Ernest Istook: “I do want to speak against the amendment offered by the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Jefferson). This particular…”

“I do want to speak against the amendment offered by the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Jefferson). This particular language has been carried in this bill, I understand, for several years. The airport is actually in the district of the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin), who I understand is in the hospital currently, but he strongly desires the provision to remain in the bill and not be stricken. I am also advised that the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Vitter), another of the Louisiana Members whose district adjoins the airport, strongly supports keeping this provision in the bill. Members should have the right, Mr. Chairman, to protect their district. The runway would not, as I understand it, be in the district of the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Jefferson), though I understand his concern for his State and for the overall community. I do ask, however, that the amendment be opposed, that it remain in the bill, and that we respect the wishes of the Members who are most closely involved and fully informed on this problem.”