Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Act

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4404) to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of the Kissimmee River in the State of Florida as a component of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4404, the Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and designate segments of the Kissimmee River as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

After efforts in the 1940s to control the Kissimmee River's flow led to issues that destroyed habitats, Congress directed the Army Corps of Engineers to restore the river back to its original path in the 1990s.

The completion of this project has already contributed to the return of many wildlife species and a healthier ecosystem.

This bill will ensure that the restored segments of the river are preserved for future generations to enjoy, by adding them to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Congress created the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1968 to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

I thank my colleague, Representative Soto, for introducing this important legislation and championing it on behalf of his constituents.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I too, urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4404, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Darren Soto of Florida.

The Kissimmee River stretches more than 100 miles in Central Florida and serves as both the headwaters for the Everglades and the main drainage route for the expansive Kissimmee River Basin.

H.R. 4404, as amended, would authorize a Wild and Scenic River study to be completed by the Secretary of the Interior. The study will confirm whether the river meets the high standards set forth in the Wild and Scenic River Act.

I appreciate the majority supporting an amendment at markup to protect private property rights by clarifying that this study cannot be used as a justification for new restrictive management practices prior to Congress acting to officially designate the river as wild and scenic.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.