We have to have some certainty in this process.

But it is a lot nicer having you than Senator Carper coming here to testify in front of us.

What we are simply saying is there should be a concurrence of Congress.

the legislation being considered before the Subcommittee today attacks the very law that served Virginia and the Hampton Roads area very well.

the Antiquities Act was put to perfect use in coordination with State and local authorities in breaking congressional gridlock by establishing Fort Monroe National Monument.

While it may be technically possible for the President to abuse the Antiquities Act, history has shown that Presidents over the past 100 years from both parties have used good judgment when exercising the power granted to them.

Without objection, it will be done.

Communities in the area are suffering. Schools are shutting down.

We've lived in actual fear of this raw Executive power ever since President Clinton and Vice President Gore, in a cowardly, infamous act, failed to engage the people of Utah in a public process...

the Act must be amended to include one or all of these steps to limit that power and assure adequate prior public involvement and support;

Historically, special land designations like national monuments have had a strangling effect on livestock grazing.

We believe the NEPA requirements of the Act are the crux of Rep. Bishop's legislation.

Congress must not allow such abuse by the executive branch to continue.

There is widespread feeling within our State that we were dealt a great injustice by President Clinton when he created the Grand-Staircase-Escalante Monument.

There was no local involvement, no consultation with those who would be impacted by the decision.

This monument proclamation violated both the letter and the spirit, and purposely locked up an abundance of domestic NG resources.

So, let me just simply say today we are going to hear testimony on a number of bills that would reform the Antiquities Act.

I love representative democracy in action.