Russ Fulcher

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand today to remember the life and legacy of a dear friend and fellow Idahoan, Dirk Kempthorne. Dirk was a trusted leader and a devoted public servant. Throughout his distinguished career, he served as mayor of Boise, Idaho's Governor, United States Senator, and Secretary of the Interior. In each role, Dirk worked tirelessly to strengthen our communities, promote responsible stewardship, and expand opportunity for Idaho families. His leadership helped support job growth, drive commerce, and invest in infrastructure across the Gem State. He was also instrumental in the commissioning of the USS Idaho nuclear submarine, championing support for its crew and their families. Beyond his many accomplishments, Dirk was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was just a good man. Rest in peace, my friend.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6409, the FENCES Act. I thank my good friend from Alabama for holding this debate. You may not think of my home State of Idaho as a border State when you start thinking about border States, but Idaho is a border State. We share an international border with Canada in the northern panhandle of the State of Idaho. There is a lot of timber on both sides of that borderline. Especially in a dry year like this--and this is going to be a dry year for us--it is not uncommon to have wildfire break out on one side or the other. It has happened many times before. Unfortunately, it will probably happen again, where, on the Canadian side, a wildfire breaks out. Oftentimes, that smoke, those pollutants, blow right over the border, and there is absolutely nothing that the State of Idaho can do with that. Sometimes, we share some firefighting resources, but the bottom line is that it didn't break out in our forest. It is true that the Clean Air Act has a provision to address that. What is not being brought up, at least consistently, is that there is also a conflict with that through the EPA. The EPA guidance, largely enforced with the previous administration, conflicts with the Clean Air Act provision allowing States to adjust their emission plans. Every time one of those fires breaks out, we become at risk of falling out of our emissions standards. Mr. Speaker, this is really a pretty simple bill. All it does is ensure a fair and consistent ability for these air quality designations to be put in place. I stand in strong support of that. That is just one example. There are many other examples that some of my colleagues have brought up already. It is not fair for States to be penalized for something that is out of their control. This simply takes steps in order to put fair and consistent air quality designations in place. That is it. Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support of H.R. 6409, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6398, the RED Tape Act. In my home State of Idaho, we have more than 34 million acres of federally controlled land. I just want to put that in perspective for a minute. My good friend on the other side of the aisle is from the great State of New Jersey. You can put more than six New Jerseys just within the Federal land mass in the State of Idaho. That is how big it is. Why is that pertinent here? It is pertinent because, with that much land mass, you have a seemingly endless flow of processes going on from departments or agencies for approvals for one thing or another: energy impact statements, the NEPA process. Everything ongoing all the time takes years each time. We had a recent situation with a wind farm project in my home State. Regardless of what you think about wind farms, this was just an actual occurrence. There was a long process of approval where an EIS, an environmental impact statement, was required, and the EPA was a part of that statement every step of the way, running in parallel as part of that EIS. As soon as that was completed by mandate, the EPA had to go back and publicly comment on the process it just went through itself. That is just one example, Mr. Speaker, of the duplicative situation that we have. This is really problematic when you have a lot of these projects going on. In my home State, that is a prime example. All the RED Tape Act does is eliminates that duplicative mandate. There is still the process. We are still going through all the areas of concern. It just eliminates the duplication of it. Mr. Speaker, I would just add, as I close, that this is potentially even more important now than ever before, to make this easier to deal with, because our energy needs as a country are taking a hockey stick in the demand curve. It is only going one way. So much of the energy needs have to go through these processes. A lot of it is coming right out of my home State. We see this as a real problem. Again, I rise in support of H.R. 6398, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand beside my colleagues here today. The rapid growth of the Sharia-Free America Caucus underscores the importance of this issue to millions of Americans. Sharia law is an oppressive, radical legal system that enables violent intolerance of nonbelievers, the subjugation of women, and stoning or flogging as punishment for theft, adultery, or blasphemy, as defined through their lens. Sharia law cannot coexist with the U.S. Constitution and the American rule of law. Sharia goes against the very principles that we in America hold dear: the right to practice the religion you hold to be true or not, the freedom to speak without fear of consequences, and the equal right of every man or woman to pursue liberty and happiness. Our Constitution provides guidelines for freedom, for independence, and prosperity, and the rule of law is written around it. However, sharia governs every aspect of one's life. That alone makes it unconstitutional. As you have heard from my colleagues here, parts of our country are witnessing just how devastating and conflicting sharia law can be to our citizens and the American way of life. We must be clear: Our Constitution, which has made the United States a beacon of freedom, is and must remain our sole legal foundation, and that foundation is not negotiable.