Political Quotes

“Mr. President I want to enter into a colloquy with the distinguished chairman of the Interior Subcommittee concerning the funding in this bill for our National Zoo. I know that the chairman is very aware of the problems that have plagued our National Zoo over this last year. Many of these problems simply relate to deteriorating physical conditions of the zoo. Buildings and other animal habitats are literally falling apart. This crown jewel of the Smithsonian is actually at risk of losing its accreditation from the American Zoo and Aquarian Association. What a terrible message this would send to the American public that its national zoo cannot even meet accreditation standards. We owe it to the American people, the thousands of children who visit the zoo annually, to visitors from all over the world, and most importantly to the safety and protection of these wonderful animals to do all we can to restore the conditions there to a safe and healthy environment. I ask the chairman of the subcommittee, in conference with the House on this bill will you work to provide a level of funding that will once again restore this wonderful institution to the level befitting of being a 'national' zoo and to help maintain its accreditation?”