Political Quotes

“Rather than attempt to restrict the President's efforts in this regard, I actually applaud the President's efforts. I was at the Coastal Zone Conference when the ocean policy, I think, was applauded by literally thousands of Americans from across the country when it was held in Chicago last year. We as a Nation have more responsibility for the world's oceans than any other nation on the face of the Earth. There are documented challenges to the oceans' health that have been, I think, well- documented. If you have a problem with the executive order, the problem is really not with the President of the United States; it's with the United States Congress. We have passed laws giving various responsibilities and duties to over 63 different agencies having to do with our stewardship of the oceans, and the only thing that exists in the executive order is the President's not taking any new action but to coordinate and supervise the implementation of the existing laws as passed by this Congress under the past four Presidents of the United States so that we can try to come to grips with the circumstances that afford such dire conditions in the oceans of the world. So I applaud the President. I oppose this amendment that seeks to prohibit, essentially, the executive branch from the implementation of congressional laws that have been passed by the Congress. As to this idea that there is any kind of power grab in the executive order, I would invite Members to read it.…”