Joe Neguse

I think the draconian budget cuts that have been proposed by some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are deeply dangerous for the West.

I recognize there is a role for us in terms of engaging in oversight.

I have great respect for my colleague, and my friend, and the Chairman of our Full Committee. But again, context matters.

Yellowstone in Wyoming.

That would be deeply problematic, particularly if one believes that we ought to be addressing some of these maintenance needs.

I would certainly urge my colleagues to support the President's proposal in that regard.

That is exactly why we need to continue investing in the future of national parks.

In my view, this was an example of a way in which Congress could come together in a bipartisan manner to prioritize conservation and maintenance efforts.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate this opportunity to examine the ongoing implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act and the actions being taken to address deferred maintenance in our cherished national parks.

During my first term in Congress, this was the 116th Congress, we enacted the Great American Outdoors Act, which is a historic investment in the future of our parks.

The exponentially increasing backlog at our National Park Service is unacceptable.

We are going to hold the Biden administration accountable for every dollar of precious taxpayer money that is being spent.

I just want to thank my distinguished colleague from Alaska.

This popular area has not been upgraded since when it was first built in the 1960s.

Let us not confuse the public by creating this perception that these projects are only in a particular district.

I want to make sure, for the benefit of my colleagues, that it is in Wyoming.

But let us not confuse the public by creating this perception that these projects are only in a particular--

My point, Mr. Director, again, accountability is important.

I want to thank my distinguished colleague from Alaska.

These projects are having an incredible, tangible impact in rural America.

It is not concentrated in any particular jurisdiction.

These projects span the mosaic of our country.

If there were deep cuts as proposed, we would see some of that being rolled back, we would see projects slow down.

I am extremely appreciative of the Great American Outdoors Act, of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act.

But because of the investments made possible by the Great American Outdoors Act, this project is going to rehabilitate the water system and electric utilities.