Political Quotes

“I just want to make two points in concluding debate before we go into the amendment process. A reference was made to NEPA, and I responded to that just a bit earlier where I simply said that there is a division of powers. And we are making an action. With passage of this legislation signed into law by the President, we have said that there will be a land exchange. That's the policy of the country. Now, anything that happens on that land after the exchange has happened is subject to NEPA review. I have absolutely no problem with that and nothing in this bill changes that process. The second point I would want to make is on the issue of creation of jobs. Honestly, when you hear the debate here on the floor on this issue, that's probably emblematic of the debate that has been going on in this Congress since day one. Apparently, the other side thinks that the only way you can create jobs is raising taxes and expanding the public sector. We believe that the best ways to create jobs and grow our economy are based on the principles that have gotten the United States from where we were when the Republic was created until now, by relying on the private sector. This is a private sector investment on lands that create a tremendous amount of wealth. This is a job creator, and I think that this bill deserves passage. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.”