We are going out at a time when we are running deficits of $1.5 trillion plus.

I thank Chairman Fleming, Ranking Member Sablan, and the members of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs for their time and consideration of this non-controversial legislation.

It has been cosponsored by 46 Members of the House, including myself.

If we are going to put our taxpayers on the hook for this kind of massive expenditure, at a minimum we should be willing to authorize those land acquisitions.

The Subcommittee will come to order.

These two bills appear to meet that criterion.

My home State of Louisiana is a maritime state and we depend very heavily on trade and exports.

It has cost a lot of businesses, what we are seeing over and over from businesses in my district and other districts.

the President said you went too far.

It kills jobs in this country.

So looking at the WTO government procurement agreement progress, clearly China is dragging its feet, and I know that has been a top priority in these discussions.

What is the holdup there?

Sure. Yes. It certainly makes sense. I mean, logically he's got to be the favorite. But you know what? The Republicans just don't want to vote for him.

I want to thank you for including this bill, Mr. Chairman, on your agenda.

Thank you for sharing the history of this wonderful asset and we look forward to working with you.

I am really hoping that the 3rd time will be the charm where we can put this bill in a package of other worthy parks and areas and try to get this passed for the people of Louisiana.

Well, he's had a pretty start. He went to 30 percent raise -- he can raise money, OK? And he was the governor of Texas.

I think it's smart politics for him to do that.