Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the first en bloc amendment, which stipulates that nothing in this act shall limit the ability of the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture to manage forest fires, insects, and diseases in designated wilderness areas under the Wilderness Act. Land conservation is an investment in our future, but it is equally important that we continue to manage our wilderness areas responsibly. Over the past several years, my district and others across our great country have been hit hard by historically damaging wildfires. To protect countless communities, the Federal Government must ensure wilderness areas are adequately managed to minimize the impacts of wildfires. I want to thank Chairman Grijalva and Representatives Panetta and Lofgren for being champions of public lands and responsible land management. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join them on this amendment, and I strongly urge an ``aye'' vote on the first en bloc amendment.”