Joe Neguse: “Mr. Speaker, with respect to the Miles City Resource Management Plan update, it is just important contextually to say…”

“Mr. Speaker, with respect to the Miles City Resource Management Plan update, it is just important contextually to say that it was a very extensive and inclusive public comment period. BLM provided a 90-day public comment period, two public meetings, a 30-day public comment period, and a 60-day review period for the Governor. BLM directly contacted over 40 private landowners, all, according to BLM, to help refine and guide development of that RMP amendment. That robust public input was instrumental in shaping a plan that reflects the values of the communities it impacts. I want to go back to, I guess, a core point that the ranking member articulated previously, Mr. Speaker. I wonder if perhaps the chairman knows. It is a fairly empty Chamber here. I don't see any other Members. Maybe he might engage in a bit of discourse here in a colloquy. I am trying to understand why the CRA is necessary, given that the Interior Department retains the ability to amend and modify these resource management plans in any way that the Secretary deems necessary. I wonder, Mr. Speaker, if I might inquire through you as to whether the chair could help us better understand why they have decided to pursue the CRA rather than simply amending the resource management plan. Mr. Speaker, I will reserve for response and that colloquy.”