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join my colleagues this evening to honor a dear friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Being from the great State of Idaho, the land of famous potatoes, I am the one the good Congressman referred to as ``Mr. Potato Head.'' I had the privilege of working with Doug on the pressing issues facing the West and America's rural communities. There are no adequate words to express my sorrow upon learning of his passing, but his legacy and spirit lives on. My prayers are with his wife, Jill, and the entire LaMalfa family during this time of unimaginable grief. Mr. Speaker, from Mr. Potato Head to that rice farmer from California, here is my final: Way to go, Idaho. God bless.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act provides critical funding for rural communities. This measure is of particular importance for my home state of Idaho, as 62 percent of our land is owned by the federal government. Every year, Idaho loses revenue in timber sales due to wildfires fueled by federal land mismanagement. In fact, in 2024 alone, a staggering one million acres of the Gem State went up in flames. Rural counties in Idaho are impacted even more so by extensive federal ownership, as they are unable to tax large portions of land in their jurisdiction. With this funding reauthorization, rural communities across Idaho will be able to keep classrooms open, roads maintained, and emergency services operating. However, a long-term solution is necessary, and I will continue to advocate for one in Congress that ensures Idahoans dictate Idaho affairs--not the federal government.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, today I am privileged to speak on the bipartisan World War II Women's Memorial Location Act. World War II required great sacrifices of every American citizen. To the great credit and pride of our Nation, American citizens rose to the challenge with grit and determination. With millions of men overseas, American women--popularly known as ``Rosies'' in tribute to Rosie the Riveter-- stepped into roles traditionally held by men. These women answered the call to service by holding down the home front, working as pilots, engineers, electricians, mechanics, and more. 18 million women answered the call of their Nation in its time of desperate need. The impact they had on our country cannot be overstated. In Idaho, civilian women worked and volunteered at the Farragut Naval Training Station located in North Idaho, which was built shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor and became the second-largest naval training base in the country. Their presence was felt across every state, in countless shipyards, factories, farms, and ranches. Despite their monumental contributions, we still lack an independent, prominent memorial in Washington, D.C. honoring these patriots. There is urgency to pass this bill so that living Rosies can see their legacy commemorated in their lifetime and so the memorial can fold into the broader America250 effort. The memorial's construction will be funded entirely through private donations and won't use taxpayer dollars. The amount of work and dedication the WWII Women's Memorial Foundation has poured into this project clearly illustrates its importance. Not only will this memorial honor the women of World War II, the memorial will serve the important purpose of inspiring Americans to embrace service to their country and contribute to our Nation's success. I urge the passage of the World War II Women's Memorial Location Act.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish Alice Merriman a very happy 100th birthday, who will be celebrating her milestone on September 26, 2025. In 1925, Alice was born on a farm in Battle Creek, Nebraska. Fifty years ago, Alice moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Alice worked hard to achieve her master's degree in Idaho. After working diligently to complete her degree, Alice spent the next twenty years working in Idaho. Together with her husband, Bob, Alice raised two children. Alice has exemplified the values of perseverance, dedication, and hard work. Alice's dedication to her family and her faith exemplifies true determination and courage. Alice and her family have consistently embodied the traditional values we cherish in Idaho. I thank Alice Merriman for her incredible example of perseverance and fearlessness. I wish her a very happy birthday.