Political Quotes

“I would like to recognize my colleagues, Mr. Jolly and Mr. Clawson, who are my good friends and cosponsors of this amendment. Second, I would also like to remind my colleagues that this amendment passed by voice during last year's debate, and I am hopeful we can do the same again this year. As many of my colleagues know from across the country, who have visited Florida at some point and have enjoyed our beautiful beaches, sunshine, water, white sand--and I don't mean to brag, but we really do live in a paradise. That is why for years we have fought oil drilling off of our beaches, and, thankfully, the Federal Government has listened to the people of Florida and banned drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. This amendment would strengthen that ban and our commitment to protect Florida's beaches by prohibiting exploration and testing for oil in the eastern Gulf. Our military opposes it, conservationists oppose it, and Florida's tourism industry opposes it. I am proud to work with Mr. Jolly and Mr. Clawson on this important amendment for Florida, and I hope my colleagues will join us in supporting this amendment to protect Florida's Gulf beaches. I reserve the balance of my time.”