Lisa Murkowski: “I think we have gone on perhaps long enough on this, but there are a few things that need to be said relative to the…”

“I think we have gone on perhaps long enough on this, but there are a few things that need to be said relative to the debate that has just occurred. And while my friend from Arkansas indicated that we had repealed FLPMA, with regard to FLPMA, I think it is important the record reflect that under R.S. 2477 we established and have always maintained the basis for determining the right of public access across public lands. So that has been maintained in the law. I think it is further noteworthy to recognize that the Hodel policy recognized the historic use of a route. If it was historically a footpath, it was recognized as a footpath. If it was a wagon trail, then it was recognized as a wagon trail. If it was a wagon trail that was used in general commerce over an extended period of time, then it justified obviously inclusion under the concept of R.S. 2477. In summation, Mr. President, what is happening here I think is a result of what happened as late as last year in Utah where we had a perfect example of a small group within the administration taking it upon themselves to decide for all Americans how our public lands should be used. As the debate has indicated, those of us from Alaska are particularly sensitive, as we can speak from long personal experience on this topic.”