Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 765 amends the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to permit seasonal and year- round natural resource-based recreational activities that are associated with those facilities on the National Forest ski areas. Current law does not address any activities other than winter-related Nordic and alpine skiing, snow sports, and their ancillary facilities at ski areas on Forest Service land. Congress needs to pass this act to allow new activities such as climbing walls, mountain biking, alpine slides, and zip-lines to be able to be used. The additional seasonal and year-round recreation authorized by this bill would allow the private sector to create year-round jobs, expand their wholesome outdoor recreational opportunities for American families and for visitors from overseas. Facilities authorized by this bill will have to be in harmony with the natural environment. Furthermore, the legislation does not waive such laws as the Endangered Species Act or the National Environmental Policy Act to allow for these activities to take place. So the ski areas on the Forest Service lands are already themselves classified as developed sites. So these new activities will be in keeping with the intended use of these areas. {time} 1610 Finally, I would also like to thank Chairman Lucas of the Committee on Agriculture for assisting us in bringing this bill to the floor today.…”