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Jennifer Fuhs, a beloved mother, grandmother, and fighter from Lewiston, Idaho, who is courageously facing the final stages of her battle with cancer. Jennifer dedicated her career as a compassionate defense attorney, advocating for individuals in Lewiston who faced uncertain life circumstances. She approached her work with empathy and conviction, always seeking fairness and justice for those in need. Beyond her professional service, Jennifer is a devoted mother to her five children and a proud grandmother to her four grandchildren, whom she adores deeply. She is witty, organized, hardworking, and spunky, and she carries a spirit of generosity that inspires everyone around her. She loves to laugh, spend time with her friends and family, and she lives each day with purpose and joy. Her strength and grace in the face of illness is a source of inspiration, not only to her loved ones but to her entire community. She embodies the very best of the American spirit--resilience, compassion, and unwavering love for others. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jennifer Fuhs for the life she lives, the example she has set, and the legacy she continues to build. May she be surrounded with peace, comfort, and the knowledge that her impact will endure for generations.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish James A. Stephens a very happy 100th birthday. He will be celebrating this milestone on August 29, 2025, at Farragut State Park, in Farragut, Idaho. In December of 1943, Mr. Stephens entered active service in the U.S. Navy in Santa Ana, California. Mr. Stephens was sent to the Farragut Naval Training Station, in Farragut, Idaho. Once there, he became a swimming instructor for new recruits. Afterwards, Mr. Stephens was assigned to the U.S. Naval Hospital Corps School, where he was trained to serve in military hospitals for American soldiers fighting in the Pacific Theater. After the completion of his training, he served as a Pharmacist Mate Second Class USN-1 at the Navy Hospital in Oakland, California. Mr. Stephens was Honorably Discharged on March 25, 1946. Mr. Stephen's honorable and courageous service is an example of the very best of Idahoan values. I thank James A. Stephens for his incredible example of perseverance and fearlessness, and I wish him a very happy birthday.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life, service, and sacrifice of two of Idaho's bravest we have lost way too soon during an appalling ambush attack in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. On Sunday, June 29, 2025, Battalion Chiefs Frank Harwood and John Morrison answered the call, as always, to reports of a fire on Canfield Mountain. Upon arriving at the scene, they were cruelly ambushed by gunfire from a disturbed, cowardly individual. As a result of shots fired, Chiefs Harwood and Morrison tragically succumbed to their injuries, and their colleague, David Tysdal, an engineer with the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department, was severely wounded, but thankfully is now recovering. This evil act against our firefighters does not represent the Idaho way. I ask all Idahoans and Americans to pray for full recovery for Mr. Tysdal and for comfort for all families involved. These men represent the very best of Idaho. Their courage, heroism, and dedication will never be forgotten.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, I thank the good chairman of the Pro-Life Caucus and my friend, Chris Smith, for holding this Special Order. In the Declaration of Independence, our Founding Fathers made clear that our creator endows every individual with certain unalienable rights, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is a self-evident truth that, for nearly 50 years, our Nation tragically denied to millions of unborn children. However, thankfully, today marks the third anniversary of the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision. This ruling marked the historic overturn of Roe v. Wade and a renewal of power to elected State leaders. It opened the floodgates not just for restored State power but also for the voiceless, who now have a chance at life. Since arriving in D.C., I have supported numerous legislative initiatives that protect the sanctity of life. Just this last year, I was proud to co-lead an amicus brief that supported Idaho in defending its pro-life law, the Defense of Life Act, against the Biden administration's efforts to preempt it with their wrongful reinterpretation of Federal law. Madam Speaker, protecting the unborn isn't just a legal issue. It is a moral one. I am honored to stand alongside my colleagues today to commemorate the anniversary of this momentous victory for life. I will continue to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 153.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish Jean Marie Thompson- Bjorkman a very happy 100th birthday, who will be celebrating her milestone on July 22, 2025. In 1944, Jean, an English citizen, married Paul Bjorkman, an American Army GI. Jean patiently waited nearly two years to be able to see her husband again in 1946 when she emigrated to the U.S. Alongside other war brides, Jean made the journey to the U.S. aboard a U.S. Navy Liberty Ship. The voyage was cold and rough, but her determination never wavered. Jean and Paul eventually settled in Thompson, Ohio where they welcomed their daughter. In November of 1950, Jean achieved her American citizenship, and in a desire to be closer to her daughter, Jean moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho in 2021. Jean's dedication to family exemplifies true determination and courage. Jean and her family have consistently embodied the traditional values we cherish in Idaho. I thank Jean Marie Thompson-Bjorkman for her incredible example of perseverance and fearlessness. I wish her a very happy birthday.