Diana DeGette

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic and Amateur Athletes Act. The Olympics are meant to be a celebration. A coming together of our Nation's finest, who have given their all to represent us on the world's stage. And yet, over the past several years, abuse allegations have filtered into every corner of the Olympic sports. USOP--the very body that was created to care for our athletes--became more concerned about protecting its brand than the athletes themselves. We know now that USOPC and USA Gymnastics officials knew about the horrific sexual assault allegations brought against Larry Nassar, and still chose to ignore them. It is long past time for a change. Our Olympic athletes devote their entire lives to representing the United States of America. Today, Congress is making good on our promise to represent them. This legislation includes my bill to form an independent, blue-ribbon commission to study and reform the Nation's top sport's governing body. The 16-member independent commission would be made up of, at least, eight Olympic or Paralympic athletes and will be tasked with studying how the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee operates, and provide Congress a list of recommendations to better protect the nation's top athletes. A gold medal is not worth the lives that have been torn apart because of this. I'm thrilled that we're passing this bill, but today's victory is only the first step towards much needed reform of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. I look forward to continuing to work with the USOPC, National Governing Bodies, and athletes across the nation so that we may strive towards a more resilient Team USA. We must continue to find ways to give our athletes a voice in the process--and to ensure that it's putting their well-being above all else.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Heroes Act. Our country has weathered almost seven months of unrelenting tragedy. 200,000 Americans have died. Millions are out of work and millions more are struggling to get by. Families and businesses across the country need our help and they need it now. As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to ensure we're doing everything in our power to respond to a crisis of this magnitude. The bill we have before us today is exactly the type of bold response that our country desperately needs. We know that we can't fix our economic crisis without first addressing our public health crisis. The Heroes Act relies on a science-based approach to safely reopening our country, which is essential to ensuring the long-term success of rebuilding our communities. Until we have a safe plan for vaccine development and distribution, Americans will not feel comfortable returning to work, schools, restaurants, or businesses at pre-pandemic levels. And until we have a robust national testing and contact tracing system in place, we cannot begin to fully stem this pandemic. The Heroes Act commits another $75 billion for testing, tracing and treatment. It also commits another $20 billion to procure vaccine testing and vaccine candidates to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including a bill I authored that requires the Department of Health and Human Services to create a plan to distribute and administer vaccines to stop the spread of COVID-19 once such vaccines are developed and authorized. We can't just work to prevent the spread of the disease, though. We must also find creative ways to ensure health care is accessible for every American who might need it. No family should have to choose between putting food on the table or accessing COVID- 19 treatment. It's not just wrong, it's dangerous. I'm proud to say that our bill will require coverage of items and services related to the treatment of COVID-19, ensuring all Americans can seek treatment for COVID-19 without concern for how they're going to pay for it. It will also provide a 12 month ban on evictions and foreclosures alongside $50 billion in emergency rental assistance and $21 billion in emergency homeowner assistance. On top of everything else they are going through, Americans do not need to worry about being thrown out of their home. Additionally, the legislation includes my bill to make state and local governments eligible for paid leave payroll tax credits for workers affected by the coronavirus. Without these tax credits, the costs of providing paid leave could undermine successful local coronavirus responses at a time when budgets are already strained due to reduced tax revenues caused by the economic fallout of the pandemic. Tens of millions of families and small businesses are becoming increasingly desperate amid the ongoing pandemic. House Democrats have been advocating for more money to be put directly into the pockets of these workers and families for months. The Heroes Act would provide a second round of direct payments to families, new payroll protection measures, and extended unemployment payments. We cannot sit and wait for a solution--we must take bold legislative steps to protect our communities, and to prevent any more tragedy and loss. The answer is clear: we have before us a bill that will help struggling families. A bill that will reinvigorate our economy, and take concrete steps to limit the spread of the virus. This is the second time that we've had to vote to approve a version of the Heroes Act. The American people are depending on us. Let's do what we were elected to do, and pass it on behalf of all of them.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I have amendments en bloc at the desk.

