Two of my Republican colleagues have filed amendments to S. 787, which highlight some very legitimate concerns with the bill.  I have chosen not to try and amend the bill because, frankly, I don’t think this bill is fixable.  Allow me to just briefly list some of the groups that have expressed concerns with this bill that are not covered by any the amendments filed today:  The Associated Builders and Contractors, the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, the American Forest and Paper Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Association of Home Builders, the National Association of REALTORS, the American Highway Users Alliance, the American Association of Airport Executives, and the list goes on for about 14 pages.  I would ask unanimous consent that this entire list be entered into the record.

I apologize to anyone whose name I did not read; I simply wanted to demonstrate that the concerns with this bill touch every segment of our economy. 

I want to put my colleagues and the Chair on notice that, on the very outside chance this bill ever actually reaches the Senate floor, I will lead a very robust and orchestrated effort to make changes to the bill that will protect private property owners, farmers, ranchers, and all those affected by this bill from regulatory overreach.  I would also note that, based on the widespread opposition to this bill, there is no chance of it passing the Senate.

This bill is further proof that Washington doesn’t “get” rural America.  I understand the majority will offer some amendments to the bill to try to fix the problems this bill creates, but from what I’ve seen they are window-dressing that doesn’t change the basic outcome:  It is a dagger directed right at America’s heartland.  I look forward to our discussion and the opportunity to point out how every farmer, hunter, and private property owner in the nation will be affected by this bill, regardless of amendments.