Norman D. Dicks: “In our report on this bill, the Appropriations Committee warns the Interior Department that we are concerned about the…”

“In our report on this bill, the Appropriations Committee warns the Interior Department that we are concerned about the Department's interpretation and actions that would disclaim Federal interests in lands subject to an R.S. 2477 claim or issue any nonbinding determination that would have a similar effect. That is why we tell them to provide advanced notice to the Congress if the Interior Department plans to approve any R.S. 2477 claims. We also require them to provide quarterly reports on activities concerning claims under the R.S. 2477 statute. But it would be even better for the administration to work with the gentleman and the Natural Resources Committee to develop a legislative solution for this serious problem, and I urge them to do so. Mr. Chairman, I commend the gentleman for his leadership on this issue.”