On the recordNovember 2, 2023
I understand the frustration that the gentlewoman expresses in her statement, but I must rise in opposition to this amendment. The Bureau of Land Management's funding level is already $255.4 million, or 18 percent below the FY23 enacted level. A drastic 50 percent cut to already decreased levels leaves me concerned that this would put the agency in a position where they cannot carry out critical activities to address their most pressing issues in Western States, particularly in Wyoming, Idaho, and other States. The growing backlog for grazing, energy, and mineral activity permits; population problems with wild horses and burros that were just debated on the last amendment; and the increasing demand for increased recreational access to our public lands cause me deep concern when you want to cut the BLM by an additional 50 percent. Mr. Chair, I must oppose this amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentlewoman from Maine (Ms. Pingree).
