Charles W. Stenholm: “I have spent several years analyzing whether or not this is a fair rental as far as the competitiveness with other…”

“I have spent several years analyzing whether or not this is a fair rental as far as the competitiveness with other ranchers. It is not just my judgment that causes me to support the bill today. It is cattlemen from all over the United States that have agreed. Yes, maybe it is not a perfect formula. I do not know that anyone can devise a perfect formula. But to continue to suggest that the only valid formula for charging rental rates has to be with private lands is an erroneous assumption. That is comparing apples and oranges and it is not relevant to this debate. Also we need to understand, yes, there are a few large enterprises that are involved. But 81 percent of the Forest Service permittees are part of small- to medium-sized family ranching. The amendment that the gentleman will offer, when we get to the amending process, would make it very difficult for these individuals to make a living in ranching in the real world. Therefore, I encourage all of our colleagues to listen carefully, particularly when you are concerned about environmental concerns. This bill is very important in this aspect. It is suggesting that we rely on sound science.”