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the good chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 859, Informing Consumers About Smart Devices Act. This bill would require manufacturers of internet-connected so-called smart appliances to disclose to consumers prior to purchase when their product is equipped with a camera or microphone. Manufacturers today produce appliances that connect to software applications that can be set, managed, and monitored through one's computing device. They are designed to capture voice commands from around the vicinity, recording information to adapt to the way individuals give commands. They are also often equipped with cameras to capture QR codes or other specific information particular to that appliance. While the intention may strictly be for convenience, consumers need to be aware that private information may be captured by a smart appliance. We need to ensure proper disclosure and consumer awareness of these features. It is also important to note that the bill's disclosure requirement only applies to appliances we wouldn't otherwise expect to be equipped with a camera or a microphone. For example, devices like mobile phones, laptops, and tablets would not have this requirement. Put bluntly, our stoves or refrigerators shouldn't be secretly recording conversations in our homes. Such information could be accessed by a hacker or nefarious third party. Audio or video data of personally identifiable or confidential information could be stolen and/or used without the owner's knowledge. That could lead to scams or other kinds of harms. People need to know all the functionalities of their appliances before bringing them home. This bill makes that possible. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Seth Moulton, for co-leading this bipartisan effort. I urge support for this legislation.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, biological men should not be competing in women's athletics. This is a commonsense sentiment that most Americans agree with, especially back in my home State of Idaho. However, under the Biden administration, the integrity of women's and girls' sports has come under threat. In fact, just this last year, President Biden rolled out a regulation attempting to usurp States' ability to protect women and girls and make sure they have a safe and fair playing field in sports. That is why, this week, my House colleagues and I passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025. This bill strengthens Title IX protections to ensure the definition of an individual's gender in an athletic competition is based solely on their genetics at birth. Mr. Speaker, women's and girls' sports are for women and girls only. I proudly voted ``yes'' on this legislation and encourage my Senate colleagues to do the same.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her work and leadership on this measure. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2781, the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024. According to the Government Accountability Office, there are over 140,000 abandoned hardrock mines on Federal lands. At least 22,500 of these mines pose serious dangers to the communities around them. Historically, the Coeur d'Alene mining district in Idaho stands as one of the most productive mining regions in silver and lead in the United States, with a legacy dating back to the 1890s. However, this history has resulted in thousands of abandoned hardrock mines on Federal lands. In some cases, they degrade the environment. This bill simply provides limited liability protections for groups willing to step up and help. It allows Good Samaritans, nonprofits, private organizations, and local governments to clean up and remediate these sites effectively without fear of incurring harmful liability under the framework of CERCLA and the Clean Water Act. Mr. Speaker, this is needed. Government can't and shouldn't do everything. This legislation simply encourages public-private partnerships to tackle this issue and do it in an effective and affordable way. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues' support of this bill.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my colleague and good friend, Cathy McMorris Rodgers. As chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Congresswoman Rodgers not only delivered results for the American people but she helped me secure wins for Idahoans. Among many things, I am thankful for her commitment to boosting liquefied natural gas capacity in Idaho and the Northwest, for support of my bill to expand broadband solutions in rural Idaho, for her work in cracking down on China's surveillance of Americans' data, and for providing me with the opportunity to support building out the nuclear workforce, along with advancing legislation to issue a warning label on mobile apps owned by Communist China. It has been such a privilege to serve alongside such a respected and impactful leader. I join many in expressing my support and encouragement to you, Cathy, as you move forward to this next chapter of life. Most importantly, and my bottom-line message is, Washington State, the United States of America, and the United States Congress is all better because of you.