Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I believe Senator Daines is still in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee so I will attempt to speak on his behalf in support of his amendment. Reauthorizing the LWCF is something that I have said we plan to take up in the energy committee. We are going to make it a priority. But I agree the sense-of-the-Senate, in order to ensure that this program can be an effective tool for management structural improvements to the program, is going to be needed. For example, I know the LWCF has been used to acquire inholdings in existing national parks, our national forests, and wildlife refuges. Acquiring inholdings can improve management. We should do more of these kinds of targeted land acquisitions. Another structural change I know some are interested in making is setting aside some of the LWCF funding to address the maintenance backlog facing our Federal land management agencies. We have combined maintenance backlogs, as much as $22 billion, according to CRS reports. We have issues. We have to do that. I will support the Daines amendment.”