Colleen Hanabusa

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4033, and I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Brown) to give his remarks.

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

This bill would extend the tenure of a very successful bedrock science program for an additional 5 years, as well as make some technical changes to the law.

Since 1992, the National Geologic Mapping Act has supported geologic mapping in the United States through the establishment of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, or NCGMP. The NCGMP is responsible for supporting geologic mapping within the United States and has done so successfully for over 25 years by supporting efforts at the Federal, State, and university levels.

Geologic maps are used in several important ways: mineral, energy, and water resource exploration; geoscience research; toxic and nuclear waste disposal; environmental land use planning; decreasing the impact of natural hazards; constructing and maintaining infrastructure; and much more.

Reliable and accurate geologic mapping is underappreciated by, and in most cases invisible to, the public, but it underpins huge sectors of our economy and is essential for improving the health and safety of every American.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representatives Lamborn and Brown for their work on this bill and am happy to voice my support of it.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5787 and I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Delaware (Ms. Blunt Rochester), my colleague.

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

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I commend Congressman Dunn and Congresswoman Blunt Rochester for their leadership on this bipartisan bill to codify a series of updated Coastal Barrier Resources System pilot project maps.

This legislation, much like the underlying act, demonstrates that good environmental stewardship, conservation, and coastal resiliency go hand in hand with responsible taxpayer protections.

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

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

This bill amends the Arkansas Wilderness Act of 1984 to designate 640 acres in the Ouachita National Forest. We are pleased to work with our colleagues across the aisle to identify areas that deserve wilderness designation and to increase conservation opportunities for our most wild and serene places.

This bill adds to a conservation legacy signed into law by President Reagan and demonstrates that protection of public lands can be a bipartisan priority. We look forward to continuing this work as we wrap up the year and move into the next Congress.

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