Political Quotes

“I thank my colleague for the time. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to bring attention to a provision that is included in this package that, besides being completely unnecessary, may have far-reaching impacts on the management of our Nation's public lands. Specifically, this package contains language that would allow the Department of Defense to utilize certain public lands designated as national monuments for whatever purpose it chooses. Our national monuments are part of America's story. Sixteen Presidents, both Democrats and Republicans, from Teddy Roosevelt to George Bush to President Obama, have utilized their authority under the Antiquities Act to designate land as national monuments. These designations have protected iconic parts of our Nation, such as Chimney Rock in Colorado, San Juan Islands in the Puget Sound, and the ancient flint quarries in the Texas Panhandle. In each and every case, careful consideration and collaboration with other Federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, occurred. Now, representing southern Nevada, I have an acute understanding of the importance of our armed services and the training necessary to support national security missions, but the language included in this package ignores the fact that today's military operations continue at our national monuments.…”