Political Quotes

“Let me continue by saying that the reason I do feel strongly about this is I also believe that this amendment would be bad for the economy and for the people who depend on it. Every year, wildlife watchers contribute more than $2 billion toward the economy. According to the National Park Service, in 2016, 2.8 million park visitors spent an estimated $2.8 billion in local gateway regions while visiting National Park Service lands in Alaska. These expenditures supported a total of 18,900 jobs, $644.7 million in labor income, $1.1 billion in value added, and $1.9 billion in economic output in the Alaska economy. I do believe--and the reason I am speaking up so strongly about this, we all have very strong perspectives on all sides. I do believe that we must do everything we can to preserve our natural lands and their inhabitants, particularly as climate change takes its toll all over the country and the world. In my home State of Washington, which I care deeply about, wildfires are destroying thousands of acres of land and threatening homes, while across the country residences of Houston are reeling from Hurricane Harvey and Floridians brace for Hurricane Irma. We need to invest in our public lands for all Americans so that generations in the future can continue to enjoy the beauty that our country has to offer. Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR.…”