Russ Feingold: “I wish to comment on the Interior appropriations bill which the Senate has passed by voice vote. I am satisfied, that…”

“I wish to comment on the Interior appropriations bill which the Senate has passed by voice vote. I am satisfied, that unlike in years past, this bill is relatively free from anti-environmental riders. I commend the chairman (Mr. Byrd) and the ranking member (Mr. Stevens) for producing a bill that is largely free from riders which many of my constituents view as an undemocratic way to address environmental issues. I have been pleased by the progress on this bill, and by the manager's efforts to allow important environmental issues the benefit of an up or down vote on the floor. Though the bill this year has been considered by the Senate with an improved process, I do have some concerns about a few of the bill's provisions. First, I understand that the Senate fiscal year 2002 Interior bill includes $65 million for the Forest Legacy Program of the U.S. Forest Service, a program I strongly support.”