Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and the bill for which it was made, the Resilient Federal Forests Act. The rule makes in order several needed amendments, but, more importantly, it allows for much-needed debate and consideration of a bipartisan bill to address the growing economic and environmental threats posed by catastrophic wildfires. This bill will give Federal agencies immediate tools to increase the effectiveness of our forest management projects while preserving environmental protections. While of immense benefit to preserving our national parks, the bill also supports the private sector by addressing obstructionist litigation against management activity, and rewarding collaboration by local governments and local stakeholders when they work together to foster more effective management projects. Mr. Speaker, North Carolina's Fifth District is home to pristine national parks, including the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, otherwise known as America's favorite drive. I am an unwavering supporter of our Nation's national parks, and I look forward to equipping better our park managers to protect our forests from wildfires and other threats to their environmental integrity.”