On the recordDecember 11, 2014
I thank the Senator from New Mexico for his comments on the land portion of the national defense authorization. I very much appreciate the work he has done and his hard work fighting for the people of New Mexico since his time in the Senate. We thank you very much for your leadership, Senator Heinrich. Mr. President, 1 million people live in the great State of Montana. We are home to farmers, ranchers, working families, small business owners, and to bold sports men and women who explore until they are too exhausted to take another step. Our lands are famous worldwide, from Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park to wild and scenic rivers such as the North Fork of the Flathead River. We attract the best explorers, the best hunters and anglers, and all those who simply want to get away from it all. But our outdoors just aren't for out-of-staters. Montanans deeply value our land. Many Montanans remember their first hunting trip. Many recall where they landed their first trout. I remember riding horses with my father in the Bear Paw Mountains. Montanans come with a lot of opinions, but one issue that unites us is taking care of our public lands and keeping our public lands in public hands. We want to make sure our kids and grandkids can hike in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, that they can catch their first fish in the clean waters of the Madison River, and that our outdoor traditions remain strong for generations to come.…
