Mark Udall: “Mr. Chairman, while I support this bill, I do have some concerns about it, and at the appropriate time, I will offer an…”

“Mr. Chairman, while I support this bill, I do have some concerns about it, and at the appropriate time, I will offer an amendment that I think can set the stage for addressing those concerns. As the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and others have noted, this bill was prompted by information developed by the Committee on Resources through the oversight process. As a result of that oversight, it became clear that it would be desirable to revisit the underlying statutes at issue here; although, I think it is also clear, as my colleague from California suggests, that some of the charges about the actions of the current administration have been exaggerated, and that those folks making those charges have failed to point out similar actions that occurred during prior administrations. The programs of assistance to state and wildlife agencies addressed by this bill are very valuable for my home State of Colorado and, of course, for all the other States that make up our union. This bill deals with a very important subject that deserves careful scrutiny by the Committee on Resources and by the whole House itself. I do think that Congress does need to reconsider the degree of discretion that current law allows the Interior Department with regard to the administration of these programs.”