Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary Modification Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5458) to modify the boundary of the Rocky Mountain National Park, and for other purposes.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 5458

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary Modification Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:

(1) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``Rocky Mountain National Park Proposed Boundary Revision'', numbered 121/154,327, and dated June 2019.

(2) Non-federal land.--The term ``non-Federal land'' means the approximately 40 acres of non-Federal land depicted as ``TR 05-133'' on the map.

(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. SEC. 3. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK BOUNDARY MODIFICATION.

(a) Land Acquisition.--The Secretary may acquire, by donation, the non-Federal land for inclusion in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

(b) Boundary Modification.--On acquisition of the non- Federal land under subsection (a), the Secretary shall--

(1) modify the boundary of the Rocky Mountain National Park to include the acquisition; and

(2) administer the acquired land as part of the Rocky Mountain National Park, in accordance with applicable laws.

(c) Availability of Map.--The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in appropriate offices of the National Park Service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5458, the Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary Modification Act, the first of two bills introduced by my Colorado colleague, Representative Joe Neguse.

This bill would modify the boundary of Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park to include approximately 40 acres of non-Federal land that former U.S. astronaut Vance Brand hopes to donate to the park.

This 40-acre tract will provide enhanced protections for the park's high-elevation ecosystems and would increase recreational access and connectivity by providing a natural buffer between private lands and three popular trails.

Rocky Mountain National Park is home to many of our Nation's most treasured landscapes, and I commend Representative Neguse for his efforts to expand and enhance protections for this park.

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Mr. HUFFMAN.

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Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I request an ``aye'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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