Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. This legislation addresses an urgent need at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California. Because of a lawsuit, the National Park Service has chosen not to issue commercial packer permits this year. These permits allow mules and horses into the park to carry visitors and supplies. Unfortunately, this not only means the loss of hundreds of jobs, it also canceled long-planned family vacations into the outdoors. For many Americans, whether elderly or handicapped, stock animals are the only option if they want to visit our national parks. Today, we have the option to right a wrong and allow these permits to be awarded to responsible stewards of our parks. This bipartisan legislation was worked out between Members of both parties in the California delegation. Time is very crucial here. This only extends what has been happening for decades in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. We must act now if there's any hope in preserving the season for those individuals who have planned and paid for their visit in the national park.”