5/26/06 - Senator Wyden -

Mr. President, I rise today to attempt, once again, to raise awareness of the plight of countless rural communities due to the impending expiration of the Secure Rural Schools and County Self-Determination Act. I regret that the lack of concern at the White House and the inertia in Congress forces me to put a hold on David Bernhardt, the administration’s nominee for Interior Solicitor. It is time for everyone to focus their attention on the needs of the more than 700 rural counties in over 40 States that are depending on the reauthorization of this county payments legislation.

. . .

I will hold this nominee–and many nominees coming after him, if need be–until the administration finds an acceptable way to fund county payments.

I don’t know much about whatever bill the Senator is whining about, and frankly I don’t care. What’s important is his willingness to obstruct in his duties in order to strong arm the legislation that he wants through the Senate. Why should one Senator have this much power to obstruct? If you want your agenda passed, make sure your party gets elected to the majority. If it doesn’t, you don’t get to then hold nominees hostage until you get what you want.

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