Steve Daines: “This is a fair and commonsense proposal that I believe Members on both sides of the aisle can support. Before major land…”

“This is a fair and commonsense proposal that I believe Members on both sides of the aisle can support. Before major land decisions are made by the Federal Government, the people affected most by these decisions should have a seat at the table and have their voices heard. I was confused when I heard the senior Senator from Nevada claim this morning that my amendment would in some way gut or repeal law, providing the ability for national monument designations to take place. That is simply false. In sharp contrast, it is designated to strengthen the law by ensuring that the voice of the people is heard as designations are considered. After all, it is the people who are affected by these decisions, not politicians in Washington. As a fifth-generation Montanan and a lifelong sportsman, I treasure and am committed to protecting our public lands. I deeply appreciate that landmarks like Pompeys Pillar in Montana or Lehman's Cave in Nevada have been protected for future generations. But there is a difference between targeted designations to protect historic landmarks and designating hundreds or even thousands or millions of acres against the will of the States and local residents. The Senator from Nevada is saying that Washington, DC, should have more influence over local land use decisions than the folks in Western States who live and work on this land every day. I disagree.…”