On the recordNovember 2, 2023
Mr. Chair, I agree with my colleague on one point, that it has been used, it has been overused, and it has been abused. This is intended to protect historic sites that are being looted and being damaged by whatever force is in play. To control, to take from States and private citizens 550 million acres of land over an 8-year period is not the intent of this act. It is clear that it no longer serves its purpose and, quite frankly, if the President or Vice President identifies an antiquity or area of land that needs protection, they can come to Congress. If it is worthy of Congress' designation, we can work with the administration, Republican or Democrat. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. {time} 2150
