Raúl Grijalva: “This amendment will ensure that none of the funds made available by this legislation are used to abolish the Bureau of…”

“This amendment will ensure that none of the funds made available by this legislation are used to abolish the Bureau of Land Management or the U.S. Forest Service law enforcement units. BLM and the Forest Service law enforcement units are highly specialized, highly trained professionals responsible for enforcing a range of Federal laws across our public lands. These responsibilities include enforcing grazing regulations, monitoring mine safety, protecting archaeological resources, and enforcing fire restrictions. A vote for this amendment will simply send the message that Congress supports these important responsibilities and does not condone any effort to undermine or eliminate this important Federal authority and the officers in those law enforcement units. Today, more than ever, Federal law enforcement officers charged with protecting our public lands deserve our respect and support. Tragically marked by the illegal occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge by armed militants earlier this year--an occupation, I remind you, that House Republicans refused to officially condemn--there is a growing hostility toward Federal land management and is increasingly exposing Federal law enforcement officers to violence, threats of violence, intimidation, and disrespect.…”