The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“SUPPORT OF OVERRIDING VETO FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR” mentioning the Department of Interior was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E28-E29 on Jan. 5, 1996.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
SUPPORT OF OVERRIDING VETO FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR
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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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