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish Lloyd B. Plummer a very happy 100th birthday, who will be celebrating his milestone on December 15, 2024. In 1943, Plummer, the recipient of two Purple Hearts, joined the Army among many courageous men to serve our country. His heroic efforts will never be forgotten. For those who may not know Lloyd, he was one of the first brave Americans to serve as a paratrooper during World War II, as a member of the 509th Infantry Regiment. Throughout the war, the Fighting 509 was assigned to numerous operations, many of which are now recognized as suicide missions. Lloyd was faced with many battles, where he suffered from frostbite, trench foot, burns, and shrapnel. At all times, he was ready to put his body on the line to serve the country he loved. He is the true definition of a patriot, willing to sacrifice his life for our country. In 1945, he was discharged from active duty in the Army and returned to Idaho. Lloyd and his family have consistently embodied the traditional values we cherish in Idaho. I thank Lloyd B. Plummer for his unwavering heroic efforts, and I wish him a very happy birthday.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hardworking apprentices and those who are training them in Idaho's First District. Apprenticeships are a pipeline to good-quality, high-paying jobs. Here is one example. My district is home to Quanta Services' Northwest Lineman College, which is training the next generation of skilled labor in the electric power, telecommunications, and natural gas industries. They trained 763 apprentice and preapprenticeship students last year at the campus at Meridian, Idaho, and one in five students is a veteran across their multiple training facilities. When disaster strikes, linemen are on the front lines of the wreckage working to restore power to millions of homes, hospitals, and businesses. This workforce is critical to build an electric grid and a broadband network that will deliver affordable and resilient services to Americans. We must ensure that our workforce is ready to meet the Nation's energy and broadband challenges of tomorrow. I am proud to represent a community that supports and values apprentice work.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Chair, I thank the good chairman from Arkansas for his leadership on this issue. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 1449, the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act, or the CLEAN Act. To begin developing geothermal resources on Federal land, developers must first obtain a lease. While there is significant potential in this resource, 90 percent or thereabouts of the Nation's viable geothermal resources are located on Federal land. It makes lease sales crucial to the expansion of this energy source. On the map behind me, Mr. Chair, you can tell just some of the regions where this resource is available, and it is vast. However, the time and costs associated with multiple environmental reviews, as well as the overall leasing and permitting processes, result in development schedules longer than many other power production projects. The Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 currently requires the Secretary of the Interior to hold ``a competitive lease sale at least once every 2 years for land in a State that has nominations pending.'' However, this timeline is not always adhered to. As the chairman mentioned before me, some States, like California, have not held a competitive geothermal lease sale since 2016. If any State needs to be doing more proactive work for clean baseload, it would be our friends in California. This legislation, H.R. 1449, amends the Geothermal Steam Act to require annual lease sales, instead of once every 2 years, for geothermal energy exploration on Federal land. Prioritizing geothermal exploration on Federal land will increase certainty for domestic companies looking to explore for geothermal resources while still requiring a full environmental assessment if the resources prove exploitable. In addition, this bill requires the Department of the Interior to notify an applicant whether or not their application for a geothermal drilling permit is complete within 30 days of receiving the application. I noticed my good friend across the aisle mentioned the resource concern for the Department of the Interior. There are some 70,000 employees in the Department of the Interior. If some need to be redirected, I am sure that can be accommodated. If the Department of the Interior determines that an application is complete, then it must issue a final decision on the application within 30 days of the date the Department of the Interior sent the notification. Securing American energy independence should be a top priority for Congress, and geothermal is a renewable, clean power source that can help us accomplish that goal. Idaho already plays a leading role in geothermal energy production. It is critical that we leverage every available resource to ensure that our Nation is self-sufficient and resilient in meeting its energy needs. Geothermal is a proven, clean, and efficient means to provide reliable baseload power. Geothermal energy is one of the most promising and underutilized energy sources in the United States and has the potential to provide consistent power available 24/7, 365 days a year. The Department of the Interior projects that U.S. geothermal capacity could increase from the current 16 gigawatts to 38 gigawatts by 2035 and 90 gigawatts by 2050. By expanding access to geothermal resources, we can increase energy production, create jobs, and reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources, which are oftentimes not friendly to the United States. By ensuring geothermal lease sales are held annually, we can provide more certainty for energy developers, reduce delays in the development process, and create good-paying jobs, all while helping to meet our energy goals and reduce our dependence on foreign energy. