Political Quotes

“I am here to support H.R. 2585 introduced by the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden). It is true that we have a great deal of tension and frustration in the Klamath Basin these days, and I commend the gentleman for taking specific steps to help relieve some of that pressure. This bill is an important step in studying alternatives for the improvement of fish passage for the endangered species. These endangered species have generated a great deal of controversy and attention. I for one feel that in some instances some of the frustration was misplaced in terms of trying to divert the blame for the problem in the Klamath Basin somehow to the fish themselves. I note with some interest that one of the Klamath Basin Native American leaders pointed out to me that blaming the fish for the water problem is a lot like blaming the gas gauge on your car if one runs out of gas. Having the gas gauge register empty, it is not the problem of the gas gauge, it is the fact that the car has run out of gas. What we are facing here is a condition that is the result of systematic action on the part of the Federal Government for over a century of making too many demands on scarce water in this arid basin.”