Political Quotes

“Democrats have ignored our local communities and their needs with this land grab. In their letter of opposition, Mesa County points out three of the five wilderness areas in Mesa County in this bill that have had large fires in recent years, and that wilderness designations harm active management and wildfire activities. I hope that when Members visit my district on horseback, they are telling people that this land will soon burn, because if we do not actively manage our forest, Mother Nature will continue to manage it for us. Mr. Speaker, the amendments that are offered today would protect energy production, local grazing rights, water rights, access to our public lands, and allow wildfire mitigation. Perhaps, and most importantly, these amendments give the people of my district a voice, ensuring local officials have a seat at the table when land use is changed in their respective counties. {time} 1015 The victory in my election showed the will of the people in Colorado's Third District. They want to keep their land open for public use. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Member for his thoughtful amendments, and I strongly encourage support on these amendments today.”