Natural Resources Management Act

Floor Speech

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Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona for yielding and for his leadership on this issue.

I rise in strong support of S. 47, the Natural Resources Management Act. And as my colleague from Utah so eloquently stated, this landmark public lands legislation is the product of years, decades of work at the committee level, and months of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations. It includes support from key conservation, sportsmen, and environmental stakeholders.

The outstanding provisions in this bill will enshrine and safeguard our Nation's conservation legacy for decades to come. This begins with permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It should never have expired. Permanent reauthorization of LWCF will mean this program and its important work can continue unimpeded for future generations.

Almost 20 years ago, John Dingell led the first effort to permanently reauthorize it with his friends Don Young, George Miller, Billy Tauzin, and Chris John, a geographically and diverse group of leaders who happened to like the outdoors and, yes, hunting and fishing.

LWCF funding has protected some of our country's most treasured natural resources, while creating jobs, supporting local economies, and providing countless opportunities for recreation. Since 1965, LWCS has provided over $3.9 billion for over 40,000 projects in every county across this country, with every $1 invested returning $4 in economic value.

This benefits every congressional district, every county, and every State in this country. Preserving our beautiful and iconic places matters to us all and was the reason for initially starting it.

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Mrs. DINGELL. Being here today with this bipartisan group of people working to preserve our land, he is looking from up above and saying: Well done, all of you.

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