Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5443, legislation offered by Representatives Lee and Joyce. This bill would allow appropriately credentialed non-Federal appraisers to perform appraisal and valuation services for the Department of the Interior regardless of whether they are licensed or certified in a particular State. This has been a longstanding practice for Federal appraisers. However, non-Federal appraisers must be credentialed in the State where they are conducting valuation or appraisal services. This disparity has led, in part, to an appraisal backlog that prevents the Department of the Interior from fulfilling its responsibilities to convey, exchange, or dispose of land in a timely manner. The Committee on Natural Resources has heard numerous concerns about the length and complexity of Federal land transactions throughout this Congress, including the cumbersome appraisal process. This process affects communities that wish to take over Federal land for economic or conservation purposes, as well as sportsmen and -women who seek to consolidate checkerboard land ownership to allow for greater public access. This bill will address inefficient bureaucratic bottlenecks without jeopardizing the integrity of the valuation and appraisal process.…”