have visited his State. I have been to Montana many times. I have enormous respect for their traditions and their cultures. It is because of that fact that this amendment was so carefully designed. Senator Burns has appropriately talked about the problem of ranchers and farmers who lose livestock and need to protect their own properties. The Senator from Montana need not be concerned. The management of species protection of those lands is exempt from this amendment. Private lands are exempt from this amendment. There is no greater advocate of native peoples than Senator Stevens. He appropriately has talked about the need for subsistence of people who live off the land. And while he has talked about the need to sell some of those species, to the extent that he is concerned about the need of people to trap for their own subsistence, he need not be concerned. That is exempt from this amendment. Maintenance of species, dealing with predatory animals, research are all exempt from this amendment.”