Conveyance of Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County, Arizona

Floor Speech

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Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of my bill, which was the first piece of legislation I introduced and is a testament to veterans in Arizona. Specifically, my bill would enable Gila County, Arizona, to operate a veterans center on 232 acres in Young, Arizona.

As a veteran myself, I know the importance of providing these resources cannot be overstated. This legislation will serve our State and its heroes well.

The veterans center would protect and maintain the rich history of the property while providing family housing, meeting and activity spaces, resource rooms, veteran ceremonial grounds, and outdoor recreation. It would be the first of its kind in northern Arizona, providing resources and support to primarily rural veterans and their families.

Furthermore, this legislation is an exemplary model of efficient land management. Out West, the Federal Government retains vast amounts of land, limiting States' ability to maintain, conserve, recreate, and responsibly produce on the lands within their own States.

Anytime Congress can vote on legislation that returns power to the State is a good thing. In this case, veterans of northern Arizona will get a space to heal and reconnect with their families after putting their lives on the line for the peace and freedom of all Americans.

I would like to take a moment to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar), my friend who helped lay the foundation for this effort, as well as Senators Sinema and Kelly, who are leading this bill in the Senate.

It is my hope that we can get this bill across the finish line.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to put into good use this land for the benefit of our veterans, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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