Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, this afternoon, I voted no on H.R. 1965, the Federal Lands, Jobs, and Energy Security Act. I appreciate that my colleagues brought this legislation to the floor, and, in fact, have supported many of the titles contained in the measure--and continue to do so. I have a long record of supporting efforts to increase development of our domestic energy resources. However, I could not support the bill today given that two troubling amendments, specifically the Marino and Hanabusa amendments, which were adopted to the bill with little debate and Members were not given the opportunity to vote on these additional provisions. I was particularly concerned with the Marino amendment. It calls for plans to allow the construction of new power lines ``across federal lands to ensure that that energy produced can be distrusted to areas of need.'' Some may consider this to be non-controversial, but I have fought the impact of similar language for a number of years. I am privileged to represent Virginia's hallowed grounds, and I simply cannot support efforts to construct new power lines through our area-- particularly power lines that would ship energy to other parts of the country. That's why I opposed PATH, and why I opposed TrAIL. Cedar Creek and Bell Grove National Historic Park and Manassas National Battlefield Park are just a few areas in our region that could be impacted by this amendment.…”