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would just say that the debate has been brief, but the substance of this en bloc amendment is large--many amendments designed in totality to deal with climate change to help our environment and to help make sure that we support disadvantaged communities in this country and communities affected by environmental justice issues. So I would just urge a ``yes'' vote on this en bloc amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this en bloc amendment contains a number of important amendments from within the jurisdiction of the Energy and Commerce Committee that will improve the underlying bill. I know some of the sponsors will be here to talk about their amendments in particular. I rise today in support of my amendments to H.R. 4447. Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to ensure that every man, woman, and child in this country has access to clean air to breathe and safe water to drink. We also have a responsibility to help lead this Nation in doing its part to stave off the worst impacts of the climate crisis. For far too long now, we as a body have failed at those responsibilities, and, as a result, millions of Americans are living in areas that are suffering from large amounts of pollution, and the threat that we face from climate change is growing day by day. Right in my district, I have communities like Swansea, Elyria, and Globeville, where residents have been suffering for years from large amounts of pollution that are produced by nearby plants. These communities, at-risk communities, environmental justice communities, are bearing the brunt of our failures. And so the amendments that I am introducing today seek to address this injustice. The first amendment would require the EPA to identify 100 communities across this country most affected by nearby sources of pollution and work to clean them up. The second amendment that I have included in the bill would limit the amount of methane gas that oil drillers are allowed to release into our atmosphere from public lands. When we, as a nation, fail to enact measures like these, it is often the poorest among us who suffer the most. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to do the right thing, to help address these crises by supporting my amendments and all of the rest of the amendments included in this en bloc amendment. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I am now pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Wild).

Ms DeGETTE

Ms DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I have reviewed the motion to recommit, and I must say to the gentleman, I certainly agree with the concept that the gentleman from Oklahoma says is in this motion to recommit, but, tragically, a reading of the motion shows that that is just not true. The gentleman says that he is trying to stop foreign powers from getting control over our intellectual property, but if you look at this amendment, it basically gives ultimate power to the administration to decide who is at risk and who shall not be or shall be allowed to be certified. Section A(1) here says these technologies will not be transferred if it is determined to be at risk to the Secretary of Energy in consultation with others. At risk for what? At risk to whom? We simply don't know by reading this. And what it could do is it could exempt entities that, for example, have investments by U.S. Government officials or relatives of U.S. Government officials. We just don't know. And what it is is just a power grab by the administration. We agree with the concept. We shouldn't be allowing intellectual property to be transferred to foreign governments, but that is not what this motion to recommit does. That is why we should all oppose the motion to recommit, and we should, of course, all vote ``yes'' on the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act. What this bill does is it makes long-overdue reforms to U.S. energy policy, and it authorizes major investments in the transition to a low- carbon future, which we so desperately need. We saw from all of the amendments that we passed, Democratic and Republican amendments that we passed today, how this bill, together, can really usher in a new era for American innovation, serve as a down payment on comprehensive climate action, and can also create jobs and stimulate our economy. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of our Members to take a close look at this motion to recommit and see what the real damage it could do will be. Vote ``no'' on the motion to recommit, and vote ``yes'' for clean energy jobs and innovation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Let me just set the record straight. These types of bills have been included in the NDAA for generations by Republicans and Democrats. In this case, it is particularly urgent because, as I said, and you even heard my colleagues on the other side say, HAATS is included. This clarifies HAATS laws, and it makes clear that they can be used. There is one group of people that is the most important to decide about wilderness, and that is the public. Two-thirds of the people on the western slope of Colorado want more wilderness. These areas are all wilderness study areas now. Let's keep them for future generations. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1\1/2\ minutes. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendment, which would add the text of the Protecting America's Wilderness Act to this year's NDAA. The purpose behind this amendment is simple. It is to protect more of America's public lands and to ensure that our Nation's most elite military pilots have the opportunity to train for some of the harshest environments on the planet. This legislation, which has already passed in the House earlier this year, would permanently protect more than 1.3 million acres of public land across Colorado, California, and Washington. It includes Representative Huffman's language to protect lands in northwest California; Representative Carbajal, to protect lands in central California; and Representative Chu, to expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. It includes legislation by Representative Schiff to protect lands by the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and legislation by Representative Kilmer to protect lands in Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. Finally, it includes legislation that I have worked on for over 20 years to protect more than 600,000 acres in Colorado and to ensure that key military areas, like the High Altitude Aviation Training Site, or HAATS, is able to continue its mission unencumbered. The designations in this amendment are the product of decades of work and have garnered widespread support across the West. They are designed to help protect these lands from the threat of future development, provide a boost to our States' economies, and ensure our military has the space it needs to train. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to vote ``yes'' on the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Huffman), a key sponsor of this amendment.

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff), another key sponsor of this amendment.

