Political Quotes

“I sincerely thank Chairman Byrd and his staff, Galen Fountain and Chuck Kieffer, for all their hard work and consideration on this bill. I would especially like to thank the Chairman for his understanding the needs of my constituents in the Klamath Basin and thereby including these much needed payments in this bill. I would also thank Senator Stevens and his staff, Rebecca Davies, for their understanding and support. This amendment provides $20,000,000 for the farmer families in the Klamath Basin. While the Secretary has the discretion to disseminate this money as she sees fit, I am pleased that we have an understanding with the Bush administration that this money will be distributed as grants or direct payments but not as loans. The Klamath Basin stretches between southern Oregon and northern California. The water in the Basin is managed primarily by the Department of Interior's Bureau of Reclamation. The management of this water has assured the continuation of a significant agricultural community in the Basin. But this growing season the Basin is home to 1,500 growers and their families whose farms are parched. It is home to three National Wildlife Refuges and fish bearing lakes and rivers that are also parched. There is not enough water to go around. I, and several colleagues, fought so hard for the $20,000,000 contained in this bill for these farmer families because this money provides our farmers the assurances they need to get through this season.”