On the recordMarch 2, 1995
Mr. Chairman, I am a strong supporter of the Private Property Protection Act, and very much opposed to the amendment presently pending before the House. I believe this is one of our most important provisions of the Contract With America. I do, however, have one concern. I think it is important to engage in a colloquy to clarify one aspect of the legislation. Section 2 of the statute requires payment of compensation to the owner of property when the use of that property has been limited by agency action. Section 6 of the bill then defines 'property' to include 'the right to use or receive water.' As the gentleman knows, water is the heart of the West. The needs of a varied group of users, including residents, commercial and industrial interests, farmers, fishermen, and Indian tribes are governed by a complex set of laws and agreements. Often these laws and agreements are managed by the Bureau of Reclamation.
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