Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, our national forests are among our greatest natural resources. Unfortunately, these forests are under constant threat from invasive species and disease. You do not have to search far to find a forest battling invasive pests, disease, or invasive vegetation. The Healthy Forest Restoration Act was created as a way to help respond to these persistent threats. My amendment before the House would simply add invasive vegetation to the Healthy Forest Restoration Act for the purposes of the designated treatment areas. Invasive vegetation chokes out our native trees by competing for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. Species like kudzu climb our trees and infrastructure and threaten the health and safety of the areas where it uncontrollably spreads. When native trees are threatened, it is not just the ecosystem that is damaged. Local economies and sportsmen and those that use our land for other forms of recreation all suffer from degraded forestland. Adding this designation increases the effectiveness of the Healthy Forest Restoration Act by taking a more encompassing view of the threats facing our forestland. Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Stefanik). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 20 Offered by Ms. Cheney The Acting CHAIR.…”