On the recordDecember 4, 2014
I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight a significant provision in the defense authorization bill, and this is language that is based on H.R. 2015, the Las Vegas Valley Public Lands and Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. This important legislation will enact a number of land conveyances across southern Nevada, including over 400 acres for the Nellis Air Force Base used for critical training missions. In addition, the legislation will protect nearby lands that contain fossil beds dating back thousands of years to the Ice Age. Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan legislation enjoys the support of the entire Nevada delegation as well as the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce, county and local officials, education institutions, local tribal governments, and area environmentalists. For years we have been working with leadership in the House and Senate to advance this legislation, which will strengthen our national security mission at Nellis, promote economic development for southern Nevada, and preserve our national history for generations to come.





