Senate Proceeding 11-03-09 on Nov 3rd, 2009 :: 0:54:45 to 1:00:10
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0:54:42 to 0:55:02( Edit History Discussion )

John Ensign: should have accomplished this task. while we wait, suffers and thousands of americans do. so i would urge passage as quickly as possible. i would hope that leader reid would propose that we move to the measure as quickly as

0:54:45 to 1:00:10( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: John Ensign

0:55:03 to 0:55:24( Edit History Discussion )

John Ensign: possible, that we could avoid another cloture vote, another 85-2 vote confirming what we all know: that we're allowed to vote on final passage this measure will pass overwhelmingly. and with that, mr. president, i would yield the mr. ensign: mr. president? the presiding officer: the senator from nevada. mr. ensign: mr. president, i

0:55:25 to 0:55:47( Edit History Discussion )

John Ensign: rise to talkbout a bill that has been introduced today by myself, senators reid, senators feinstein and boxer. this is the next chapter in our continuing support of one of the most pristine and magnificent areas in the united states and indeed the world. since it was formed over 2 million years ago the

0:55:48 to 0:56:09( Edit History Discussion )

John Ensign: breathtaking beauty of lake tahoe has awed all who have visited its crystal-clear waters and inspiring views. mark twain once said about this landmark, "i thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole world affords.

0:56:10 to 0:56:30( Edit History Discussion )

John Ensign: from the from the tribe that inhabited it, who first saw lake tahoe 165 years ago, this alpine lake is part of our history and is part of our future. next year the lake tahoe restoration act originally enacted in 2000 will expire. over the course of a decade, $300 million was invested in

0:56:31 to 0:56:52( Edit History Discussion )

John Ensign: environmental projects for water clarity, erosion control and fire suppression. i am proud to have led the effort to amend the land management act in 2003 in order to guarantee funding for the lake tahoe restoration act. the money comes from hraupbd auctions -- land auctions across southern nevada.

0:56:53 to 0:57:14( Edit History Discussion )

John Ensign: great work has gone into protecting this national legacy, but we are not done. the lake tahoe restoration act of 2009 is our continued commitment to protecting this nevada treasure, indeed this american treasure, for future generations. this effort is a between senators feinstein,

0:57:15 to 0:57:35( Edit History Discussion )

John Ensign: reid, boxer, and myself, and it authorizes $415 million over eight years and provides money for fuel reduction, environmental improvement programs, storm water management, and watershed restoration. it devotes significant funding for the first time ever to

0:57:36 to 0:57:56( Edit History Discussion )

John Ensign: prevent the introduction of coaga and zebra mussels into th lake, one of the greatest threats facing lake tahoe today and as well as many other lakes around the western united states. there is also funding for the lake program and public oreach and education. unfortunately, there are many

0:57:57 to 0:58:18( Edit History Discussion )

John Ensign: threats that face lake tahoe today. this legislation addresses each of those threats in a manner that is fiscally responsible th the most effective and efficient use of federal funds based on scientific research. hazardous fuels reduction is one of the most important investments that we can make.

0:58:19 to 0:58:39( Edit History Discussion )

John Ensign: if you've ever been to lake tahoe, you know that one catastrophic wildfire could wipe out great parts of the entire basin. just two years ago we watched in horror as the angora fire spread and consumed land, trees, homes and businesses.

0:58:40 to 0:59:03( Edit History Discussion )

John Ensign: it spewed sediment and ash into the lake and turd our worst fears into reality. that ishy we must be aggressive with our fuel-reduction efforts. this bill also provides grants to fire protection districts in the lake tahoe basin to work in partnership with homeowners on defensible space. this bill is not just a federal effort.

0:59:04 to 0:59:24( Edit History Discussion )

John Ensign: nevada, california, and private enties are also partners in the environmental improvement program. in nevada, where the legislature recently committed $100 m to the environmental improvement program, lake tahoe is beloved and treasured. i had the privilege of spending several of my childhood years at

0:59:25 to 0:59:45( Edit History Discussion )

John Ensign: the my wife, darlene, and i have made it a point to instill the love of lak tahoe to our children. we do everything from water skiing to road biking, hiking, all of the various outdoor activities.

0:59:46 to 1:00:06( Edit History Discussion )

John Ensign: to this day one of my favorite views in the entire world is on top of the tahoe rim trail deep into the harbor where you can see the huge boulders. it is o spectacular views in all the world. there is no place in the world like lake tahoe.

1:00:07 to 1:00:10( Edit History Discussion )

John Ensign: let's work together to make sure that this inheritance is cared