Troy Nehls: “Every person should have an opportunity to view and experience our amazing national parks, whether it is Mount Rushmore…”

“Every person should have an opportunity to view and experience our amazing national parks, whether it is Mount Rushmore, whether it is select areas in Hawaii, or whether it is the Grand Canyon. I can't remember the last time somebody in this room or anybody has ever tried to walk it, if you have ever tried to walk it. I bet you there are people up in this gallery who have been to Las Vegas before, and they see these beautiful helicopters that give you an opportunity to view the beautiful Grand Canyon, that big hole in the ground. You can do it, and you can do it safely and effectively through a helicopter. The ranking member just mentioned that it supports the privileged few. I would argue that for the disabled and elderly, how else are they going to get there? That is not the privileged few. It is right for grandma and grandpa that may want to go and view the Grand Canyon or Mount Rushmore. It makes no sense what we are trying to do here. Air tours are often the only way that disabled and elderly are allowed to see our national parks. It is regulated by the FAA, and these operators have a great safety record. Unfortunately, the Biden administration is attempting to limit the number of air tours at a number of our national parks, all at the request--go figure, no surprise--all at the request of certain environmental stakeholders. This is irresponsible. It is un-American.…”