Political Quotes

“I thank my colleague, Mr. Tonko, for yielding the time and for leading on this legislation on the floor today. I come here today to discuss my bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the Great Basin National Heritage Area and Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area Extension Act, which was included as part of the National Heritage Area Act, which we are debating today. The overall bill would reauthorize all 55 National Heritage Areas for 15 years, providing the certainty that NHAs need to build long-term partnerships and leverage public and private dollars while increasing transparency and accountability for the program. The Great Basin National Heritage Area is a remote region spanning the border of Nevada and Utah with rich cultural roots, rugged landscape features, and is home to many historical sites. While the Great Basin National Heritage Area region is sparsely populated with only 21,000 people calling these two counties home, what the area lacks in people, it makes up for in historical sites, sweeping landscape formations, and cultural attractions, including some of the best stargazing people can see and outdoor recreation. Since the initial designation, Great Basin and Mormon Pioneer have received $6 million in Federal funds, which have produced projects and programs valued at over $50 million. National Heritage Areas are critical for our rural communities that are vast beautiful landscapes that protect our lands and bring tourists from around the world.…”