Bruce Westerman: “The Federal Government is long overdue in doing the work needed to bring its permitting processes into the 21st century.…”

“The Federal Government is long overdue in doing the work needed to bring its permitting processes into the 21st century. The bill before us instructs the Secretary to create an electronic permitting system to accept, process, and record applications for any permitting process under the Department's jurisdiction. Mr. Speaker, even though the gentlewoman from California opposed my commonsense, straightforward forestry bill earlier today, I do recognize, commend, and support Representative Porter for her work on this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5509, as amended. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________”