[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 3 (Friday, January 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E28-E29]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SUPPORT OF OVERRIDING VETO FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR

                                 ______


                               speech of

                       HON. BARBARA F. VUCANOVICH

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 4, 1996

  Mrs. VUCANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of overriding the 
President's veto of this conference report.
  Putting this bill together has been a difficult process, and it's 
safe to say that no one gets everything they would like to see in the 
bill. But on balance, the conference report represents the best effort 
and fairest bill possible.
  At the last meeting of the conferees, we made considerable movement 
to address the concerns about the measure expressed by the 
administration.
  Among other things, we put back into the bill a clean mining patent 
moratorium; we increased funds for Indian tribes; we gave the Park 
Service funds for the Mojave Desert. All in all, we made considerable 
movement to alleviate the administration's problems with the bill. 
Nevertheless, the President vetoed it.
  This bill includes real compromises. But apparently the President 
wants things his way or not at all. For instance, those of us who 
support responsible mining in our country have tried to move forward on 
mining law reform. We are willing to negotiate royalties and payment 
for patented land. So we have included a clean patent moratorium.
  But we did not go far enough for the President. 
  
[[Page E29]]

  Had he signed this conference report, the current shutdown of 
Interior Department offices would have been avoided. Unfortunately, 
despite our concessions, the President chose to reject the bill and 
close national pParks and recreation areas.
  We have done our job. It's time to put people back to work. It's up 
to the President.
  I support the conference report and urge my colleagues to vote 
``aye''.

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