Lincoln Chafee: “I am pleased to report after much debate and negotiation, my distinguished colleagues--Senator Kempthorne, Senator Reid…”

“I am pleased to report after much debate and negotiation, my distinguished colleagues--Senator Kempthorne, Senator Reid, Senator Baucus, Senator Craig--and I have reached an agreement on language relating to the Endangered Species Act requirements for emergency flood control activities. I want to also say that the administration was a big help in this agreement. They were in on our negotiations. Our amendment will ensure that the requirements of the Endangered Species Act will not impede actions to address emergency situations. It removes any uncertainty that the emergency procedures in the Endangered Species Act and its implementing regulations shall apply in those situations, and it resolves several ambiguities and procedures. It is a significant resolution that will not only expedite the passage of the Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions Act--the main bill we are on here--but it also represents a promising step in our ongoing efforts to reauthorize the Endangered Species Act itself.”