Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012

Floor Speech

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Ms. FOXX. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

As a supporter of H.R. 4089, I rise today to offer an amendment which would add another positive element to the underlying bill. As we all know, the Antiquities Act of 1906 authorized the President to designate national monuments on Federal lands that contain historical landmark structures or other objects of scientific interest. This authority has been used 129 times by Presidents of both parties to designate such national treasures as the Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, and the Statute of Liberty.

As someone who has enjoyed and appreciated some of the abundance of national and historic treasures throughout this great country, I greatly appreciate the importance of protecting these great blessings.

Currently, a National Monument designation allows for the President to impose unilaterally further restrictions on the use of Federal lands.

Since State authorities are more aware of the local circumstances affecting land restrictions, I've offered a standalone bill, H.R. 302, the Preserve Land Freedom for Americans Act of 2011, which is the model for the amendment I'm now offering. This amendment provides for accountability to the process by requiring the approval of the legislatures and Governors of the States where monuments are proposed to be located.

With the Federal Government currently owning such a large percentage of land throughout the country, particularly in Western States, it's important to respect and allow State policymakers to weigh in on proposed Federal land restrictions within their borders.

With that, Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Ms. FOXX. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I want to thank my two colleagues who spoke on behalf of my amendment and tell them how much I appreciate their comments. And I want to say to my friends on the other side of the aisle, if designating an area as a national monument would be such a good idea, there shouldn't be any problem with gaining approval from the legislatures and the Governor, and it takes no power away from the President but allows the States to be part of the process.

I encourage my colleagues to support my amendment and yield back the balance of my time.

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