Joseph Skeen: “Mr. Speaker, I rise in enthusiastic and strong support of S. 291, the Carlsbad Irrigation Project Acquired Land Transfer…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in enthusiastic and strong support of S. 291, the Carlsbad Irrigation Project Acquired Land Transfer Act. S. 291 was introduced by Senator Domenici and Senator Bingaman of New Mexico and is the companion bill to H.R. 1019, legislation that I introduced, which passed the Committee on Resources early last year. In fact, I have introduced a version of H.R. 1019 each of the last three Congresses only to run into some form of legislative or political brick wall each time. Ideally, I would have preferred to be debating H.R. 1019 right now in lieu of S. 291, as I believe that H.R. 1019 is a stronger bill and will serve the interests of Congress and the Carlsbad Irrigation District best. However, discretion is the better part of valor, and I will be pleased to finally send this bill to the President for his signature. After all, Senate 291 does continue my long-held belief that the more we can devolve the Federal rule and the local decision-making process the better the management will be.”