Providing For Consideration Of Senate Amendments To H.R. 146, Omnibus Public Land Management

Floor Speech

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Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Omnibus Public Lands bill under consideration, as well as the rule.

This bipartisan and bicameral effort has taken a lot of work, and it has been a long and twisting road. But we have before us today a widely supported piece of legislation that benefits our Nation from Florida to Alaska, Texas to Minnesota, and, indeed, my district in Colorado.

I was lucky enough to grow up in Boulder, Colorado, hiking in Mount Sanitas, the Flat Irons, and Flagstaff Mountain--all areas under public management. This bill will protect and defend some of America's truly great public lands so that children all across the country can grow up enjoying our environment and interacting with our ecosystems, just like I did when I was a kid.

It will also finally give Rocky Mountain National Park, a prized jewel in Colorado, the wilderness designation it deserves. The Rockies, rising high above Denver and our surrounding communities, are visited by local residents and international adventurers who come to be surrounded by our awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse ecosystem.

These visitors sustain Colorado communities like Estes Park and Grand Lake, communities that rely on tourism and recreation jobs, and will be well served by this bill.

Furthermore, the National Landscape Conservation System, the wild and scenic rivers and national heritage areas that this bill codifies, will enrich our country many times over. Just as Rocky Mountain National Park and the Indian Peaks Wilderness have enriched the culture and history of Colorado, the National Landscape Conservation System will enrich our country.

This bill's passage is long overdue. It will preserve landscapes, educate generations, enrich lives and support local communities. We have addressed any reasonable concerns that have been posed, and at long last it is time for this bill to become law.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this important piece of legislation. I thank Chairman Rahall for his leadership on this bill, Representative Pingree for her leadership on the rule, and I look forward to sending this bill to the President.

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