Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I was born and raised on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State, and I know firsthand how special our region is and how our public lands contribute to the fabric of who we are. In our region, we understand that protecting our public lands isn't just about saving these unforgettable places for future generations. It also means protecting high-quality jobs for the next generation as well. That is important to me, as someone who grew up on the peninsula and as someone who worked in economic development professionally for over a decade. I have seen how our natural resources contribute to our economic vitality. Each year, millions of people and families travel to our State and contribute roughly $22 billion in economic impact and support 200,000 jobs in Washington's outdoor economy. Our national treasures have helped create opportunities for local entrepreneurs who started restaurants, guided tour companies, hotels, and B&Bs, and other small businesses. That is why it makes sense to protect these special places, and that is why I am proud that the House is considering this comprehensive package, including a bill I introduced called the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.…”