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Judy Chu), another key sponsor of this amendment.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my great appreciation for Alexis Ayano Terai, who over the past five years has served as Manager of the Congressional Study Group on Japan. Through her hard work and dedication, Alexis has enriched our nation's relationship with this most critical and important ally. The Congressional Study Groups are the premier international projects administered by the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress. They are also one of the most active and substantive bipartisan exchanges involving the U.S. Congress and the legislative branches of allied countries. Alexis has been an integral part of the Study Group's outstanding success and her kindness to others and commitment to her job have been exemplary. She has worked tirelessly to help build and foster the Congressional Study Group on Japan and strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance and partnership by creating opportunities for Members and Congressional staff to exchange views with their Japanese counterparts both in the U.S. and Japan. Among her many accomplishments, Alexis helped to develop a myriad of programs focused on the bilateral relationship with Japan and the broader Asia region. As Co-chair of the Congressional Study Group on Japan, I've had the pleasure of working with Alexis over the last five years. And I know I speak for all of my colleagues in the group when I say that Alexis will be missed. As Alexis pursues her Master's Degree in Asian Studies at Georgetown University, we wish her much success and happiness on this new path.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Heroes Act. This pandemic is a crisis unlike any we've seen in our lifetimes. In the last two months, more than 84,000 Americans have died, more than 1.4 million have tested positive for coronavirus, and more than 36 million hardworking men and women have lost their jobs and livelihoods. We know that unprecedented problems call for unprecedented solutions. And the bill before us today is exactly the type of bold legislation that a crisis of this magnitude requires. Most importantly, this legislation builds on our science-based approach to safely reopening our country. It's clear that we cannot fix our economic crisis without fixing our public health crisis. Until we have robust national testing and contact tracing system in place, Americans will not feel comfortable returning to work, schools, restaurants, or businesses at pre-pandemic levels. The Heroes Act commits another $75 billion for testing, tracing and treatment. And it will help ensure that no one has to choose between putting food on the table or paying for the cost of coronavirus treatment. This legislation also brings much-needed economic relief to our state, local, and tribal governments on the frontlines of this crisis. By allocating nearly $1 trillion to local communities, the bill will ensure that teachers, firefighters, first responders, and other essential workers are able to remain on the job. And it will establish a $200 billion fund to ensure that these frontline heroes receive the hazard pay they deserve. Additionally, the legislation includes my bill to make state and local governments eligible for paid leave payroll tax credits for workers affected by the coronavirus. Without these tax credits, the costs of providing paid leave could undermine successful local coronavirus responses at a time when budgets are already strained due to reduced tax revenues caused by the economic fallout of the pandemic. As I have advocated for many weeks, we must put more money in the pockets of workers and families. The Heroes Act would provide a second round of direct payments to families, new payroll protection measures, and extended unemployment payments. It would also provide greater health security through COBRA subsidies and a special health care enrollment period, stronger workplace protections, housing security and enhanced food assistance benefits. Some on the other side of the aisle have accused us of thinking too big with this package. But this is not a time to think small. Now more than ever, we must come together and take big, bold action to protect our communities from this unprecedented crisis. I've spoken to teachers and firefighters in my community who are worried about losing their jobs because of state budget deficits. I've heard from countless small business owners who fear bankruptcy. And I've received thousands of emails from people scared to return to work because of inadequate testing. Like those in my community, Americans across the country are looking to us for solutions. And that's what is in this bill. Let's put politics aside. Let's do what's right for the American people. And let's pass this Heroes Act on behalf of all those who are hurting.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the interim emergency corona virus package being considered today. The last two months have been some of the hardest in our nation's history. The toll that this virus has taken on our economy and, more importantly, on American lives, has been staggering. Over the last few weeks, my office has received thousands of calls and emails from constituents who need help obtaining the important economic relief provisions secured by Congress. While some small businesses and nonprofits in my district were able to access programs like the Paycheck Protection Program, many more were shut out from these critical funds. Let's be clear--large companies and corporations never should have been allowed to receive funds meant for small businesses. Now, it's up to us to begin to make this right and ensure that those small businesses most in need get access to replenished relief funds. Countless American jobs--and lives--are on the line. The legislation before us today would provide an additional $310 billion in funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, including billions intended for businesses in underserved rural, urban and tribal communities. It also provides $50 billion for additional emergency disaster lending, translating into more than $350 billion in loans, and another $10 billion in emergency disaster grants. In addition, this package continues our efforts to provide health care workers with the life-saving protective equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively by directing $75 billion toward hospitals and other health care providers. Also of great importance to me is the $25 billion this package secures for testing, which is key to quickly and safely reopening the country. These funds will be critical in facilitating the large-scale production and rapid deployment of precise coronavirus testing--which public health experts agree is necessary to determine when people can get out of their homes and back into schools, the workforce and society. Despite these important provisions, this package falls short in a number of areas. For one, it is unacceptable that Republicans blocked more funding for state and local governments on the frontlines of this crisis. Right now, every American is benefiting from the tireless work our local officials are doing to keep us safe. However, without additional support from the federal government, the costs of the coronavirus response--on top of the reduced tax revenues caused by the economic fallout of the pandemic--threaten to bankrupt our communities and undermine public health efforts. The fact that some in Congress and the Administration would rather bail out big corporations than support the local governments working day and night to keep us safe is unacceptable. We will not stop fighting until our communities get the support they need. We also must continue fighting for the most vulnerable among us. Our immigrant communities, incarcerated individuals, undocumented people, poor families and many others are still being left out of important relief provisions. If there's one thing we've learned throughout this pandemic, it's that we're all in this together. We have to look out for each other, and we have to do our part to take care of one another. While I urge my colleagues to come together to pass today's package to bring additional relief to our small businesses and health care providers, we must continue working to ensure all those suffering from this pandemic can be made whole.