Raúl Grijalva

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, let me indicate at this time that Representative Moore, the sponsor of the legislation, is in his district and will have a statement to submit for the Record.

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

Mr. GRIJALVA

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

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, today we celebrate National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, and the 25th anniversary of HIV/AIDS. Let us mark this day with a renewed spirit and effort to battle against this deadly virus. HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects Latinos in this country, for while Latinos only represent 14 percent of the population of this country, 19 percent of those with HIV/AIDS are Latinos. 100,000 Latinos have died from this disease. We cannot continue to allow HIV/AIDS to ravage our communities. Educating and reaching out to our children, family, and friends to address drug use, sexuality, and sexual activity should be our number one priority, because knowledge is the first step in successful prevention. The fact that these are topics that have been deemed unmentionable for generations is one of the reasons the epidemic of HIV/AIDS affects Latinos disproportionately; this is something that we must strive to change. We must utilize our strengths to defeat this epidemic in our communities; we cannot allow silence and lack of information on this virus to be the cause of such tragic illness and death any longer. Access to care is also a major issue for many Latinos. This week the House will be voting to override the President's veto of the Children's Health Insurance Program, legislation which will provide 10 million low-income children with health insurance. This access to health care will allow these children to begin and continue to live healthy lives. For a person with HIV/AIDS, access health care is imperative. Many cannot obtain private insurance, are uninsured, or do not know how to apply for public insurance. This lack of insurance leads to less access to care, which further stymies the possibilities of successfully living with HIV/AIDS. I believe that access to appropriate and affordable health care is a basic human right, and while the passage of the Children's Health Insurance Program, SCHIP, will be a good first step, it is by no means the only step we need to take. This has been a long, frustrating battle, and it is far from over. Today I join in solidarity with those who have suffered or watched a loved one suffer from HIV/AIDS. As I recommit myself to the fight against this virus I ask you to please join me.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3246, the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007. This bill acknowledges a critical component of our country's success, and creates the Southwest Border Regional Commission for border counties in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. First, I thank the committee for the inclusion of this region in the bill. I am proud to represent this region, home to one of the most vibrant communities. Where the United States and Mexico meet, it is a symbiotic community. For cities in my district, there is often a division. Many times on this house floor, the debate of the border is divisive and based on demagoguery. There is no room for those issues in today's debate. This commission is about investing in U.S. citizens that live in a unique community, a community that is the gateway to our country. For as much as this Congress debates and exploits immigration and constantly works to militarize our border, we could spare some time to discuss needed investment in the region. The residents of the southwest border are burdened with concerns that include low income, low education levels, the lowest number of health professionals, some of the highest rates of diabetes, tuberculosis, AIDS and other health crises, a lack of economic development, and the list goes on. The southwest border communities are at the periphery of the United States and Mexico's national economic and political concerns. The U.S. Government has historically forgotten this community in terms of economic development, education and social programs. The Southwest Border Regional Commission takes a great step to correct this misguided omission. It is our responsibility to assist our border communities and our border residents. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and reject any attempts to further exploit the citizens who are at the gateway of this country and who sacrifice so much already to the demands of our border security.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3221. This bill is a package of important provisions that will move our energy and climate policies toward a more sustainable future. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation. One of the highlights of this bill is a provision to require royalty payments from oil and gas leases that currently are exempt from royalties. We are losing millions of dollars on these faulty leases that are allowing oil and gas companies to extract taxpayer-owned resources for free. Putting a stop to this is fiscally unsound public policy is a much-needed step in the right direction. With this measure, we will also establish progressive and sensible policies designed to help families and businesses save energy with new efficiency standards for appliances, lighting and buildings. This bill puts our priorities back on track in funding new research into renewable fuels, which could be unlimited sources of clean energy if we invest in them properly. This will begin to move us away from the antiquated, dirty sources of energy we use today. I support this bill and plan to vote in favor of it. I am, however, disappointed that several important provisions were removed from the Natural Resources Committee bill, H.R. 2337, as it was being incorporated into this bill. The colleagues who demanded the removal are primarily from big oil producing states whose interest is to move that product for the corporate interests they represent without thought or consideration for the rights of other Western states, communities, ranchers, farmers and the shared public lands of the American people. One gentleman in particular represents a vast oil producing district with no real public land, at least 100 hazardous waste sites, numerous former superfund sites, watershed and ground water contamination sites. Perhaps the gentleman feels that is the price of doing the oil industry's business? I and many others in the West prefer a different scenario--where study, consultation, protection of our public lands, public participation, and cost recovery for the tax payer--are an integral part of doing business. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, I've become concerned about the 2005 Energy Policy Act's impacts on public lands, private landowners and wildlife in the West. The provisions removed from this bill prior to floor consideration would have made very modest improvements to the Energy Policy Act, a bill largely written by and for the fossil fuel industry. The first would have simply authorized a study before federal agencies designate energy corridors on federal lands across the entire West. I am deeply concerned that the most recent maps put forth by the agencies identify corridors crossing through National Parks, Wildlife Refuges, Monuments and wilderness areas. Like Dick Cheney's Energy Taskforce, the initial maps of the draft corridors were drawn at the request of the energy industry, with very little public input. The study would have simply put a better, more thorough process in place by requiring agencies to consider congestion and constraints on the system as well as barriers to access for renewables. My provision would have also required the agencies to avoid places like National Parks when designating corridors. The second provision, specifically requested by the Western Governors' Association, would have required land management agencies to analyze the impacts of oil and gas activities in critical wildlife areas before allowing drilling. I ask unanimous consent that these letters from the Western Governors' Association be entered into the Record. Under the 2005 bill, the oil and gas industry is able to conduct drilling and other activities on public lands without first ensuring protection of wildlife and other resources. The original provision would have required agencies to avoid wildlife areas and follow appropriate laws to protect the environment. I am disappointed that these modest reforms of the oil and gas industry's sweetheart package from 2005 were rejected. Nevertheless, I support the reform provisions of this bill and I know that there will still be opportunity to address some of the shortcomings of the 2005 Energy bill as we move forward. Because once the public is fully aware of the consequences and immense impacts of the energy corridors designations and categorical exclusion provisions, they will demand action. Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, July 27, 2007. Hon. Nick Rahall, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Rahall: I write to urge you to keep the oil and gas management reform provisions of H.R. 2337, which contain several modest but important reforms to restore some semblance of balance to the federal government's oil and gas development programs. As you are aware, the overall House Natural Resources Committee package will restore responsible stewardship to the development of our publicly owned oil and gas resources. Unfortunately, some of the criticism from opponents of these provisions misrepresent the content and anticipated consequences of these provisions. These provisions will not increase oil and gas prices. In fact, oil prices respond to global market forces of supply and demand, not whether or not oil and gas operators on public lands are required to pay a small administrative fee to obtain drilling permits, or a dollar per acre fee to discourage speculation, or post bonds to repair the damage done by development to fish and wildlife resources, or make sure private property owners are treated fairly, or whether environmental values are properly protected. It has also been alleged that the oil and gas language in H.R. 2337 would ``limit energy development on the public lands in the Intermountain West.'' In fact, no provisions in H.R. 2337 limit any company's access to federal lands for oil and gas activities in the region. Of particular concern to critics are provisions of the bill that provide some modest protection for the private property rights of private surface owners who do not own the federal oil and gas resources under their farms and ranches. These provisions would not give landowners a veto over oil and gas development, but would require lessees to minimize impacts on the surface. In addition, the critics apparently have a problem with requiring companies that drill on federal lands to protect water resources that might be impaired by their operations, and replace resources damaged by their operations. Critics also have a problem with requirement financial guarantees from operators on federal lands to ensure that they clean up after they have completed operations, and do not leave the clean-up bill for taxpayers to pay. None of these provisions will impair any company's access to federal oil and gas resources. They will, however, ensure the responsible development of these resources. Other important provisions of the House Natural Resources Committee package are the language on energy transmission corridors and categorical exclusions. This language would require that a needs assessment of constraints and congestion in the West's transmission system for the transmission of various energy resources be finalized, and the data used when applicants apply for rights-of-way across federal lands. In addition, the provision contains some commonsense protections of sensitive areas and resources that could be impaired by the improper siting of transmission facilities. The provision for categorical exclusions ensures proper environmental review for oil and gas in critical wildlife areas. In summary, the oil and gas management provisions of the House Resources Committee package contain a modest number of reforms that will help protect the wildlife, water resources and other environmental values and private property that can be impaired by irresponsible oil and gas development. Sincerely, Raul M. Grijalva, Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Portable Practical Educational Preparation Inc., PPEP. For the past 40 years, PPEP has been working diligently for rural communities, improving the lives and futures of the people it serves. PPEP has been steadfast in its service to the rural poor, the disenfranchised, the developmentally disabled, at-risk youth, and the migrant and seasonal farm workers and their families. The founding philosophy of Project PPEP is to involve those who are less fortunate in carrying out meaningful programs to eliminate rural poverty--to help overcome the problems faced by rural people by mobilizing public and private resources in support of these programs. Armed with their first grant of $19,000 from the Office of Economic Opportunity, Project PPEP and La Tortuga became a reality. On August 24, 1967 John David Arnold, founder and current chief administrative officer, embarked on PPEP's first outreach trip to provide training by touring in a converted 1957 Chevrolet school bus named ``La Tortuga''--the Tortoise. This portable classroom allowed PPEP to teach English to migrant workers and taught many people the value of learning vocational and technical skills like driving a car, and improving sanitation and nutrition. La Tortuga was driven all over southern Arizona, taking PPEP's resources to the cotton and vegetable fields and providing educational preparation to African Americans and ``Braceros'' and their families. In November 1967, the Arizona Daily Star summarized PPEP as, ``a practical education which is brought almost to the doorstep of unskilled and poverty-stricken people in Southern Arizona.'' As Project PPEP celebrates 40 years of success, these words still ring true. In the past 40 years, PPEP has touched over 4 million people, developed numerous programs that have become national self-help models, has established 42 field offices operating with 17 group homes servicing over 167 developmentally disabled adults, and has created 13 charter high school campuses throughout Arizona, having graduated over 2,400 students in the past 11 years. The staff of PPEP has encouraged and enabled many disadvantaged citizens to develop technical skills and computer literacy which has allowed many of them to move from welfare to more productive lives in the job market. PPEP provides a bridge for farm workers, the rural poor and many other disadvantaged individuals. Due to the support of PPEP, many migrant workers, low income families and the rural poor are building homes, building businesses and building communities of opportunity. I offer my thanks to the dedicated and committed staff of Project PPEP.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce legislation today to protect a magnificently diverse natural landscape in the mountains southwest of Tucson. When enacted, the Tumacacori Highlands Wilderness Act will make a major contribution to the conservation of the natural wonders of Arizona, to the benefit of all of our citizens-- those alive today and all the generations to come. The Tumacacori Highlands is the collective name for two adjacent wilderness areas on public lands that are part of the Coronado National Forest. These desert peaks and canyons are key parts of the world-renowned Sky Island bioregion, a biological ``hotspot'' where the southern margin of habitats for many species from the Rocky Mountain west overlaps the northern extent of habitats for many tropical species better known in Mexico. The area is home to subtropical species like the elegant trogon and Chiricahua leopard frog that are found nowhere else in the United States, and offers secluded habitat vital for jaguars, the rare and elusive spotted cat that is now repopulating this portion of its former range. the new wilderness areas This legislation will expand the existing 7,553-acre Pajarita Wilderness, which Congress protected in 1984 under the leadership of one of America's greatest conservation leaders, Rep. Morris K. Udall, and his close colleague, Sen. John McCain. As the House committee report explained, this ``is one of the most delicate and important ecotypes in all of Arizona,'' providing ``an important corridor for life zones to the north and south.'' My new legislation will afford statutory wilderness protection to some 5,750 additional acres, enhancing overall protection for this rare biological gem. Just to the north, separated only by an unpaved Forest Service road that crosses the mountains between Nogales and Arivaca, the legislation will also designate the Tumacacori Highlands Wilderness. This larger area comprises some 70,000 acres surrounding Atascosa Peak and the ridges and canyons that fall away from it on all sides. This is important intact habitat--a remaining oasis of what southern Arizona used to be--and protects important parts of the watersheds for both the Santa Cruz River and the world-renowned riparian area of Sycamore Canyon in the core of the expanded Pajarita Wilderness. The area offers outstanding opportunities for recreation and renewal. Some folks hike to Atascosa Peak or other high points for sweeping views hundreds of miles in all directions. Others linger along the highly accessible margins of the area enjoying the scenic wonders of this wilderness landscape from the roadside. user-friendly wilderness Madam Speaker, along the roads that offer extraordinary access to these wilderness areas, one is surrounded by wild scenery. These ``user friendly'' wilderness areas offer diverse recreational opportunities for people of all ages, whether for an easy stroll and picnic or a more vigorous extended outing. For the visitor who craves wild scenery but chooses not to hike, the Ruby Road and its numerous spurs offer a marvelous motoring experience, with the wilderness literally at the roadside untarnished by intervening roadside development beyond turnouts and trailheads that offer inviting picnic stops. As we too often forget, one of the greatest values of preserving our wilderness areas is for the enjoyment of those who use them by viewing their scenic vistas from the edges. And I hasten to add that other public lands in this region are available for those who choose other forms of outdoor recreation, including motorized recreation. The boundaries proposed in this legislation have been adjusted to ensure plentiful road access to the wilderness for recreation. We emphasize protection of habitat, which is vital to increasing numbers of sportsmen who seek true wilderness hunting. As a result, this proposal has earned the support of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the Arizona Wildlife Federation. community-friendly wilderness Protecting open space and scenic wild places like the Tumacacori Highlands contributes directly to the high quality-of-life sought by our people. The dramatic scenic backdrop of these mountains, uncluttered by development creeping up the slopes, entices people to choose to make their homes in these communities, including Green Valley and Rio Rico. Indeed, seven homeowners' associations in Green Valley, representing some 1,400 households, have formally endorsed this proposal. The wild landscape of the Pajarita and Tumacacori Highlands are an essential asset for our small business owners, a matter of particular importance to me as a member of the Committee on Small Business. A University of Arizona study found that in Santa Cruz County alone, visitors to natural areas spent between $10 million and $16 million annually on travel and accommodations. The natural wonders of this landscape draw artists to artist colonies such as Tubac and Arivaca-- and bring art lovers to patronize local galleries and studios. My friends in the local arts community tell me that art that evokes the wild splendors of the southern Arizona landscape is perennially popular with their customers. Little wonder then that business people have been among the voices urging that we designate these new wilderness areas. More than 100 southern Arizona businesses have endorsed the proposal. In giving their formal support, the board of directors of the Tubac Chamber of Commerce pointed out that protecting open space and wild landscapes such as the Tumacacori Highlands contributes directly to a high quality-of-life and is a key component in drawing local business patrons and tourists dollars to the area. This is the wildest land in the spectrum of the open spaces and recreational lands we have to offer our increasingly urban population. In this sense, I think of these new wilderness areas as lungs for our city dwellers, and as their preserved public lands where they can go to recreate, to reconnect with family, friends, or personal spirituality. And I think of them, too, as particularly vital classrooms. In these wildest expanses of the natural world, we offer our children the opportunity to experience nature in its most unspoiled state and to learn first-hand how the natural world works. Wilderness inspires awe and offers a living, breathing learning environment that cannot be replicated in a classroom. More than 80 professors and graduate students in fields such as wildlife and fisheries, natural resources management, and environmental science have endorsed designation of these new wilderness areas. These wildest places in the rapidly growing southern Arizona region offer our people sanctuaries--refuges of quiet offering outstanding opportunities for solitude, high quality recreation, and spiritual reflection. Many of my constituents express the great value they place on protecting these wild sanctuaries, feeling that doing so is part of our responsibility in caring for God's creation and fulfilling the obligation we share to preserve such places for the benefit of future generations. This has led both the Arizona Ecumenical Council and the National Council of Churches to support this proposal.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to take the opportunity to honor the new Chairman of the Tohono O'odham Nation. An exceptional citizen of my community and the Tohono O'odham Nation, Chairman Ned Norris, Jr., is from the remote village of Fresnal Canyon, in the Baboquivari District. He was elected to a 4-year term as the Chairman of the Tohono O'odham Nation earlier this spring. Chairman Norris is in his 32nd year of serving the Tohono O'odham Nation. In May of 2003, he was elected to serve as Vice Chairman of the Tohono O'odham Nation. Both before and after holding the position of Vice Chairman, he worked with the Tohono O'odham Gaming Enterprise. Chairman Norris served as Assistant Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Casino Manager and Director of Community Relations. The Enterprise operates both Desert Diamond Casino locations in Tucson and Golden Ha:san Casino near Why, Arizona. His service to his Tribe has been ongoing. In addition to holding the position of Chairman and Vice Chairman, he has also served as the Assistant Director of the Tribe's Children's Home; Court Advocate; Children's Court Judge; Court of Appeals Judge; Indian Child Welfare Specialist; Assistant Director of Tribal Social Services and Director of Tribal Government Operations. On February 1, 1993 Chairman Norris completed a 6 year Tohono O'odham Legislative Council appointment as (non-attorney) tribal Judge, the last 3 of those years as Chief Judge for the Judicial Branch. Chairman Norris is also very involved in the surrounding community of Tucson, AZ. He is currently a board member of the Chicanos Por La Causa, Tucson Urban League, American Indian Association, Inc., and the University of Arizona--Arthritis Center Advisory Board; Tucson Metropolitan Education Commission; KUAT Communications Group-Advisory Board; and the Tucson Airport Authority-Advisory Board. Additionally he is a former board member of the Sunnyside Unified School District Governing Board; and a former Commissioner for the Tohono O'odham Nation's Tribal Employment Rights Office. I would also like to acknowledge Isidro B. Lopez, as the new vice- chair of the Tohono O'odham Nation. His leadership and experience will serve Chairman Norris and the Nation well. I would like to offer my congratulations to Ned Norris for his over three decades of service to his Nation and the people of Pima County and southern Arizona.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I will reserve the balance of my time for closing.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, the language in this bill is no different from other wild and scenic river bills that have passed both Democratic and Republican Congresses, including under the former committee chairman, the famed property rights defender, Richard Pombo. To hear opponents tell it, this bill is a threat to private property with the Federal Government waiting in the wings to condemn land. In reality, nothing of the sort would happen, and that's because opponents of the bill have persistently refused to acknowledge the clear language of the legislation. First of all, the bill prohibits condemnation under the authority of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Then the very next sentence states: ``The authority of the Secretary to acquire lands for the purpose of this Act should be limited to the acquisition by donation or acquisition with the consent of the owner.'' Therefore, I believe, Madam Speaker, this is an absolute, unambiguous blanket denial of condemnation authorities. We say it twice in the legislation. We don't need to say it three times. My colleague, Joe Courtney, has done an outstanding job with this measure, which is supported by the entire Connecticut delegation, the Republican Governor of Connecticut, the State legislature and all of the affected local governments, and the Bush administration. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bipartisan measure. I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, reclaiming my time, as I hear the colleagues on the other side raising the specter of massive condemnation on the part of the Federal Government, I believe that it is more of a scare tactic to divert attention, I think, about what is good in this bill because there are really no substantive grounds in which to oppose it. Twice in the legislation it is reaffirmed that condemnation is not part of the process, that there must be willing consent on the part of property owners. There is no real problem in that. The Bush administration understands it, the Republican Governor of Connecticut understands this, the affected local communities understand this. In my opinion, I think the motivation for opposition has to do with the audacity of the gentleman from Connecticut to run for office, replace an incumbent and his predecessor, and then the audacity of the voters of that district to go ahead and elect the gentleman, the sponsor of this legislation. It is a consensus bill. It has good support. Rather than dealing with the messenger, as we are doing today in a political basis, let's deal with the content, the substance, and the support of this legislation. And I would urge rejection of the motion to recommit. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield to the sponsor of the legislation, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney).

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3206) to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 through December 15, 2007, and for other purposes.

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

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, the legislation being offered today will extend the authorization of the Small Business Administration and its programs through December 15, 2007. As Congress moves forward on improving SBA and the services it provides, this short-term extension will ensure that small businesses have many of the tools they need to be successful in today's economy. I am pleased to say the Small Business Administration Committee has made significant progress in making long overdue improvements to this agency. During the 110th Congress, the House Small Business Committee has successfully reported nearly a dozen bills, each designed to update and upgrade SBA programs to meet the needs of the 21st-century entrepreneur. Nearly all of this legislation has been passed out of the House, and every single bill has had broad bipartisan support. With their passage, we are well on our way to providing the most significant overhaul of the Small Business Administration and its programs in at least two decades. During this Congress, the House Small Business Committee has successfully moved forward on legislation that will provide affordable loans to entrepreneurs, prevent large corporations from being awarded small business contracts, and ensure veterans, women, and minority- owned firms have access to the assistance that they need. And in light of the failures we saw during Katrina, the committee reported a bill that will improve SBA's disaster loan program. This has been completed in a span of a little over 6 months. Our committee has been able to provide these changes due to the outstanding leadership of Ranking Member Chabot and our Chair, Nydia Velazquez. They have worked in a bipartisan manner to provide the necessary tools for this Nation's small businesses. The extension before us today will allow the committees in the House and Senate to work out the differences in their bills and get them signed into law. These major changes require time to reconcile the House and Senate bills. H.R. 3206 provides the necessary time while ensuring operation of these programs are not interrupted. I urge support of this extension. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I yield back all but 2 minutes and reserve the 2 minutes until tomorrow.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam 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. 986.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. H.R. 986 would designate 25.3 miles of the Eightmile River and its tributaries in Connecticut as a national scenic river. The bill was introduced by my friend and colleague, Representative Joe Courtney, who has been a strong and effective advocate for this designation. H.R. 986 would protect portions of the Eightmile River that have been found to have outstandingly remarkable values, including an intact watershed with a natural flow, very high water quality, unusual geological features, and large numbers of rare plants and animals. The bill would designate five segments of the river and its tributary as scenic under the Wild and Scenic River Act. The designated segments would be managed according to a plan produced pursuant to the 2001 Eightmile River Wild and Scenic River Study Act. The administration supports the legislation. The National Park Service has found these segments of the river and its tributaries to be eligible and suitable for designation. Under the provisions of the bill, the river will be managed pursuant to a partnership agreement as envisioned in section 10(e) of the Wild and Scenic River Act. H.R. 986 is cosponsored by the entire Connecticut House delegation. Both Connecticut centers support the designation, as does the Republican Governor of Connecticut and the State legislature. I submit for the Record a letter from Governor Rell, dated July 11, 2007, in support of the bill. Executive Chambers, State of Connecticut, July 11, 2007. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Steny Hoyer, House Majority Leader. John Boehner, House Minority Leader. Roy Blunt, House Minority Whip. Dear Speaker Pelosi and Congressmen Hoyer, Boehner, and Blunt: I am writing to express my support for H.R. 986, which will designate certain sections of the Eightmile River in southeastern Connecticut for inclusion in the National Park Service's Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Including parts of this exceptional natural and cultural resource within this program will help ensure that it receives the protections that it deserves. I understand that this legislation also will protect property owners from having their lands taken by condemnation without the consent of the property owner. As you may know, this has become an important issue in Connecticut in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's Kelo decision, and I am pleased that H.R. 986 will respect the rights of property owners. Thank you for your efforts to help preserve this river, its tributaries and watershed. Very truly yours, M. Jodi Rell, Governor. The legislation also enjoys ample support from the affected local communities, including the local governments of the towns of Salem, East Haddam and Lyme. During the committee consideration of the bill, there had been expressed concern about the private property provisions in the legislation. To ensure that the bill is absolutely clear on this point, I offered, and the Natural Resources Committee adopted, language that deems the zoning ordinances adopted by the towns of Salem, East Haddam and Lyme to satisfy section 6(c) of the Wild and Scenic River Act, and thus the bill expressly prohibits the use of Federal condemnation of authority under the Wild and Scenic River Act. In addition, the bill goes on to expressly forbid Federal condemnation for the Eightmile River designation. The authority contained in the bill to acquire land is limited to donation or acquisition with the consent of the owner of the property. We have not one but two provisions, making it abundantly clear there will be no Federal condemnation along the Eightmile River. These provisions track the language used in several wild and scenic river designations in the east, including the designation of Connecticut's other wild and scenic river, the Farmington River. The language has been in effect for over a decade without questions or ambiguity on those rivers or in court. The opposition has said that they only want to add language to deny Federal condemnation. Given the language already in the bill, this would be plainly redundant. We simply ask that when all else fails, that they read the bill. The specific language of H.R. 986 denies the Federal Government any condemnation authority. The Bush administration has assured us that they consider the language to be absolutely unambiguous. H.R. 986 was originally considered by the House on July 10. When the vote was taken, the bill got a clear majority on a vote of 239-173 but failed to get the two-thirds necessary for passage under suspension of the rules. Since the only amendment that opponents have raised is clearly unnecessary, we believe the procedure under which the bill is being considered in the House today will allow the House to work its will on the measure. This is a good bill. I want to commend my colleague from Connecticut, Representative Courtney, for his commitment and leadership on this matter. We support the passage of H.R. 986, as amended, and urge its adoption by the House today. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, local ordinances are being changed, and that will allow the National Park Service to invoke its condemnation authority as one of the issues that my good friend brought up now. What I would like to say, the specific language of the bill denies the National Park Service any condemnation authority. Even if a local government were to change this ordinance, the National Park Service wanted to exercise condemnation authority, they would have to come back and they would have to get this law changed. Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson).

Mr. GRIJALVA. We have no additional speakers.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend from Utah, the ranking member. Just in closing, let me say that the Appalachian Trail that was referenced by the gentleman from New Mexico has, in the legislation, condemnation as part of it. This particular bill does not. And there is separate language, aside from the section that my good friend from Utah presented today, that adds an additional prohibition and a protection for the acquisition of private property in this legislation

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 580, I call up the bill (H.R. 986) to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of the Eightmile River in the State of Connecticut as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.