Ralph Hall: “Mr. Chairman, I do not consider them obstructionists, and we are trying not to be. The gentleman mentioned that they…”

“Mr. Chairman, I do not consider them obstructionists, and we are trying not to be. The gentleman mentioned that they play the odds in Las Vegas. I have been to Las Vegas. The last time I was out there I saw a dejected fellow sitting over there. He lost all of his money and he could not borrow any more money and he could not cash any checks, but the management was kind out there and they offered him some food. And he said, ``No, I can't do that. My bus will be here in a few minutes.'' And they said, ``Oh, you have to catch the bus?'' And he said, ``No, I'm going to get in front of it.'' Mr. Chairman, that is what we would do if this amendment passed. Because whereas the other amendment said that any Governor could veto it, this sets out that a bureaucrat can veto it. They are going to let FERC veto it. That is of course outrageous. H.R. 1270 provides already for technical assistance and funding to the States, to the effected units of local governments, Indian tribes and nonprofit organizations for the training of local public safety officials. The amendment would give the Director of FEMA complete discretion over whether this act is implemented. I just do not think we want to do that. It would be an illegal delegation of power. It is not a good idea.”