Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2997) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to Mesa County, Colorado, certain Federal land in Colorado, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in

which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2997, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support Representative Boebert's bill, the Clifton Opportunities Now for Vibrant Economic Yields Act, or the CONVEY Act.

H.R. 2997 conveys land from the Federal Government to Mesa County in Colorado. As the House Committee on Natural Resources considered and ultimately passed this bill through our committee last year, it was clear Representative Boebert had done good work to build consensus and solve an important issue in a local Colorado community.

The bill is good policy. Representative Boebert worked with her constituents, county leaders, and the Bureau of Land Management to draft legislation they all support.

Many of our Western States are largely owned by the Federal Government. In Colorado, over 36 percent of the land is federally owned. In Mesa County, an astonishing 72 percent of the land is owned by the Federal Government, and this presents many local challenges.

As communities grow in proximity to Federal lands, there simply is not enough space for new homes, schools, hospitals, or other necessities to sustain a growing population. Large swaths of Federal land limit the tax base to support the local community. While creative solutions have been enacted by Congress to address this issue, there are still setbacks to communities lacking a strong tax base.

The growing population in this Colorado community has encouraged county leaders to seek out new land for development. The land in question is on the Bureau's disposal list, meaning the agency has determined it no longer wants to manage the land and the land does not serve the taxpayers' interest.

While both the Bureau of Land Management and Mesa County are supportive of this land exchange, the process has continued to run into bureaucratic delays. Mesa County has been working for 5 years to acquire a mere 31 acres--let me repeat that: 5 years to acquire 31 acres--all because of bureaucratic delays. We now need an act of Congress to speed up this process.

This is evidence of a much larger problem. There should not be excessive delays preventing the conveyance of land when all parties agree this land would be put to more productive use outside of Federal management and there is a willing buyer.

The House Committee on Natural Resources will continue to conduct oversight on how we can expedite the process of disposing of unwanted Federal land, especially land that could be better utilized to support small, rural communities and their economies.

While the committee continues its work to address the larger issue of Federal land management, I applaud Representative Boebert for her leadership in addressing this important issue for her constituents.

Mr. Speaker, I support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. Boebert), the author of the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I thank Representative Boebert for her hard work and leadership and the effort she put into crafting this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3415) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Midvale Irrigation District the Pilot

Butte Power Plant in the State of Wyoming, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3415, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3415 sponsored by Congresswoman Hageman of Wyoming. This legislation would direct the Bureau of Reclamation to enter negotiations with the Midvale Irrigation District to transfer the Pilot Butte Power Plant to the district.

Under current law, the Bureau of Reclamation holds title to the power plant and related facilities, and ownership of the power plant cannot be transferred unless authorized by Congress.

This plant has not produced electricity since 2008, when the Bureau of Reclamation determined that increasing operation and maintenance costs made electricity generation at the plant economically infeasible.

The district has expressed interest in taking ownership and rehabilitating and operating the power plant and related facilities to provide power to the district's water users.

This legislation is the first step in achieving that goal. It would allow the Midvale Irrigation District to harness additional hydroelectric power resources, a carbon-free, reliable source of energy.

At a time when good stewardship of taxpayer resources and access to reliable energy are at the forefront of so many debates in Washington, I am proud that our committee advanced legislation that accomplishes both objectives.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Hageman for her leadership. I urge adoption of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman), the bill's sponsor.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Mr. Speaker, the principle of cooperative federalism means that decisions are made at the appropriate level of government, at the Federal, State, and local levels.

H.R. 3415 embodies this principle by transferring control of the Pilot Butte Power Plant to the Midvale Irrigation District, putting local project beneficiaries in charge of resource management, harnessing additional hydroelectric power resources, and ultimately, lowering cost.

I once again thank Congresswoman Hageman for her leadership. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4051) to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a task force regarding shark depredation, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 4051, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4051, sponsored by my friend and colleague, Congressman Rob Wittman of Virginia.

Concerns over shark depredation are increasingly common. From fishermen in the Florida Keys and throughout the Gulf of Mexico whose prized snapper or grouper catch was eaten by a shark, to charter boat captains in North Carolina's Outer Banks fishing offshore, shark interactions can be frustrating for anglers as they result in loss of catch, damaged gear, and degraded fishing experiences, and may also impact the post-release survival of target fish.

While the number of reports of depredation have increased, the underlying cause of the increase remains uncertain. It could be due to an increase in the number of sharks, as stocks rebuild, or learned behavior by sharks as they recognize motors, fishing techniques, or shark-feeding locations as a source of food.

