My strong belief is that if we can continue this cleanup pace and even expedite it we will not only be able to have a safer environment in the Piketon area, but also it will cost the taxpayer less.

We appreciate your clarification of that position.

I know this is a result of a lot of years of study saying that the low population density of these fish in carefully selected lakes would not lead to impairment of the park resources.

Yes, I think as the centennial approaches we're looking for ways to ensure that the backlog can be improved, hopefully cleared at a lot of these great facilities.

I do think it's something that would add, in my view, a little more context to that beautiful memorial.

This is a bipartisan bill that would allow a plaque to be at the World War II memorial.

This bill, however, shows a lack of respect for this great diversity.

Senator Portman also asked if the three park expansion bills will add to the maintenance backlog.

The Department appreciates the efforts by the sponsor, Senator Rob Portman, to work with the National Park Service (NPS) on this legislation.

That plaque or inscription we'd like to see on the World War II memorial would commemorate that prayer.

Senator Portman asked how much of the land involved in three park boundary expansion bills is private, and how much is public.