CNN Newsroom: Interview With Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV)

Interview

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Listen, this designation, first of all, is so important to Nevada and to our economy. And it has been the result of decades of work by tribe -- our tribal leaders, as well as outdoorsmen, our conservationists in Nevada. So, I believe that this is a designation that has been years in the making. It is the right thing to do.

It's going to create one of the largest contiguous monuments in the country. Protect one of the world's largest stands of Joshua trees. But most importantly, it's going to protect incredible spiritual recreation and ecological assets in our country. So, I think this is an important day. We're going to continue -- Nevada has shown -- Southern Nevada has shown that we want this designation and I believe it will stand.

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Well, yes. First of all --

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Oh, sorry.

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Listen, this is important lands for 12 Yuman speaking tribes. This president has made commitment to recognize indigenous people in our country to make sure we are protecting those lands. I believe that we will continue to work to do that here in Congress. And not the mention the economic value of this designation, I mean, everyone thinks of Nevada and Las Vegas as gaming and tourism which certainly is the lifeblood of our economy. But our outdoor recreation is just as important.

And so, when you look at close $50 billion in Nevada was spent on outdoor recreation, supporting 50,000 jobs, this is not just good for the sacred recognition for our tribal nations but this is also good for the economy of Southern Nevada as well.

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Thank you, Erica.

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