Political Quotes

“The Endangered Species Act was passed to increase protections for and provide for the recovery of vanishing wildlife. Unfortunately, in recent years we have seen countless attacks on the ESA and science-based decisions, and this bill is no exception. This bill would hastily remove Endangered Species Act protections for all gray wolves in the lower 48 States without a rulemaking process or the opportunity for judicial review. Although the population of gray wolves has started to recover, it is now only 5 percent of the number that existed historically. Scientists are just beginning to understand the role of gray wolves in the larger ecosystem, and listing and delisting decisions should be based on science, not politics. Mr. Speaker, there are so many more important things we need to be doing today. Today, instead of undermining the Endangered Species Act, we should be reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund, passing the Violence Against Women Act, and the list goes on. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.”