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the coronavirus economic recovery package being considered today. Never in our lifetimes have we experienced a public health crisis such as the one we are experiencing right now. From the employees who are losing their jobs, to the small business owners who are being forced to shut down, every facet of our society has been impacted by this pandemic. With millions of American families struggling to make ends meet, Congress must take immediate action to bring them relief. The legislation before us today puts us on the path to do just that. Most importantly, this package puts workers and their families first. The bill would provide direct payments to most American workers to help them get by while much of our economy is shut down. This extra money is critical to many of my constituents that have had hours slashed or income lost as result of this crisis. The bill also dramatically expands unemployment insurance, including for workers with non-traditional employment. This is vitally important for many of my constituents who work in the gig-economy or are self- employed. Under this package, these workers, along with those that work for traditional businesses, would be eligible for unemployment insurance that would, on average, ensure they receive their full pay for four months. And for those that were already on the edge of housing insecurity, this bill would provide billions of dollars in support for affordable housing and homelessness assistance programs. The bill also provides essential support to the small businesses that fuel our local economies and contribute to our communities. If we don't take bold action right now, many of these businesses may not survive. We cannot let that happen. This package includes billions of dollars in much-needed assistance for small businesses, that will incentivize them to maintain payroll and avoid laying off workers. And it will help these small businesses afford rent or mortgages as they work tirelessly to navigate this crisis. Our students are also hurting from this crisis. This bill would provide billions in emergency education funding and eliminate income tax on a large chunk of student loan repayment assistance paid for by an employer. Finally, this package would direct billions of dollars toward hospitals and other health care providers on the frontlines of this pandemic. It will continue our efforts to provide our health care workers with the life-saving protective equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. It is no question that this relief package would provide critical assistance to American workers and their families. But it's also no question that there's more work to be done. We still must do more to protect our immigrant communities, incarcerated individuals, undocumented people, and many more. We also must do more to protect reproductive rights. The inclusion of Hyde restrictions on yet another federal funding stream is absolutely unacceptable and should never have been allowed. Exploiting the urgent need to pass this emergency funding bill by adding unnecessary abortion coverage restrictions only further harms the health of our communities and shows just how far the Administration and anti-abortion politicians will go to push their agenda. Furthermore, I am strongly disappointed that the Small Business Administration has been given broad discretion to exclude critical businesses, such as Planned Parenthood and YMCA, from participating in the new small business loan program. This move will only take away imperative resources, particularly essential health services, that our communities need to respond to this public health crisis. Despite these concerns, I urge my colleagues to come together and pass this critical package to bring immediate relief to our families, workers, and small businesses. But tomorrow, we must continue our work on the next major piece of legislation to protect the health and well-being of all.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with Congressman Ed Perlmutter, Congressman Jason Crow, and Congressman Joe Neguse, to recognize the life and achievements of Steve Farber who passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. Steve's life was the quintessential example of the American dream. Raised in North Denver, he overcame humble beginnings in order to found one of the city's most renowned law firms, along with the help of his childhood best friends Norm Brownstein and Jack Hyatt. Steve's influence is seen everywhere in Denver, from helping negotiate with the City of Denver to make Denver International Airport a hub for United Airlines to securing funds for major highway projects. Steve represented some of the city's most popular sports teams, and was the key influencer who secured a new stadium for the Denver Broncos. However, even as Steve built a successful business, he never forgot the importance of helping others. He supported innumerable charitable organizations and philanthropic work. In fact, one of his special causes was educating the public about the life-saving benefits of organ donation. Many years ago, when Mr. Farber was diagnosed with kidney disease that required him to undergo an organ transplant, he realized the devastating toll that patients faced while waiting on transplant lists. With the kind of single-minded grit and determination that he was well known for, Mr. Farber started the American Transplant Foundation in Denver to help save lives and support transplant patients and their families. A decade later, the organization is credited with bringing together almost 500 organ donors and recipients. Steve was an open and accessible friend to all. An active Democrat, he was an integral force in the party for years. But countless Republicans also called him friend. On a personal note, Steve was one of the first political activists to support me in my career, and has been a trusted friend and confidant throughout my career. Steve was a one-of-a-kind Denverite; everyone knew him and respected him. He worked alongside national leaders, local mayors, corporate executives and everyday citizens just the same. His friends and colleagues remember him as a ``legend'' and a ``giant.'' He was all that and more. He was a beloved husband for 48 years as well as a devoted father to 3 sons and grandfather to 6 precious grandchildren. Steve Farber's hands have left an indelible imprint on the state, and his legacy will live on. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his friends and colleagues in Denver's legal community and all Coloradans who mourn this terrible loss.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on H.R. 2546.

