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 passed the House last Congress and was the first piece of legislation I introduced in my first term.

It 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 former Navy Seal, I know the importance of providing this resource cannot be understated. 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 lands within their own State.

Mr. Speaker, anytime Congress can vote on legislation that returns power to the States 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.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Arizona (Mr. Gosar), who helped lay the foundation for this effort, as well as Senator Kelly, who is leading this bill in the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that we can get this bill across the finish line, and I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.

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