Bruce Westerman: “Because there was a clear consensus and prior historical evidence demonstrating that NEPA would not apply to the…”

“Because there was a clear consensus and prior historical evidence demonstrating that NEPA would not apply to the development of the campus after the administrative jurisdiction transfer, the legislative text did not include superfluous savings clauses regarding NEPA's applicability. In addition to this, it is my hope that both D.C. and the Department of the Interior will abide by Congress' 6-month timeframe provided in the legislation to reach all necessary agreements and complete the transfer. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize the hard work and collaboration of Chairman Comer, Delegate Holmes Norton, and the entire staff of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. I would also thank Ranking Member Grijalva and his team, the Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for their assistance in getting this legislation to the floor today. Finally, I would recognize several people without whom this legislation would not be possible: Beverly Perry, Tara Hupman, Jerry Couri, and Lisa Pittman. From the House Natural Resources Committee staff, I thank Aniela Butler, Brandon Miller, Colen Morrow, and Taylor Wiseman. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support the legislation. {time} 1645”