On the recordDecember 9, 2015
I am ready to close and yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to conclude by acknowledging that I sympathize with the property owners along the Red River. Providing them with certainty and assurance that their property rights are not threatened is a goal that we should all share, and we do. Unfortunately, this bill will only complicate an already complicated and messy situation. As introduced, it will likely lead to litigation from tribes and tribal members who stand to lose both property and mineral interests. Furthermore, this bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to disclaim all right, title, and interest in the affected areas and transfer survey authority to the State of Texas. It is unclear how the BLM will be able to work with property owners to clear titles after the United States has already conceded its authority over the land. Additionally, transferring the Federal Government survey authority to Texas is not a workable solution. It is so implausible, in fact, that the bill has triggered a veto threat from the White House. If there is really a problem that Congress can solve, providing Texas landowners with the certainty they desire, we should work together to come up with legislation that would earn the President's signature. We should go back to the drawing board. Until that happens, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.