We simply do not have enough information.

To make matters worse, shark depredation touches on many Federal and State jurisdictions, but because no single entity has a responsibility to address it, very little is being done.

H.R. 4051 would require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a task force to address shark depredation.

The task force membership would include representatives from Regional Fishery Management Councils, the Marine Fisheries Commissions, the State fish and wildlife agencies from the States within the Regional Fishery Management Councils, NOAA, and shark experts from the Fisheries Service, and non-Federal experts.

During committee consideration of this legislation, the minority worked closely with two of the bill's sponsors, Mr. Wittman and Mr. Graves, to make modest changes by including more engagement with the scientific community engaged in shark research and clarifying that the findings and work done by the task force do not impact the Secretary of Commerce's responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act or the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

The legislation will help the Federal Government further understand, identify, and address critical needs as they relate to shark depredation.

I applaud Mr. Wittman for his work on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman), the bill's sponsor.

Mr. Speaker, I have experienced what Mr. Wittman was talking about; you know, excited to be reeling in a fish, and you get it to the boat, and you maybe have a couple of lips and an eyeball and part of a gill. That is all that is left. I don't get to fish offshore that much, but I can tell you it can be disappointing, and that is why it is important to do this research.

I appreciate the gentleman bringing the bill before us.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves), who is quite the fisherman himself.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure living in Florida you have probably stood on the edge of a boat and asked that question: Why? Why did a shark eat my fish? What was it that motivated it? Is it because there are too many sharks? Is it something I did? It leaves you with this empty feeling.

This legislation is here to answer that question. It is simple legislation. It creates a task force that would be responsible for improving coordination and communication across the fisheries management community on shark depredation, as well as identifying research priorities and funding opportunities.

Again, I commend Congressman Wittman for his tireless work on fisheries issues and for his work on this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4385) to extend authorization of the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members will have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 4385, the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4385, sponsored by Congressman Neguse of Colorado. This legislation extends authorities granted to the Bureau of Reclamation under the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act, which provided Reclamation emergency authorities to make water available for users outside of a project's area, offer loans to water

users to build drought mitigation infrastructure and make water available for fish and wildlife restoration efforts, among others.

Since 1992, when this legislation was enacted, Reclamation has relied on these authorities to assist communities across the 17 Reclamation States and territories to effectively manage water resources and mitigate impacts posed by droughts and natural disasters.

As the western United States responds to drought events and with the cost of these events posing ever greater financial burdens, it is critical that Reclamation continues to utilize these important authorities to pursue its vital mission, helping to support local economies and ensuring access to water resources.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, when President George H.W. Bush signed the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991, he said that the legislation would help us serve as good neighbors in times of need.

The Drought Preparedness Act reauthorizes vital authorities that the Bureau of Reclamation has relied on for more than three decades to do just that--help communities respond and to prepare for droughts, ensure effective management of water resources, and encourage fish wildlife restoration efforts. These efforts are critically important.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5009) to reauthorize wildlife habitat and conservation programs, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 5009, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5009, sponsored by my friend and colleague, Congressman Dave Joyce of Ohio. The programs this bill reauthorizes are decades old and have had proven results. This bipartisan piece of legislation will continue our longstanding efforts to promote responsible conservation efforts in the country and internationally.

First, H.R. 5009 authorizes the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, which allows the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to partner with private landowners to preserve habitat for at-risk species on private lands. Over the past 35 years, the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program has helped around 30,000 landowners complete more than 50,000 habitat restoration projects totaling more than 6.4 million acres of fish and wildlife habitat.

In February 2023, the service reported that two-thirds of federally listed species have at least some habitat on private land, and some species have most of their remaining habitat on private land. Voluntary, collaborative conservation efforts like the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program help to empower private landowners to aid these species.

Lastly, this bill reauthorizes the programs which make up the multinational species conservation funds. These programs provide grant funding to conserve some of the world's most iconic species, such as elephants, lions, tigers, rhinos, and great apes.

Since their inception, these programs have provided over $92.5 million in grants and cooperative agreements for conservation projects in 54 countries, while leveraging $200 million in private matching contributions. These grants and cooperative agreements are vital to reducing illegal trafficking and poaching, decreasing conflict with humans, and improving habitat for these iconic species.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Mr. Joyce for his work on this bill, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Joyce), who is the bill's sponsor.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, I am

prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I consider myself a conservationist. The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program has long been a critical tool to help advance collaborative conservation on private lands, and the multinational species conservation funds have been essential to conserving some of the world's most iconic species, as we discussed.

