Political Quotes

“The chairman and I sat through some hearings last year, listening to and learning about the hatcheries in Washington State and learning about both the treaty responsibilities and the natural hatchery programs. I think we funded it at the level that was requested and then above that. On top of the fact that we are at a level beyond what was requested, this, again, would diminish the accounts for the census. We have a constitutional responsibility. We swear our oath to the Constitution. It requires the United States Congress to fund a census, and even though the hatcheries in Washington State deserve appropriate support, I think that the committee has moved in that direction. I have to oppose this on the basis that it, again, attacks an account that we have a responsibility to protect, even though it may not have the same level of political or popular support as some of these items. I love eating the fish, but we have got to make sure we count the census, so that we can live up to our responsibility as a Congress. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott). The amendment was rejected. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will read.…”