Bruce F. Vento: “I believe the gentleman understands my question: The language, ``before the enactment of this act,'' we are talking…”

It is time that Congress breath new life into Wilderness Preservation System and expand on its already diverse portfolio.

In the face of growing public sentiment and outcry for more greenspace and wildlands, Congress must push forward an agenda that all of America can support--protection and expansion of America's Wilderness Preservation System.

Mr. Speaker, I concur in the ranking member's remarks and the subcommittee chairman's remarks concerning this bill. ... we have to go back and make some modifications to clarify intent and to eliminate ambiguity.

These are all very real and very dangerous threats facing our wilderness system--threats that Congress has the power to stop.