I, again, applaud Congressman Joyce's bipartisan efforts on this legislation that will continue our longstanding efforts to promote responsible conservation efforts in the country and internationally.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1240) to transfer administrative jurisdiction of certain Federal lands from the Army Corps of Engineers to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to take such lands into trust for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 1240, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1240, the Winnebago Land Transfer Act of 2023, would replace approximately 1,600 acres of land into trust for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.

The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska is one of the federally recognized Tribes of the Ho-Chunk people. Their reservation encompasses 117,000 acres of land located in Thurston and Dixon Counties in Nebraska and Woodbury County in Iowa.

The treaties of 1865 and 1874 between the Tribe and the U.S. Government established the land that is now known as the Winnebago Tribe's reservation.

In 1970, the Army Corps of Engineers condemned tracts of land on the eastern boundary of the Winnebago Reservation in Nebraska and Iowa through eminent domain for the use of the Snyder-Winnebago Oxbow Lake Recreation Complex project. The Tribe challenged this taking in Federal Court. In Nebraska, the District Court ruled in favor of the Tribe, and the parcels in the State were returned.

That was not the case in Iowa. A failure to properly preserve a right of appeal meant that the Eighth Circuit Court could not return the land to the Tribe through a court order, even though they won their case. The land would have to be returned to the Tribe through an act of Congress.

H.R. 1240 would right the wrong that occurred in 1970 by returning the land and placing it into trust. An additional 60-acre tract that was condemned by the Army Corps of Engineers would also be placed into trust as it would be landlocked by the main parcels being placed into trust.

The land is currently woodland and marsh and has recreational, hunting, and fishing values. The Tribe testified they intend to manage the land under their Winnebago Wildlife and Parks Department and plan to make few, if any, changes to the conservation measures currently in place. Under this legislation, the land would be ineligible for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Feenstra) for his work on the bill, I encourage adoption of the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the bill's sponsor, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Feenstra).

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, I am prepared to close, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, as has been stated, the Winnebago Tribe has been working for more than 50 years to have these approximately 1,600 acres restored to their reservation. I am hopeful that in this Congress we can finally get it done.

Mr. Speaker, I, again, want to thank Congressman Feenstra and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska for their hard work on this legislation. I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor the life and service of Mr. Paul Harvel, a distinguished leader who dedicated over five decades to the advancement of Arkansas chambers of commerce, economic development, and the agricultural industry. His profound impact on countless communities and unwavering commitment to excellence leave an indelible mark on our collective memory.

In July of 2014, the American Chapter of Commerce Executives rightfully bestowed upon Paul Harvel the Life Member Award, the highest individual honor in the chamber of commerce profession. This accolade, presented to only 42 individuals in the ACCE's century-long history, reflects Paul's exceptional lifetime of leadership, service, and dedication to the business community.

Former Governor Mike Beebe aptly noted that there are few parts of Arkansas untouched by Paul Harvel's influence. His wisdom, expertise, and collaborative spirit benefited numerous communities, creating a legacy of positive change and progress.

Paul Harvel's extensive career included pivotal roles such as CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he played a key role in establishing Pulaski County Technical College. His visionary leadership saw the growth of the Little Rock Chamber's assets from $70.000 to over $10 million during his 21-year tenure.

As President and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber, Paul Harvel initiated Leadership Arkansas, contributing significantly to the organization's growth, with total income rising from $800,000 to $1.8 million and membership expanding from 650 to 1,400. His impact also extended to the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he led successful efforts to secure over $2 million for a new economic development fund.

Beyond his chamber work, Paul Harvel championed Arkansas' agriculture sector, drawing from his upbringing on a farm in Kellar, Texas. From his early days as a vocational agriculture teacher to his instrumental role in founding the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame in 1987, his contributions to the state's agriculture legacy are immeasurable.

Paul Harvel's passing is not only a loss to his family, including his wife Barbara, daughter Michelle Boulden, and grandson Hunter Tuggle, but also to the broader community that benefited from his vision, dedication, and tireless efforts.

In honoring Paul Harvel's memory, let us reflect on the remarkable legacy he leaves behind and strive to continue the positive impact he made on Arkansas and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the late Melvin Daniel who will be posthumously inducted into the Arkansas Agricultural Hall of Fame in March.

A Bismarck native, Melvin spent 37 years as an agriculture education teacher and FFA adviser for the Glenwood, Lake Hamilton, and Foreman school districts, including 33 years at Lake Hamilton where he advised the school's first FFA State officer, first American FFA Degree recipient, and trained 33 State-winning FFA judging teams.

