Jeff Bingaman: “I contend that the uncertainty and the controversy will not be resolved by this bill. I believe it will not be resolved…”

“I contend that the uncertainty and the controversy will not be resolved by this bill. I believe it will not be resolved because the bill, as it now reads, in the substitute form, does reduce public input into decisions related to our public lands. It does elevate grazing into a preferred status as a use of our public lands. And, third, it does unduly limit the ability of the land managers who work for the public to carry out their responsibilities. I believe that the resolution of these disagreements and these controversies can only be achieved when a balance is struck that respects the needs of all public land users, not just the ranchers.”