Richard Pombo: “Mr. Speaker, S. 211, introduced by Senator Bingaman of New Mexico, and as amended by the Committee on Resources…”

“Mr. Speaker, S. 211, introduced by Senator Bingaman of New Mexico, and as amended by the Committee on Resources, contains 11 titles; however, eight of the 11 have already once passed this House. Therefore, in the interest of brevity, I will focus on the two titles that have not yet been considered by the full House, titles I and XI of the bill. Title I would establish the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area across three counties within the State of New Mexico to commemorate the unique combination of cultures, languages, folk arts, customs, and architecture associated with the Spanish colonization of New Mexico beginning in 1598. Finally, title XI contains language that would ensure the continued availability of the Utah Test and Training Range in northwestern Utah to support the readiness and training needs of the United States Armed Forces. That title takes advantage of the opportunity to make permanent the terms of military access and use, while also taking an important step towards resolving the outstanding Bureau of Land Management wilderness recommendations in Utah. I urge adoption of the bill.”