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 5 minutes. Mr. Chair, I am pleased today to rise in support of H.R. 2546, the Protecting America's Wilderness Act. As a fourth-generation Coloradan, I know how important our public lands are to the people of my State and to millions of Americans across the West. Wilderness areas provide us a glimpse of what our world looked like before it was taken over by man. They are some of the most pristine and majestic areas on the planet. For many of us, the access that we have to these lands is a large part of why we are so proud to call our Western States home and why so many others come to visit us each year. While we may be the stewards of some of these lands, our Nation's public lands belong to everyone. We, as Members of Congress, should be doing everything we can to protect them. The bill before us today would permanently protect nearly 1.4 million acres of land across three States. It is one of the largest wilderness protection packages Congress has considered in over a decade, and it is the largest Congress has considered for Colorado in a generation. The areas that this bill will protect include some of the most unique and irreplaceable landscapes that our Nation has to offer, from the winding canyons of Colorado to the native grasslands of California and to the mossy forests of Washington State. The designations in this bill will do more than protect the land itself. They will help protect the air we breathe and the water we drink. They will help protect wildlife and some of our favorite, world- class recreation areas. They will provide a boost to the nearby economies and help grow our Nation's multibillion-dollar outdoor recreation industry that directly supports thousands of jobs across the U.S. Perhaps most importantly, in preserving these lands, the bill will do what we need to do to further fulfill the House's commitment to takes steps to combat the climate crisis. Preserving more of our public lands is one of the best short-term solutions that we, as a Nation, can take to respond to this crisis. Experts agree that we must strive to protect 30 percent of our public lands by 2030 to protect our planet. The Protecting America's Wilderness Act combines six bills, each introduced by a different Member of Congress. Title I of the bill consists of my legislation, the Colorado Wilderness Act, which will permanently protect more than 600,000 acres of wilderness in over 32 unique areas. For more than 20 years now, I have been working closely with a group of citizens from my State, as well as countless local residents and community leaders, to craft and recraft the legislation we have before us today. I personally have been to most of the areas in my bill, by foot, by horse, and by raft, to experience the areas for myself. I have met with landowners and ranchers across my State to get their feedback and, when necessary, to adjust the bill to address their concerns. It includes areas like the dramatic ridgeline vistas of Grand Hogback and the sprawling plateaus of Little Book Cliffs, areas like the stunning red cliffs of the Dolores River Canyon that we see here in this poster and the winding riverways of Browns Canyon, areas like the desert slopes of Cross Canyon and the highest peaks of the San Juan Mountains, places that have been untouched by man. These are just some of the more than 1.3 million acres of wilderness this bill will protect. It will also add more than 1,000 river miles to the National Wild and Scenic River System and would expand or designate new recreation areas, national monuments, scenic and special management areas, restoration areas, and trails. Mr. Chair, I can't thank my colleagues enough for the work that they have done to make this bill a reality, especially Representatives Huffman, Carbajal, Chu, Schiff, and Kilmer. I know each one of them is going to have more to say about their individual titles in this bill, but before I yield to them, I quickly want to address my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I recognize that we have ideological differences about protecting our public lands through designations such as these, but I want to encourage them to consider the importance of protecting not only our Nation's environment but also our economy and our way of life. Mr. Chair, I urge them to consider our tireless and ongoing efforts to ensure that this bill will not just protect public lands, but also make a real boost to our economy. Wilderness is, at its heart, about providing our fellow Americans with truly wild places to escape. If we don't take steps right now to protect those magical places, then one day, they will no longer exist. A famous conservationist once said: ``What a country chooses to save is what a country chooses to say about itself.'' These areas are without a doubt deserving of the highest protections we can give them and passing them on to the next generation in the same state they are in today has always been one of our top priorities. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Huffman).

Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Chair, I yield the gentleman from California an additional 30 seconds.

Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Carbajal).