Melvin was a dedicated agriculturalist known not only for his dedication to agricultural education and FFA but also for his passion for raising Black Angus and Limousine cattle and for his time spent as director of the Master Gardeners program with the Garland County Cooperative Extension Service.

Although I never had Mr. Daniel as my ag teacher, he taught at a neighboring high school. I spent much time with him and his students at fairs, conventions, and contests. Mr. Daniel had a desire to see all students succeed, whether they were his students or not. I was one of those who benefited from knowing him.

I am honored to stand today and recognize my friend, Mr. Melvin Daniel, for his lifelong commitment to agriculture. His induction to the Arkansas Agricultural Hall of Fame is well deserved, and I know his family and the community are still inspired by his service.

Honoring the Bragg Family

Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend my condolences to the friends and loved ones of the Bragg family from Monticello. While visiting family in Michigan over the holiday, Hope and Don Bragg, their son Kenny and their daughter, Elizabeth, lost their lives in a house explosion. Their son Stephen and Hope's father, Richard Pruden, made it out but are still in recovery.

Hope was a dedicated Arkansas 4-H instructor, and Don was a renowned scientist, who conducted critical research at the University of Arkansas at Monticello that will forever impact forestry in Arkansas and nationwide.

In fact, much of the research that Don conducted has impacted the work that I have done throughout my career as both a forester and a Member of Congress.

I am thankful for both Hope and Don's contributions to the agricultural and forestry sectors, but, furthermore, I am thankful for their generous contributions to their community.

I was devastated to learn about this tragedy, as I know many were. Hope and Don's absence will be greatly felt and impact many in Drew County and across the country, but they leave behind a lasting legacy of love for science and public service.

My prayers go out to Stephen and Mr. Pruden as they recover from this disaster and the Braggs' friends and families as they navigate this devastating loss.

Recognizing Tom Nichols

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Tom Nichols for his distinguished career in broadcast radio. For over 65 years, Tom Nichols has been in the radio business in Arkansas. Since 1958, when he got his start with the Hot Springs DJs, Tom has impacted the Natural State's radio industry beyond measure.

After years of managing KZNG in Hot Springs, Tom and his wife, Polly, became trailblazers in Arkansas radio when they started the first-ever radio station in Pike County in Glenwood. What began as a small AM radio station became the spot for Arkansans in Pike County to receive breaking news and daily entertainment on AM and FM frequencies.

As KWXI grew in Glenwood, Tom and Polly saw a need for quality radio in Hot Springs Village, and, thus, they started KRVE where they still are today. The KVRE call letters mean Village Radio Entertainment, which is exactly what they are all about.

One of Arkansas' last family-owned and operated stations, KVRE is known as being personable and making its listeners feel like friends and family. As

someone who has joined Tom on KVRE for several interviews, I can attest to the familiar and personal environment he and his family have curated in Hot Springs Village.

Tom has not only been able to capture and maintain the nostalgia of hometown radio with local personalities and local news, but he has adapted with the times. You cannot only listen at 92.9 locally, but you can also listen worldwide at KVRE.com.

It is with great honor that I rise today to recognize Tom Nichols and his 65 years of service in radio broadcasting.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2839) to amend the Siletz Reservation Act to address the hunting, fishing, trapping, and animal gathering rights of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2839, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2839 will amend the Siletz Reservation Act to provide a process by which the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians and the State of Oregon may negotiate to amend or replace the 1980 agreement that currently serves as the final determination of the Tribe's hunting, fishing, trapping, and animal gathering rights.

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is a confederation of more than 27 different Tribes and bands of Indians who, beginning in 1856, were removed throughout western Oregon and placed on the Siletz Coast Reservation.

The Siletz Coast Reservation was repeatedly diminished by Federal action until the Siletz Tribe's Federal recognition was terminated by an act of Congress in 1954.

In 1977, Congress enacted a bill to restore the Tribe's Federal recognition. This restoration was not without conditions. The Siletz Tribe's hunting, fishing, trapping, and animal gathering rights were limited through an agreement made with the State of Oregon.

This agreement was finalized on May 2, 1980, by the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon as a consent decree. The 1980 consent decree was then incorporated into the Siletz Reservation Act of 1980.

The agreement provided limited allocations for salmon fishing and deer and elk hunting while otherwise prohibiting Tribal hunting, fishing, gathering, and trapping, except as authorized under Oregon State law.

H.R. 2839 would allow the Siletz Tribe in the State of Oregon to negotiate to amend, replace, or terminate the 1980 consent decree. That consent decree remains in place until there is mutual agreement for a new agreement between both the Tribe and the State.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon would also be required to adjudicate any change in the consent decree on the merits of the case. This prevents the modification from being dismissed by the court because the matter had already been decided.

