John Hansen: “Mr. Speaker, S. 698 requires the Secretary of Interior to examine the suitability and feasibility of recovering the…”

“Mr. Speaker, S. 698 requires the Secretary of Interior to examine the suitability and feasibility of recovering the costs of high altitude rescues within the Denali National Park and requiring proof of medical insurance for climbing permits. Every year over a thousand climbers attempt Mt. McKinley in Denali National Park. Climbing the continent's highest peak is extremely dangerous and has involved deaths and daring search and rescue missions. As a result, Denali accounts for nearly a third of the total costs of rescue activities in the entire park system. In 1998, over $220,000 was spent on one dangerous rescue mission involving six climbers who ignored the Park Service's advice against climbing that mountain. Given the exceptional costs and risks, many taxpayers believe there should be a way to reimburse the Park Service for rescues. Basically, the report required under S. 698 will look at a type of insurance policy for the taxpayer against the risk incurred in an inherently dangerous activity. Under S. 698, no permitting requirements will be imposed unless a future Congress decides, based on the findings of the Secretary, that it is appropriate. This is not a controversial bill, and I urge its passage.”