Political Quotes

“every Senator is aware that the continuing resolution now before the Senate represents a less than perfect solution to the impasse over the unsigned fiscal year 1996 appropriations bills. As chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, I'd like to take a moment to discuss why the Interior bill remains unsigned, and why I am beginning to question whether we will be able to enact a bill this year. Our system of Government is based on checks and balances. To enact legislation and govern effectively, cooperation, and compromise are required. Indeed, the President made cooperation and compromise the central theme of his State of the Union Address Tuesday night. Sadly, there seems to be little cooperation and virtually no compromise with regard to the Interior bill. Despite the fact that House and Senate negotiators have made many significant changes to the bill to address the President's concerns, the administration has shown little willingness to accommodate a number of serious congressional policy concerns. Unfortunately for those agencies funded by the bill, this refusal will result in continued uncertainty and reduced funding.”