Additionally, the legislation includes language preserving all other hunting and fishing treaty rights held by other treaty Tribes.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, this legislation would amend the Siletz Reservation Act to allow the State of Oregon and the Siletz Tribe to negotiate to amend, replace, or terminate the Tribe's 1980s hunting, fishing, trapping, and animal consent decree.

The current consent decree would remain in place until there is a new agreement that is mutually decided on, allowing all parties to reach an agreement before changes are made.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the sponsor of the legislation for her work on behalf of her constituents. I urge adoption of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 788) to amend the Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2013 to allow States to issue fully electronic stamps under that Act, and for other purposes.

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 S. 788, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 788, sponsored by my friend and fellow Razorback, Senator John Boozman from Arkansas. This bill makes commonsense improvements to wildlife regulations by modernizing how waterfowl hunters across the country can purchase a Federal duck stamp.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves), who had a companion bill in the House that went through our committee.

The Federal duck stamp was first created when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act into law in 1934. The law required waterfowl and other migratory bird hunters, ages 16 and over, to purchase and possess a valid duck stamp prior to taking migratory waterfowl.

Current law requires hunters to physically possess a signed duck stamp while hunting for any migratory waterfowl. Even in States where electronic licensing is used, a signed physical duck stamp is required.

Mr. Speaker, on my mobile phone, I have the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission hunting app. Right here, front and center, I have my Federal duck stamp electronically. Technically, I would be breaking the law if a game warden approached me when I was hunting and this is all that I had. I still have to carry my little duck stamps in my pocket that are signed, both the State and Federal duck stamps.

This bill would modernize that program so that these electronic duck stamps would suffice if you were approached by a game warden.

S. 788 modernizes the program by removing the 45-day requirement to have a physical duck stamp and allowing States the option to sell electronic duck stamps for the entirety of the hunting season.

Under this bill, purchasers would still receive the physical stamp at the end of their State waterfowl season, therefore preserving the long legacy of the Federal duck stamp for generations to come.

This is a good governance approach that will continue the unmatched American tradition of wildlife conservation through sportsmen participation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Garret Graves of Louisiana for his tireless work on this issue. He sponsored the House companion to S. 788. After today, this legislation is one step closer to becoming law.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from the great State of Louisiana (Mr. Graves), where I understand that if you can't get to a hunt in Arkansas, it is not a bad place to go as a consolation.

Mr. Speaker, I want to make clear that the gentleman from Louisiana, even though he looks like a duck commander, he is not a duck commander, but he does enjoy the outdoors.

The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, which is based on a user pays system through the purchase of items like the Federal duck stamp, is the envy of the world. In total, fees paid by the sportsmen communities contribute over $1 billion in revenue annually that goes toward wildlife conservation, which is truly a remarkable achievement.

S. 788 is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that underpins the Northern American model by giving hunters certainty and modernizing the Federal duck stamp process.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5283.

Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Chair, today I rise in support of H.R. 5283, legislation sponsored by my colleague from New York City, Congresswoman Malliotakis.

This legislation would protect our national parks, prevent wasteful spending, and hold the Biden administration accountable for its failed border policies.

The Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act of 2023 would prohibit the use of any Federal funding, leases, or contracts to construct housing facilities for illegal immigrants on our Nation's Federal lands.

It would also put an end to the legally questionable lease that the Biden administration signed with New York City to house thousands of migrants at Floyd Bennett Field, which is owned and managed by the National Park Service.

Madam Chair, our national parks have been described as America's best idea. They are places we go to experience the outdoors and spend time with our friends, family, and community.

That was true of Floyd Bennett Field, which drew an average of 1 million visitors per year for its ice skating rinks, petting zoos, UC cadet programs, bird watching, bike races, and much more.

If you go to Floyd Bennett Field today, you wouldn't see any children on playgrounds or fishermen dotting the shoreline. Instead, you would see massive tents, hastily thrown together over the last few weeks to house 2,000 migrants in semi-congregate facilities.

This tent city has been called a recipe for disaster.

Local Democrat and Republican elected officials, the U.S. Park Police Union, the Legal Aid Society, and the Coalition for the Homeless have all spoken out against using Floyd Bennett Field as a migrant housing facility.

The Park Police Union testified before the Committee on Natural Resources that it was a, ``law enforcement nightmare and public safety disaster in the making.''

Numerous organizations have raised concerns about inadequate bathroom facilities, cramped sleeping areas, and hazards for children.

