Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I do rise in opposition to the amendment before us. Apparently, the bill that is before us today didn't include enough wilderness in my district. As we see in this amendment, we are now trying to be able to add more. The amendment adds an additional 60,000 acres of wilderness in Colorado. One proposed addition that is particularly concerning, because it has local opposition, is the Papoose Canyon. Montezuma and Dolores Counties oppose the wilderness designation of Papoose Canyon. The wilderness study area falls within the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, which I have worked to preserve. The land already has strict Federal protections so wilderness designation is not necessary. Mr. Chairman, again, the BLM has studied these lands and found them to be unsuitable for wilderness. Montezuma and Dolores Counties have requested the Papoose Canyon Wilderness Study Area be released because the canyon is surrounded by private land, which has created challenges when it comes to wildfire prevention. Papoose Canyon Wilderness was not originally in my colleague's bill. Instead of consulting the counties that would be impacted by the addition and considering their objections, we are here debating a last- minute amendment. Mr. Chair, I oppose this amendment, and I would encourage my colleagues who believe that local voices must be a part of any land management decision to vote ``no.'' Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. DeGETTE. Mr.…”