On the recordOctober 2, 2013
I am now pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock), who represents what may be one of the most beautiful places in this country, Yosemite National Park. Mr. McCLINTOCK. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Last night, Mr. Speaker, the House attempted to reopen our National Parks, and 22 Democrats defied their party leaders and joined with the majority to provide for this vital relief. The little towns around Yosemite National Park depend on tourism for their economy. They're still reeling from the Yosemite Rim fire that brought tourism to a near standstill last month. When tourists are needlessly barred from our national parks, all of the vendors, all of the concessionaires, the lodgekeepers and shopkeepers in all of the surrounding communities are devastated. They have to lay off employees and often have to close. And unlike government employees, these taxpaying, job-generating private sector working people never get paid back when it's all over. Having already agreed to spare our military from the effect of this impasse, why would anybody object to funding other critical functions while we wait for the larger issues to be resolved?