The local fire department said the area is a fire trap and lacks basic safety features, like fire hydrants. If that wasn't enough, the entire facility is located in a flood plain that floods even on days with light rain.

Maybe the Biden administration would have known about these issues ahead of time had they not tried to get around the National Environmental Policy Act by improperly declaring this as an emergency.

Perhaps it is no surprise that when the first busloads of migrants started arriving at Floyd Bennett Field, they turned right back around and refused to stay there.

Migrant families are now warning each other against staying there, saying that the site is freezing cold, babies are suffering, it is not suitable for children, and believe it or not, there are no televisions.

This entire boondoggle has been a colossal waste of time and American tax dollars.

Why are we here? Because of failed Democrat policies.

President Biden has failed to secure our border leading to a record number of migrant apprehensions last month.

Liberal New York Democrats have turned New York into a sanctuary city whose right-to-shelter laws will cost an estimated $12 billion over the next 3 years just to house undocumented immigrants.

The mission of the National Park Service is to conserve the natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment of future generations, not bail out the failed border policies of the Biden administration.

The use of emergency declarations at Floyd Bennett Field is a result of a man-made problem that President Biden is responsible for.

The border crisis is now everywhere in America, and what is happening at Floyd Bennett Field is something that highlights the failures at the southern border. This is the Biden administration's legacy for the National Park Service.

Congresswoman Malliotakis' legislation will ensure that Federal lands throughout the country, including parks such as Hot Springs National Park in my district and the Grand Canyon in the ranking member's home State, remain natural wonders, not tent cities for illegal immigrants.

Madam Chair, I thank Representative Malliotakis for her strong leadership on this effort. I support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Agriculture,

Washington, DC, November 14, 2023.

Hon. Bruce Westerman,

Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources,

Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: This letter confirms our mutual

understanding regarding H.R. 5283, the ``Protecting our

Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act of 2023''.

Thank you for collaborating with the Committee on Agriculture

on the matters within our jurisdiction.

The Committee on Agriculture will forego any further

consideration of this bill. However, by foregoing

consideration at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction

over any subject matter contained in this or similar

legislation. The Committee on Agriculture also reserves the

right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of

conferees should it become necessary and ask that you support

such a request.

We would appreciate a response to this letter confirming

this understanding with respect to H.R. 5283, and request a

copy of our letters on this matter be published in the

Congressional Record during Floor consideration.

Sincerely,

Glenn ``GT'' Thompson,

Chairman.

Madam Chair, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Malliotakis), the lead sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Tiffany), the chair of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber).

Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Minnesota.

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman).

Mr. Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Kiggans).

Mr. Chair, it sounds like we have bipartisan support for H.R. 2, the Secure our Borders Act, which was passed out of this Chamber that would secure our border and would address the fentanyl crisis. Maybe some of our colleagues weren't paying attention when we brought that up and debated it and passed it. Hopefully, they can go talk to Senator Schumer who represents New York, and get that bill through the Senate and on President Biden's desk.

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. LaMalfa).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Carl).

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins).

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Ciscomani).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaLota).

Mr. Chair, may I get an update on the time remaining.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. D'Esposito).

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks).

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from the State of Washington (Mr. Newhouse).

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Fulcher).

Mr. Chair, I believe I have about as much time left as the Biden administration put into the permitting process on Floyd Bennett Field. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, again, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 5283, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this commonsense amendment offered by the gentleman from Tennessee. This good amendment will provide transparency and hold the Biden administration accountable for their ongoing failure to secure the southern border.

Now, it is unfortunate that this amendment is necessary, but the Biden administration has refused repeated requests from the committee over the past several months to produce documentation regarding the exact number of illegal immigrants housed on our Federal lands.

We must ensure that our Federal lands, which have been specifically set aside for the enjoyment and benefit of American people, are not used to bail out the Biden administration from their manmade crisis and emergency and their unwillingness to secure our southern border.

The Biden administration has allowed millions of illegal immigrants to flood into our country, staggering figures that have strained communities from our border all the way to New York City.

As Republicans continue to push for border security measures, it is vital that we ensure that our Federal lands are not being co-opted as housing for massive floods of illegal immigrants.

This amendment and the underlying bill will ensure that our Federal lands are not misused.

Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for offering this thoughtful amendment, and I encourage my colleagues to join me in support of the amendment.

Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New York.

If this amendment were adopted, it would make this bill probably worse than where we are with the status quo because it would require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to provide housing when the States couldn't provide the housing.

