Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, the WIIN Act includes two provisions very important to constituents of mine in North Dakota that involve Bureau of Land Management properties; and because of the House rules, I was unable to put these provisions in the House WRDA Act. However, Senator Hoeven was able to get them into the Senate bill; and, with the strong support of committee leadership and staff, we were able to work it out and get them in the final bill. One provision concludes an issue that has been going on for years that involves the continued use of trailer homes around Lake Tschida, or the Heart Butte Reservoir. The requirements set in this provision will increase safety while supporting existing investments and continued recreation around the lake. The other deals with a more recent issue that has arisen lately of looming fee increases at cabins and trailers at three North Dakota BLM reservoirs: the Heart Butte, Dickinson, and Jamestown. Because market rent surveys weren't completed for many years, and then the recent increases in North Dakota property values, surveys completed last year concluded that the fees would have to be increased 91 to 232 percent overnight. Obviously, my constituents would be hit too hard by that, so this bill helps correct that and brings a smoother transition.”