Deb Fischer: “I come before you today to discuss a grave situation that is unfolding in the southwestern part of my State. Two…”

“I come before you today to discuss a grave situation that is unfolding in the southwestern part of my State. Two Nebraska communities--one at Swanson Reservoir and the other at Red Willow--are at risk. Over the past 50 years, residents of these two communities have built friendships. They have started and supported businesses, and they have enjoyed the recreation that the local area offers. But in just 2 months, these Nebraskans will be forced to leave. They will be forced out of their homes over a disagreement between the Federal Government and local stakeholders on how the land should be managed. The good news is, there is a simple solution to this problem. In working with the rest of the Nebraska delegation as well as the Bureau of Reclamation, I have introduced legislation that benefits all parties. It transfers the ownership of this land from the Federal Government to local officials. I want to thank Congressman Adrian Smith, especially, for introducing companion legislation in the House. Once the counties control the land around these reservoirs, the residents of Red Willow and Swanson can work with local authorities to chart a better path forward--one that preserves the communities and one that also improves the recreation areas. Since I introduced this bill, I have heard from over 1,000 Nebraskans about how urgently they need this land transferred. I have received numerous letters of support from local communities and businesses.…”