Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in opposition to H.R. 803, the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act. Contrary to the name, this bill will damage our environment, while simultaneously killing jobs in rural America. The proponents of this bill will say it is broadly supported. Listen to the Members who represent the districts most affected by this bill. They don't want it. Listen to the groups opposed: American Farm Bureau, American Forest Resource Council, or the Grand Junction, Colorado, Chamber of Commerce. They don't want this bill. This bill creates nearly 1.5 million of acres of new wilderness, withdraws 1.2 million acres from mineral production, and designates over 1,200 miles of wild scenic and recreational rivers. For perspective, the wilderness designated in this bill is the same size as President Biden's home State of Delaware. This Chamber has bypassed the committee process and circumvented the will of Members who represent districts directly impacted by this legislation. It was scheduled for the floor before the Committee was ever organized. {time} 1730 The consequences of this bill on the four Western States it impacts will be far-reaching. For example, if you live in Colorado and you enjoy recreating on mountain biking and ATV trails like the people pictured here on the Tabeguache Trail, this bill will shut down your ability to recreate on those lands.…”