Jon L. Christensen: “while H.R. 4141 has been explained by the majority, the legislation raises a number of concerns. Land exchanges in Las…”

“while H.R. 4141 has been explained by the majority, the legislation raises a number of concerns. Land exchanges in Las Vegas have been an ongoing problem. In fact, these land exchanges have been such a problem that in 1998 Congress enacted Public Law 105-263 to basically halt land exchanges in this particular area and, instead, direct that public lands be disposed of by auction with the proceeds earmarked to the acquisition of conservation and recreational lands in Nevada. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4141 bypasses that policy and appears to reopen ongoing issues with land exchanges, such as land selection, valuation, and environmental reviews. The lands that are proposed to be exchanged by the bill have been altered several times over the past 2 years. With the high prices being paid for public land sales in Las Vegas, these lands present a significant economic resource. An amendment was adopted by the Committee on Resources that made a number of changes to alleviate the most serious problems with the bill as introduced. I appreciate the efforts of my colleague, the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley), to facilitate these improvements to the bill. It is a better bill today than what was attempted to be passed just 2 months ago. While the legislation continues to cut corners and avoid the normal review and appraisal requirements of land exchange, we will not object to its passage today.”