Political Quotes

“I first thank Congresswoman Murkowski for all of her hard work. I thank the majority leader for allowing us to move on this bill--it has been 4 to 5 years--on the lands bill. We are very appreciative. We continue to work with a handful of Members to try to address their concerns and make improvements that we can add to this public package. I again thank Chairman Murkowski and other Members. It appears we will need to take votes on a few amendments, some of which I am concerned could put the entire package in jeopardy. It is my sincere hope it does not come to that situation, and Chairman Murkowski and I are going to do everything we can to address Members' concerns while protecting the package. This is in jeopardy. We have an agreement with the House, with the Chairman in the House. We have an agreement that they will take what the Senate has been working on in a fair way, and that is what is important. A great deal of hard work went into this package. It is a great piece of legislation. It has many reasons to be warmly received by both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate. Furthermore, the package addresses many Members' long-term standing priorities, which will improve the way our public lands are managed and will help constituents in small towns across America. I respectfully encourage Members with outstanding concerns to continue working with Chairman Murkowski and me to meet their needs-- but not in this package. My door is open.…”