George Miller: “At the outset, I want to commend the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Hill) for his efforts to bring this matter before the…”

“At the outset, I want to commend the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Hill) for his efforts to bring this matter before the committee and to the floor of the House. I also want to acknowledge the leadership role of Senator Bachus in developing this agreement, which contained both H.R. 3381 and a companion bill in the Senate. As the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Hill) pointed out, this is the second phase of the congressionally authorized acquisition of checkerboard railroad grant lands in the Gallatin Range and other areas in western Montana near Yellowstone National Park. The first phase was authorized back in 1993, at which time we acquired 37,000 acres; and this would provide for 55,000 acres of really some of the most magnificent wildlife range and scenic areas in the western United States. In the second phase as set forth in the current bill, the Forest Service would gain an additional 55,000 acres in the Taylor Fork and other important fish and wildlife areas within the Gallatin National Forest. Recently, Forest Service exchanges have come under the scrutiny of the Department's Inspector General and generated controversy in Nevada, Washington, and other western states. In response, Chief Mike Dombeck has adopted new procedures which include review of appraisals and approval of land exchanges by the Washington office. I welcome this heightened scrutiny of land exchanges.”