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United States of America No. 144?Part III Congressional "Record th PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 99 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION Vol. 132 WASHINGTON, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1986 No. 144?Part III Senate Mr. HECHT. Madam President, this bill is being held up over disputed water rights language. I just want to make it clear that the water rights language in question was also in the original H.R. 5277, the companion measure which was introduced in the House. These bills, and that water rights language, enjoy the strong bipartisan support of the entire Nevada delegation. I want to point out that I think it is unfortunate that the House chose to ignore that language when it passed H.R. 5277. I also think it is unfortunate that there are some in this body who want to take advantage of this measure to accomplish a potentially massive reservation of the scarce waters of Nevada to the Federal Government. Madam President, S. 2698 contains clear and unambiguous language to ensure that the transfer of lands from the BLM to the Forest Service does not create any new Federal water rights. With the Senate language, everything would be the same tomorrow as it is today, except that administration and management would be en- -hanced. I regret that the House Democrats strongly oppose that basic protection. Instead, they would use this bill to establish new Federal water rights which could severely impair future economic development in Nevada. Madam President, a lot of people in Nevada will be disappointed that this bill did not pass this year. Many Neva-dans have been working hard for 2 long years on this issue, and some have contributed their hard-earned money to send representatives to Washington to testify in favor of this bill. I want to assure the people of Nevada that although this bill may be dead, the issue is not dead. When the Congress reconvenes in January, I will once again come before the Senate to reintroduce this bill. I am hopeful that in the less frantic early days of the 100th Congress, we will be able to act quickly and cooperatively on this issue. I yield the floor. Several Senators addressed the Chair.