864 



Mr. Murphy of New York. Mr. Chairman, I want to assure the gen- 

 tleman that the beach access language in this bill was carefully con- 

 sidered, both in the subcommittee and in the full committee; that 

 the very purpose of the language that we have written is to do exactly 

 what the gentleman brings up in his amendment. 



I would say that his amendment is really not necessary because no 

 substantive rights are affected. The beach access amendments here are 

 to permit methods in order to provide access to the beaches because in 

 many area we find facilities being sited in a manner that access to 

 beaches may be miles and miles away. In order to guarantee that the 

 public has the ability to get to those beaches, we have provided this 

 mechanism. 



I can assure the gentleman that no rights would be abrogated with 

 the language presently in the bill. We would appreciate it if the gentle- 

 man would consider withdrawing his amendment. 



Mr. Gonzalez. I thank the distinguished gentleman from New York. 

 I have just one question to ask: Is it the gentleman's considered 

 opinion that there is nothing in this act that would provide for some 

 future definition or a reduction in the definition of public beaches? 



Mr. Murphy of New York. No, there is nothing in this act that 

 could be constnied that way. I think quite the opposite is inherent in 

 the language that is presently in the bill, that it is the intent of the 

 Congress that the public have access and that the Congress is ready to 

 fund access to the Nation's beaches. 



Mr. Gonzalez. With that assurance from this distinguished and 

 trusted colleague, I centainly take this opportunity to withdraw my 

 amendment. 



I want to assure the gentleman and my colleagues that I am a friend 

 of the beaches, not a son of the beaches. 



Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my 

 amendment. 



The Chairman. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman 

 from Texas ? 



There was no objection. 



AMENI):\rENT OFFERED BY MR. MURPHY OF NEW YORK 



Mr. Murphy of New York. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment. 

 The Clerk read as follows : 



Amendment offered by Mr. Murphy of New York : Page 11. lines 21 and 22. 

 strike the words "Coastal Zone Management Act Amendments of 1975" and insert 

 in lieu thereof the words "Coastal Zone Management Act Amendments of 1976"'. 



Mr. Murphy of New York. Mr. Chairman, this is merely a conform- 

 ing amendment to change the dates from 1975 to 1976. 



The Chairman. The question is on the amendment offered by the 

 gentleman from New York (Mr. Murphy) . 



The amendment was agreed to. 



amendment offered by MR. KETCHUM 



Mr. Ketchum. Mt. Chairman, T offer an amendment. 

 The Clerk read as follows : 



Amendment offered by Mr. Ketchum : Page 42, line 10, strike out section 319 

 in its entirety. 



