Political Quotes

“In reclaiming my time, I would be more than happy to respond to my good friend in that regard. Obviously, this is the concern because of that. They say then--and rightfully so--in their letter that was sent out to all Members of Congress: Thus, instead of being limited to oceans and coasts, the National Ocean Policy could extend to the regulation of every farm and ranch in the United States. Now, I think they're right on that. But we do have statutes, by the way, that deal precisely with what my good friend from Washington brought up to me just a moment ago, and that is the Clean Water Act. That's what part of that is all about, is to deal with that. This is an executive order that gives potential authority far, far beyond those acts, and it's done by executive order. Now, there is a process to go through. Sometimes we can agree with that process or disagree, but at least let's go through that process with the Congress making the policy. That's what the issue is here with this executive order. Finally, since my good friend from Washington brought this up, let me make this observation. Our State of Washington has an ocean policy. It was done by statute, and in it, it specifically says in that statute: The marine management plan, meaning the ocean policy, must be developed and implemented in a manner that recognizes and respects existing uses. I think that's good policy.…”