[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 1, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12091-S12092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PARKS OMNIBUS LEGISLATION UPDATE

  Mr. MURKOWSKI. I want to assure my colleagues that we are continuing 
to have discussions with the administration relative to the disposition 
of the parks omnibus bill, and I hope that those bear some meaningful 
resolve before the day is out. Those discussions are going on now, and, 
I might say, Mr. President, I am somewhat encouraged, but I have been 
at that stage before, as well.
  I know there is a lot of interest in it, and I want to at least 
advise my colleagues of the current status. It has been somewhat like 
how I would envision a Chinese torture chamber might be, had I ever 
been exposed to one--and perhaps I have been exposed to one and just do 
not know it.
  In any event, the ultimate outcome of this still depends on the 
administration recognizing that we need some assurance on timber supply 
to supply our three existing operating sawmills in our State, and 
hopefully provide enough for the fourth one that has been shut down for 
2 years. That is where we are on the issue of resolving our 
differences.
  There are other differences. In fact, the State of Colorado, 
particularly, and the State of Virginia, we appear to be working some 
of those issues out, as well. Of course, it would require a process of 
amending the House bill which is

[[Page S12092]]

pending but subject to an objection under a unanimous-consent 
request. But that would be the vehicle. Then we would send it back to 
the House, and the House would either accept or reject it. So that is 
where we are, Mr. President.

  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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