Rob Bishop

I want to thank two constituents of mine who never let me forget how important Clear Creek was to them.

So the press indications that claim that this announcement will increase that security, there is no way of actually implementing that?

Do you have specific reference to the testimony that was given by Senator Allard that says that that study was exaggerated?

Mr. Bishop. OK. Senator Allard, we have kept you here a while.

Well, not if we pass it first, you won't. But I appreciate that.

But your testimony clearly says that is your preferred option.

I am no stranger to controversy when it comes to building a broad coalition of stakeholders to accomplish something important for my district.

I applaud him on his efforts and look forward to hearing from Congressman Farr and the rest our witnesses on today's bills.

I also have a letter from the National Cattleman's Beef Association, the Oregon's Cattleman's Association, and the Public Lands Council that will be added to the record, as well.

Mr. Grijalva, do you wish to make an opening statement?

I appreciate all that.

The Navy's proposal to terminate the Tactical Tomahawk program beginning in Fiscal Year 2016 has the potential to decimate the defense industrial base that supports this weapons system.

If there were few concessions, would public access increase or decrease?

How do you decide where to charge entrance fees? Is it fair that some sites are free and some sites have fees?

There may be some additional questions that any member of the committee, present or not, may have for you.

I appreciate all of you, especially your patience in the inconvenience of sitting here while we broke for vote.

So, without objection, since no one is listening to me, it is part of the record.

So what do you predict would happen if concessionaires were required to take all passes?

Are there any standards that the agency has determined that these land managers at the local level use to determine whether they are going to collect fees or not?

I want to personally thank Representative Raul Ruiz for his leadership on this bill.

But to obtain these benefits our Federal land managing agencies must stop thinking they are like the Sheriff of Nottingham whose job it was to keep people from entering the King's Forest.

America's vast system of public lands can, if managed wisely, provide our country with a great abundance of outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, energy, minerals timber and food.

Have you done any analysis on how much revenue is lost on these days?

I think there is a moral responsibility. And before we actually have to deal with legislation...give the money back.

I still think in your budget we spend too much on administration and not enough getting the money to the ground.