the Army supports S. 1309 and thanks Senator Wyden for introducing it at the administration's request.

We strongly recommend that this provision be removed from the proposed bill.

I want to begin by expressing my appreciation to the bipartisan co-sponsors of the legislation, Senator Murkowski, Senator Alexander and Senator Feinstein for their exceptionally hard work and cooperation in bringing this bill forward for…

We urge the Senate to pass this bill because these withdrawals are expiring soon.

We look forward to working with the committee and the Senators to have it come as legislation.

We view this draft bill as the best opportunity in many years to make substantive progress in dealing with this issue.

Despite Congress having the sole authority to designate wilderness . . . this Administration and the environmental community continue to manage our public lands as 'defacto' wilderness.

We need to restore the balance between environmental protection, resource development, and access for recreation on our public lands.

We also support S. 753, Senator Heinrich's bill for the White Sands Missile Range in Fort Bliss in New Mexico.

Keeping our communities safe, healthy, and livable is critical.

I think he is absolutely right.

Legislating forest management state by state is at best bad policy, at its worst it could unravel the national forest system.

I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2013, at 9:30 a.m., in…

the Subcommittee on National Parks has previously announced a hearing to be held on Wednesday, July 31, at 2:30 p.m. to consider several bills. In addition to the bills previously announced, the subcommittee will also hear testimony on: S…

As Chairman Wyden acknowledged, these funds are a small first step in addressing the need.

Senator Murkowski and I wanted to schedule this hearing so that the committee can explore and consider new ideas.

I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee Assignments of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: ENERGY Al…

the Park Service faces significant funding challenges in taking care of the more than 400 national parks.

It now has a deferred maintenance backlog that is estimated at $11 billion.

The proposal for 'differential pricing' would convert the best parks at the most desirable seasons into enclaves for the wealthy.

I want to commend you, Mr. Chairman, and Senator Collins. I think this is a very important topic.

So what can be done about World Acceptance? I mean, this is evidently an important investigation by a credible consumer rights group, something that has been an ongoing problem.

I feel strongly that the National Parks are public lands and that access to these resources should not be limited due to increased fees and economic restrictions.

The establishment of national passes, with discounted pricing for seniors and the disabled, was never intended to maximize revenue.

I would like you to get back to me in writing with what the tools you have are with respect to World Acceptance.