Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. As chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, which has partial jurisdiction on this bill, I support S. 1134. For over two decades, Wisconsin and Minnesota have been working on a plan to replace this bridge, which is over 80 years old. This two-State project has been delayed by lawsuit after lawsuit and by the interference of Federal bureaucrats. These nuisance lawsuits and bureaucrat attacks are all based on the fact that the bridge spans the St. Croix River, which was listed in 1972 under the Federal Wild and Scenic River Act. This bipartisan bill simply says that this ``wild and scenic'' label on the river, under Federal law, cannot stop these States from building a safe, new bridge. It's as simple as that. In regards to earmarks, which was brought up by the gentlelady from Minnesota, this bill has been reviewed and is in compliance with the earmark definition in clause 9 of rule XXI. The bill does not contain congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits. The bill is aimed at ensuring the Federal Wild and Scenic River Act doesn't prevent a safer bridge from being built. It affects multiple States. So, Mr. Speaker, the people of Minnesota and Wisconsin have been waiting decades to build this project. Let's pass this bill and allow them to do so. Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I inquire as to how much time I have remaining. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman has 11\1/2\ minutes remaining. Ms.…”