Political Quotes

“In light of this protection of State authority being eliminated from statute by the Big Cat Public Safety Act, I would like to clarify that there are existing protections that apply to the entire chapter in which this bill amends. Title 16 of U.S. Code section 3378(a) states that ``nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the several states or Indian tribes from making or enforcing laws or regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.'' While this preemption provision is not nearly as clear as the one that will be removed by the Big Cat Public Safety, it is our intention and understanding that it will preserve the longstanding policy that the provisions being amended by this bill will not preempt or supersede the authority of a State to regulate wildlife species within that State. Senator Blumenthal, do you agree that State authority should and will be protected on this issue as it has historically been? Mr. BLUMENTHAL Yes, I do.”