Political Quotes

“late last week the distinguished Senator from Arkansas, Senator Bumpers, and I introduced broad-based electricity restructuring legislation. Each of us spoke to that legislation at that time. We expressed the belief that this first bipartisan approach to a major national issue facing the country would trigger even more serious consideration than has been given during this first session of this Congress to that subject, and expressed the hope, which I repeat here, that it is an issue that will seriously be considered by both Houses of Congress during the course of the next year. One major portion of that bill, S. 1401, is a title dealing with the Pacific Northwest fish and the management of the Columbia River system. I greatly appreciated Senator Bumpers' willingness to put his name on those regional provisions, as he did in my case, I believe, with respect to the provisions dealing with the Tennessee Valley Authority. This morning I wish to speak briefly on the fish and wildlife issues that are a part of S. 1401. The bill does not address, Mr. President, except in the most general way, the critical need for an improved ``river governance'' process, especially with respect to issues relating to fish and wildlife. This omission should not be misinterpreted. Legislation may well be needed in this area to assure that the multiple purposes of the Federal power system are protected together with the public benefits that they bring.”