Rob Bishop: “I rise in support of H.R. 658, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 658 was introduced by the very…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 658, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 658 was introduced by the very effective Congressman from Nevada, Jon Porter, and would authorize the National Park Service to enter into a cooperative agreement with willing partners to protect park natural resources through collaborative efforts on land inside and outside of units of the National Park System. This was recommended by the Government Accountability Office, as the Park Service is still the only land management agency without this particular authority. So we expect this will help control the spread of invasive species and increase the protection of parks and wildlife. At this point, Madam Speaker, I would like to engage the majority bill manager, Mr. Grijalva, in a colloquy to clarify an issue related to this bill, if he would. I understand that the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has brought to the committee's attention their concern that H.R. 658 not be interpreted to give the National Park Service authority to manage fish and wildlife outside park boundaries. Management authority for fish and wildlife resources within State boundaries has customarily been held in trust by the respective States. Congress has repeatedly affirmed this. This trust responsibility has been implemented primarily through State fish and wildlife agencies.”