[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 25585]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                            HEALTHY FORESTS

  Mr. BINGAMAN. Madam President, in response to the comments the 
Senator from Idaho made earlier this morning on the Healthy Forests 
legislation, the history of that legislation is that the bill did get 
referred to the Agriculture Committee. I thought that was a mistake, 
since the Energy and Natural Resources Committee has always had primary 
jurisdiction over most of the issues dealt with in that bill. But a 
bill was reported out of that committee.
  Following that, a group of Senators--the Senator from Idaho 
included--got together on a bipartisan basis to develop their own 
alternative, or their own proposal. That is what is intended to be 
brought to the Senate floor. My staff, the staff of the Democratic side 
of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, was not included in 
those negotiations. I complained about that. They were told they could 
observe but not participate in a meaningful way. They did that to some 
extent.
  I believe it is important that we have a full opportunity for 
amendment to this bill. I do not object to the bill coming up. I do not 
object to us proceeding with an agreement to limit what we do to the 
amendments related to that bill. I think that would be an appropriate 
way to proceed. It is an important issue. We ought to deal with it 
before Congress adjourns this fall.
  I will have several amendments. I think there are problems with the 
bill as I understand it. I also have a great many questions I would 
like to have answers to about the meaning of some of the language in 
the bill. Those are legitimate issues. I believe we can have a full and 
fair debate and a full and fair opportunity for Senators to offer 
amendments.
  I know the assistant Democratic leader, Senator Reid, did suggest we 
proceed to bring the bill up. There would be no objection to that. 
Certainly, I think that would be an appropriate way to proceed. With 
that, I appreciate the chance to explain my own point of view and 
position.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nevada is recognized.
  Mr. REID. Madam President, we yield back any time left on the 
minority side.

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