I would like to begin by observing that I strongly share the view of the gentleman from New Mexico, Tom Udall, that the pending measure is unnecessary and seriously deficient and should not be approved by this body.

With that noted, the amendment I am offering is simple and straightforward. It would strike from H.R. 4200 its most egregious provisions which ride roughshod over the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the Clean Water Act.

These unwarranted assaults on our Nation’s premier conservation laws, under the guise of enhancing forest management, should be an embarrassment to this body, to this House of Representatives.

Should this body approve the pending measure, the result would be a weakening of existing law, in the form of NEPA – a law that is meant to ensure public participation in actions by the federal government.

The American public is already in an uproar over this Administration’s penchant for surveillance of their phone conversations and email transactions. And now we are going to say to American taxpayers that they cannot even participate in proposed federal actions that directly affect them. What message is that sending?

Did George Orwell really have it right when he wrote the book "Nineteen Eighty- Four" back in 1949, in which he penned: "If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face.....forever."

I would note that the sponsor of the pending legislation, the distinguished gentleman from Oregon, is very passionate about this matter and I respect that.

Yesterday, during the Rules Committee’s consideration of this bill he described my amendment as one which would "gut" the bill. I, on the other hand, firmly believe that Americans cherish the Clean Water Act and do not want its application waived. I also believe that Americans believe they should have a say under the National Environmental Policy Act on major federal actions impacting their lives.

Obviously, the gentleman and I have a very different view of America.

And the gulf which divides us on this issue makes for a very clear vote in the House of Representatives today on this amendment.

The pending measure also constitutes a direct assault on the ESA, It legislatively directs that an incidental take permit be issued. Without limitation. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Regardless of the impacts of the salvaging operation on endangered species.

This is not fair play. This is draconian.

Finally, my amendment would strike provisions of the pending measure involving compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. I would ask, are we to sacrifice our country’s past, our national heritage, on the altar of something like salvage logging.

Let us send the proper message to the people of this Nation today. Regardless of how Members view the rest of the pending measure, let us first vote to ensure that the public’s right to participate in proposed federal actions is preserved, and that our country’s fundamental conservation laws will remain in place.

I urge a yes vote on this amendment.