the most critical asset in the defense of our Nation are the men and women who choose to serve.

We deeply appreciate all the things that Fort Gordon does for our United States military as well as our Army.

But the other instances where we are going to carte blanche provide the opportunity for the agencies to ban lead in all instances.

H.R. 615 provides critical safeguards that Representative Wittman talked about when agencies contemplate the idea of banning lead ammunition and fishing tackle.

What I am saying is Representative Wittman's bill puts these critical sideboards on this decision-making process.

Mr. Wittman's bill would prohibit a blanket U.S. Fish and Wildlife ban on lead ammunition and fishing tackle...

H.R. 615 is really important.

I think we ought to make sure that decisions are made based on sound science, where there is a relationship between the use of lead...

Such a ban on lead ammunition and fishing tackle will have serious consequences for sportsmen who contribute to conservation.

Let's make no mistake about it. There are instances where we see conflict with lead and wildlife that has clearly been taken care of with banning lead shot for hunting waterfowl.

I haven't seen a single bit of evidence that says that a lead fishing sinker that is at the bottom of 100 feet of water somehow is going to be detrimental to the California condor.