Jeff Fortenberry: “I want to introduce a new topic in the time that we have remaining, again speaking to that which might be able to unite…”

“I want to introduce a new topic in the time that we have remaining, again speaking to that which might be able to unite us in a very divided time, that which is a fundamental principle that is operative in most of our hearts, that which, again, transcends these temporary and urgent moments of policy division. It is what I call natural security. We talked about national security. We talked about economic security. We talked about human dignity, family security. Now I want to talk about natural security, and here is an example. Nebraska is one of the only States where you can find three distinct subspecies of the turkey. Madam Speaker, are you with me on this? It is really very fascinating. In the southeast corner of Nebraska, you can find the Eastern turkey. In the southwest corner, you can see a Rio, and out west, you can find a Merriam. This unique trifecta exists right there in my home. Now, why am I raising this? Why would you be raising this? Of course, I find it interesting, and I hope you do as well, Madam Speaker. This newfound abundance of turkeys is an amazing story because, due to urban pressures and habitat loss and improperly regulated hunting, not too long ago, wild turkeys were in decline across the Nation. But they have since rebounded through basic conservation efforts.…”