Therefore, States that have declared themselves sanctuaries, like New York, could just say they are not providing housing. It is then back to the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to provide the housing, which would probably result in more migrant shelters on Federal lands.

Our Federal lands were not designed or intended to encamp migrants, especially not our national parks. Again, the mission of the National Park Service is to conserve these areas ``in such a manner and by such a means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.'' Nothing about constructing tent cities for illegal migrants protects this land for the enjoyment of current or future generations.

The mission of the National Park Service also specifies conserving unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System. Nothing about constructing tent cities for illegal immigrants conserves the natural and cultural resources of Floyd Bennett Field or the Gateway National Recreation Area.

This amendment cannot be implemented in a practical manner. It creates a complex verification system based on subjective standards for which the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture have no expertise. This amendment would entangle these agencies further into our immigration debacle rather than acknowledging they should never have been included in this debate in the first place.

Mr. Chair, I strongly oppose this amendment.

Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1607) to clarify jurisdiction with respect to certain Bureau of Reclamation pumped storage development, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 1607, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my colleague, Mr. Schweikert's bill which enables the Bureau of Reclamation and Salt River Project to move forward with developing pumped storage hydropower facilities in the Salt River reservoir system in Arizona.

Pumped storage is an efficient means to store energy when supply exceeds demand and has been shown to be one of the most useful methods for regulating intermittent renewable generation resources, such as wind and solar.

Based on initial work done by the Bureau of Reclamation in 2014, the Salt River Project developed two possible locations for the construction of a pumped storage hydropower project.

H.R. 1607 would withdraw approximately 17,000 acres of Federal lands

from the National Forest System and transfer it to the Bureau of Reclamation for the development of pumped storage hydropower and the development, generation, and transmission of electrical power and energy.

Through the transfer of this land, the proposed pumped storage project to be developed will be entirely within the authorities and footprint of the Federal reclamation project--streamlining development and maximizing Federal reclamation project benefits. Without it, the project would need to be permitted by both the Bureau of Reclamation and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Mr. Speaker, for those reasons, I support and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Schweikert), the lead sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, the bill before us today does streamline the permitting process for a project that is intended to keep energy costs low, help stabilize the electric grid during peak demand, and boost affordable and reliable energy.

As Mr. Schweikert explained, this is one of the oldest forms of batteries that we have to pump water uphill when we have excess energy and then to use it to generate energy on the off-hours.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join in supporting this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1722) to amend the Grand Ronde Reservation Act, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1722, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1722, the Grand Ronde Reservation Act Amendment of 2023, would amend the Grand Ronde Reservation Act to reflect that the Grand Ronde Tribe's extinguishment of land claims against the United States only applies to an 84-acre parcel of land known as the Thompson Strip.

Alongside many Tribes in western Oregon, the Grand Ronde Tribe entered into treaties with the United States in the 1850s. President James Buchanan established the Grand Ronde Reservation in 1857, which consisted of more than 60,000 acres. This solidified the Federal Government's treatment of the Grand Ronde as a single Tribe for Federal services and benefits.

However, in 1954, the Western Oregon Indian Termination Act was signed into law which severed the trust relationship between the Federal Government and the Tribe.

In 1983, the Tribe was successful in obtaining a restoration of Federal recognition through enactment of the Grand Ronde Reservation Act. This legislation also reestablished a reservation for the Tribe in Yamhill County, Oregon.

On October 31, 1988, the Bureau of Land Management discovered several

surveying errors on a parcel of land known as the Thompson Strip, which was located along the southeast boundary of the Tribe's reservation.

The BLM worked toward a resolution with the Tribe, which concluded in 1994 when Congress authorized a land transfer between the BLM and the Tribe. While that legislation corrected the survey error, the Tribe later determined that the phrase ``extinguishment of claims'' in the bill would include all, and potential future, land claims within the entire State of Oregon for the Tribe.

The Grand Ronde contends that this was done in error and that there was no intention to bar them from future land claims beyond the Thompson Strip.

H.R. 1722 would amend current law in order to specify that the Tribe is only barred from bringing land claims related to the 84-acre Thompson Strip parcel, not all lands within the State of Oregon.

Additionally, H.R. 1722 would add a gaming prohibition for any future land claims and prohibits the use of any money received as part of a land claim settlement from being used to purchase land for gaming purposes under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Salinas for her work on the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, again, this legislation clarifies the land claims of the Grand Ronde Tribe so they can pursue and ensure certainty, and it does ensure certainty regarding gaming. I appreciate the gentlewoman for bringing this legislation and Ranking Member Grijalva's work to move this in a bipartisan manner.

