Political Quotes

“in the closing days of last Congress, I was proud to see this body include a provision in the Carl Levin and Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act, P.L. 113- 291, to transfer a parcel of land at the former Badger Army Ammunition Plant near Baraboo, WI, from the Department of Defense to the Department of the Interior. I worked throughout the drafting of this legislation to include this provision, which is of great importance to Wisconsin. During discussions on the specific legislative text to be included in the bill, a question was raised as to how the language might apply to Department of Defense contractors, particularly any Badger Army Ammunition Plant operators. I understand the legislative language that refers to ``activities of the Department of Defense'' to include activities undertaken by the officers and agents employed or contracted by the Department of Defense, meaning that under the terms of this provision, the Army retains responsibility for remediation of environmental contamination resulting from activities undertaken by the Department of Defense and its contractors. This clarification is critical because Badger Army Ammunition Plant was operated by the Department of Defense contractors, and contamination at the site was caused as a direct result of their activities.…”