William R. Richardson: “H.R. 536, as introduced, was a significant departure from the legislation--Section 301 of H.R. 3252-- which passed the…”

“H.R. 536, as introduced, was a significant departure from the legislation--Section 301 of H.R. 3252-- which passed the House last Congress. The bill that passed the House last Congress provided for an end by the year 2000 of through commercial truck traffic on Route 209 within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The bill, as introduced, would have extended that authority indefinitely. I believe it is in the public interest to end through truck traffic on Route 209 within the park. That's why I prefer the House language from last year. However, I recognize that the National Park Service in their testimony before the Resources Committee asked for additional time, until the year 2005, to end through truck traffic. I supported the committee amendment that embodies this change with the understanding that this so-called temporary authority will be just that--temporary--and that through truck traffic on this segment of Route 209 will end in 2005. Mr. Speaker, with that change to the bill, I support H.R. 536, as amended, and recommend its adoption by the House.”