Nick Rahall: “I would simply note that this legislation, which would designate Federal wilderness areas on national forest system…”

“I would simply note that this legislation, which would designate Federal wilderness areas on national forest system lands within the States of New Hampshire and Vermont, is before us in part due to the efforts of our colleague, Bernie Sanders, and for that, I commend the gentleman from Vermont for his dedication, persistence and willingness to work with us on this legislation. He will soon become a member of the other body, but we shall still maintain our friendship. I salute him for his tenacity in ensuring that his State's interests are included in this measure. I would also observe that the wilderness designations made by the pending measure are clean, and by that, I refer to the fact that they are not coupled with other matters which have nothing to do with wilderness. Wilderness standing on its own here, the benefits of wilderness designation to the local economy, to hunters and fishermen, and to our heritage and future generations of Americans, is on display for all to see.”