June 30, 1976
Page 21426
Mr. RANDOLPH. Mr. President, I express appreciation to all the members of the Senate Public Works Committee for the diligence, the objectivity and, I think, the fairness with which they have approached this problem for 2 years within the committee.
There were differences of opinion within the committee. Those differences, in degree, were expressed in the vote on the Hatfield amendment earlier today. The commitment of the members of your Public Works Committee has been very real. We will now vote, and we will give to the country, if we can have the endorsement of the House and the signature of the President, another piece of landmark legislation. It will take its place with the programs we have brought forward for control of air pollution and the programs for the control of water pollution. We have been very affirmative in this legislation as we approach a vote.
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, will the Senator yield?
Mr. RANDOLPH. I yield.
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I would like to express my personal appreciation to the chairman of the committee and floor manager of the bill, Senator RANDOLPH, for his persistence, diligence, and the leadership for the past 2 years in bringing this bill to the floor of the Senate. It fell within the jurisdiction of the Environmental Subcommittee, but I was caught up in the clean air legislation and other responsibilities, and Senator RANDOLPH took over the load.
This legislation started out with some rather big ideas and objectives, as the Senator from New Mexico has pointed out, 2 years ago, and to bring the bill to the floor in the form it has taken and, given the differences of opinion, I think is a tribute to Senator Randolph's leadership, and I give him my support for this and my compliments.
Mr. RANDOLPH. I am appreciative of the Senator's remarks.