Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern with this lands package. I was elected just this past November, with many of my freshmen colleagues, and I am sincere in my commitment to work with my Democratic colleagues on the Committee on Natural Resources. However, the majority is pushing legislation with significant environmental and economic costs for the American people without a markup or hearing. The work that was done in the 116th Congress or before is great. We are in the 117th Congress now, and I sincerely would like to have had that opportunity. I was excited to be able to put forth some amendments to this. This package disregards input from local and State officials, puts our lands at greater risk for wildfires, and threatens livelihoods for those who work in extractive industries at a time when our country is financially hurting from the pandemic. Mr. Speaker, this style of policymaking is unsustainable, and it has major ramifications for Utahns. The policies that result from H.R. 803 will impact jobs and recreation and restrict local input over our lands. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I oppose H.R. 803. But I stand here hopeful that we can come together and find common ground.”