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

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3448) to amend chapter 3081 of title 54, United States Code, to enhance the protection and preservation of America's battlefields, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3448, as amended, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my colleague and friend from New York, Congresswoman Stefanik's legislation, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act of 2023.

Our Nation's battlefields are hallowed sites that showcase the trials and triumphs that shaped our great Nation. From the American Revolution to the Civil War, battlefield sites now serve as outdoor classrooms that ensure future generations can learn about the conflicts that forged our great Nation.

Battlefields remind us of our storied, complex history. They also provide a way to honor those who fought and whose lives were lost. As we approach Veterans Day this Friday, I think it is important and appropriate that we reflect on the best ways that we can protect our Nation's military history for future generations.

Unfortunately, despite the rich history of these locations, many of these hallowed grounds have been lost or destroyed throughout the past centuries. In fact, the American Battlefield Trust estimates that 1 acre of hallowed ground is lost every hour on average. To address the loss of sacred battlefield sites, Congress created the American Battlefield Protection Program in 1996.

The program provides grants to protect sites related to the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War. Since its conception, the American Battlefield Protection Program has helped protect more than 100 battlefields in 42 States and protect battlefield lands at 110 battlefield sites in 19 States.

Unfortunately, not all battlefields are covered by this program. One of those battlefields is Jenkins' Ferry State Park, in my home district. Representative Stefanik's legislation would expand this program so battlefields like Jenkins' Ferry can receive restoration and interpretation assistance.

Jenkins' Ferry is one of three battlefields in south central Arkansas that make up the Red River Campaign National Historic Landmark. In 1864 Confederate soldiers attacked the Union Army during the Battle of Jenkins' Ferry. Union soldiers were able to retreat using a ferry site that still exists within the park today. Jenkins' Ferry State Park also features many interpretive sites and memorials to soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of Jenkins' Ferry.

This is an important economic driver for my community and also an important recreation area. I am thankful this legislation will help improve this State park for generations to come.

H.R. 3448 would also allow educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and Tribes to receive grants directly. The American Battlefield Protection Program is a shining example of public-private partnerships and expanding the eligible list of nonFederal partners is a commonsense solution for these organizations and local communities.

Lastly, the bill directs regular updates of battlefield reports conducted by the National Park Service and focuses resources on the highest priority battlefield locations. As technology changes and advances, these updates will be crucial in identifying new battlefield areas that served as pivotal points of conflict or need additional protections.

This bipartisan bill, which is cosponsored by 50 bipartisan Members, will enhance conservation, promote recreation, spur economic growth, and help protect our Nation's history.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I thank Representative Stefanik for her leadership, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Stefanik), who is the lead sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, again, I thank the gentlewoman from New York for her excellent bipartisan work on this piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Veterans Day and in honor of the hallowed history that we have, I urge adoption of this bill which will protect the sites of sacrifice and struggle that allow us to be here today in this Chamber, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 359) to establish Fort San Geronimo del Boqueron in Puerto Rico as an affiliated area of the National Park System, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 359, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support Resident Commissioner Gonzalez- Colon's bill, the Fort San Geronimo Preservation Act. This legislation would establish Fort San Geronimo del Boqueron as an affiliated area of the National Park System. I applaud Resident Commissioner Gonzalez- Colon's leadership on this effort.

Fort San Geronimo is a small, two-level, stone masonry fort located at the easternmost point of the islet of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Part of the massive fortification system built by Spanish military engineers between the 16th and 19th centuries to protect San Juan from foreign invasions, Fort San Geronimo became a centerpiece of the city's defenses and played a crucial role in the 1797 Battle of San Juan. The fort was rebuilt in 1799, largely to its original design, and continued to be used as a Spanish military post in the 19th century. After Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory in 1898, the U.S. Navy used Fort San Geronimo as a military post until 1921. Today, Fort San Geronimo is owned and managed by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, an agency of the Puerto Rican Government.

Establishing Fort San Geronimo as a national affiliated area is a cost-effective way to conserve this important historic and cultural site without placing it under Federal ownership or management. Under H.R. 359, the fort will continue to be managed by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, although the National Park Service will be able to provide assistance for the marketing, interpretation, and protection of the site.

Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Puerto Rico (Mrs. Gonzalez-Colon), the lead sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, as the gentlewoman from Puerto Rico (Mrs. Gonzalez-Colon) stated, this is a commonsense bill that will improve the conservation and protection of a key historical site. It does so while avoiding unnecessary Federal involvement. I thank the gentlewoman again for her leadership on this effort.

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

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