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation, and I look forward to working with each of my colleagues to advance reliable domestic energy for all Americans.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, the Chinese Government poses a significant threat to our national security that should not be ignored. Yet, the administration of President Biden and Vice President Harris have allowed the CCP to strategically buy agricultural land in our country at an unprecedented rate, including areas disturbingly close to military bases. This is not only jeopardizing our national security by providing our adversaries with a front-row seat to view our military capabilities and emerging technology, but will also undermine American energy independence, push family-run farms out of business, and put our food supply at risk. As a fourth-generation Idahoan who grew up on a farm, I understand how important American farmlands are to economic success, not only in rural communities but our Nation as a whole. I encourage my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to support H.R. 9456, the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act to safeguard our food, our security, and our future.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, while the crisis at our southern border continues to worsen due to President Biden's blatant disregard for U.S. immigration laws, Customs and Border Protection officers are now seeing a spike in activity at our northern border. Last month, 16,750 illegal immigrants were encountered at our northern border, a staggering 1,240 percent increase compared to April 2021, and that is just what we know of. CBP reports that most of these individuals are attempting to evade apprehension, unlike at the southern border, where groups often surrender knowing they will be released directly into the U.S. Our national security is in shambles as this crisis continues to escalate with no end in sight. Unlike President Biden, I will not stand by and allow known gang members, terrorists, and foreign aggressors to waltz into our country through our northern border and Idaho. I will continue to fight to secure our border, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, President Biden's latest effort to push electronic vehicle mandates for truck usage is completely nonsensical. Thanks to current administrative policy, we do not have the capability to implement the massive grid expansion needed to support the electrification of heavy-duty trucks. These vehicles consume about the same amount of electricity in just one charge as a typical American home uses in a week. The industry would need to invest upwards of $620 billion in charging infrastructure alone. Then there is the question of where would the electricity come from. The administration has famously prosecuted its war on fossil fuels, nuclear, and hydropower generation. It is even impossible for wind and solar facilities to produce domestically because restrictions the administration has placed on American mining means the needed raw materials have to come from foreign adversaries. It is China that dominates the supply chain. Mr. Speaker, the President needs to look at the facts and stop prioritizing irresponsible energy ideology over Americans.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Arkansas for his work on this issue and also to the gentleman from Utah for sponsoring the legislation. The Bureau of Land Management's recently finalized Public Lands Rule would fundamentally destroy the multiple-use land management policy Americans have relied on for decades. I want to reinforce something my friend from Arkansas pointed out earlier. This is an administrative rule. This is not congressional action, yet it has the same force and effect of law. This is a rule BLM has put forth. This policy is not just an addition of unnecessary bureaucratic red tape. It would effectively lock up 1 out of every 10 acres of land in the United States and thereby shatter the way of life for many families and businesses across the West. In my home State of Idaho, citizens have enjoyed the vast natural resources the State has had to offer for decades. Considering that BLM is responsible for managing about 12 million acres of Federal land in our State, this rule change will have drastic impact on the future of recreation, grazing, and natural resource production. Now, as a fourth generation Idahoan, I am a proud supporter of the WEST Act as it defends the way of life for Americans across the West and empowers local voices. By protecting the land used to feed and fuel our country, H.R. 3397 would safeguard some $201 billion in economic output and protect 783,000 jobs in rural communities. On a related note, thanks to this administration's open-border policy, our national security has pretty much been obliterated. That makes our enemies happy, especially considering that we are also dependent on those same enemies for our natural resources. This legislation actually reduces our reliance on foreign adversaries by maintaining domestic access to energy and mineral resources across the West, which is so important. The WEST Act will protect public land management as we know it and safeguard the future of our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage.