Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. DeGette). Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this bill. Our Nation is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. These public lands promote biodiversity, they support local economies through tourism and recreational opportunities, and really, they truly showcase what we mean when we sing ``America the Beautiful.'' I have been working my entire time in Congress to pass meaningful legislation that would conserve public lands in Colorado and beyond. My home State of Colorado has more than 8.3 million acres of public lands, and the entire West has tens of millions of acres more. Enjoying these public lands is intrinsic to the cultural idea of the American West and protecting them helps communities who are powered by outdoor recreation tourism. These public lands are also vital in mitigating the impact of climate change and in improving the health of our planet. Restoring and protecting ecosystems throughout the land supports the biodiversity of plants and animals, and it leads to a healthier balance for all of those who rely on these protections.…”