Joe Neguse

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Kim).

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 2819, introduced by Representative Kim, would extend the authorization for the establishment of the commemorative work to Gold Star Families until 2024. I thank my freshman colleague, Representative Kim, for bringing forward this critically important bill and for his leadership in the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Small Business. The Gold Star Families National Monument would honor the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifices for our country. This commemorative work was initially authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, but the authorization expired in January 2020. Madam Speaker, the Gold Star is a widely recognized tradition that dates back to World War I, when families displayed service flags bearing a blue star for each family member serving in combat. If a relative was lost in combat, the star's color would be changed to gold. In November 2015, the Commission of Fine Arts approved a location for the memorial on National Park Service property immediately west of the Arlington National Cemetery visitor center. Since then, the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission has consulted with the Gold Star Mothers National Monument Foundation on design concepts for the memorial. While we can never repay the debt that we owe our Nation's Gold Star families, extending the authorization for this memorial helps take a step toward fully honoring the sacrifices they have made, which is why this bill is so important and why I would like to, again, thank Representative Kim for his leadership in introducing it. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2819) to extend the authority for the establishment of a commemorative work in honor of Gold Star Families, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. NEGUSE

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

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, I again thank my colleague from Nebraska for his leadership and for bringing this important bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership. I rise today in strong support of the equal rights amendment and the resolution before us. Today, this body comes together unabashed in our conviction for a future that expands the vision set forth by our Founders. Together, we strive for a nation that advances the notion of equality, that takes up the mantle of the unfinished work that is the American Dream and the practice of government by and for the people--for all the people. My daughter, Natalie, is just over a year-and-a-half old, and I look forward to telling her one day about today, how the people's House, led by the Chamber's first female Speaker, voted to ensure that the women of her generation will be the first to grow up knowing that the Constitution truly guarantees equal rights. It feels fitting to close by quoting Shirley Chisolm, the first Black female Member elected to this body and the youngest, until my good friend Lauren Underwood took office last year, who said, when Congress sent the ERA to the States for ratification: ``The time is clearly now to put this House on record for the fullest expression of that equality of opportunity which our Founding Fathers professed. . . . It is not too late to complete the work they left undone.'' I support the resolution.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Chairman, I want to join my colleagues in support of this important lands package which is not a messaging bill. It is a bill that will protect endangered species, improve climate mitigation, and support our Nation's growing outdoor recreation economy. Every component of this bill certainly accomplishes those ends. But, in particular, the Colorado Wilderness Act Title I provides Federal protections to many of Colorado's most beautiful and treasured lands, and that I can attest to as a Representative for Colorado's Second Congressional District. I am inspired by my colleague, Congresswoman DeGette's dedication and her championing of this cause, having worked on this bill for the better part of the last 20 years. It is important that we protect these beautiful and treasured public lands for generations to come. We have a strong tradition of protecting public lands in my home State. As the Chair well knows, earlier this year we passed the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act out of the House, which is an important step in that regard. I think at the end of the day we should be able to agree on the goal of protecting public lands to ensure that they exist for future generations, including for the generation of my daughter who is 18 months old now--a year-and-a-half-old, I should say--and I look forward to being able to enjoy these incredible public lands with her over the many coming years. So at the end of the day this bill makes sense. It is worth fighting for. Let's protect public lands, not just in Colorado but across the country. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support the Protecting America's Wilderness Act.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Speaker, I have the honor of representing the great State of Colorado. Unfortunately, Colorado is no stranger to gun violence. I was 14 years old when my high school was put on lockdown. Soon after, my classmates and I learned that, just a couple of miles down the road, a terrible tragedy was unfolding at Columbine High School, a terrible tragedy in which 13 people were shot and killed. One of those 13 victims was a 14-year-old boy named Daniel Mauser. This week, I brought Daniel's father, Tom Mauser, to the State of the Union to highlight the urgent need for action on the gun violence epidemic. He sat here in the gallery just a few days ago as the President delivered his State of the Union and heard that the President failed to mention any effort to engage in gun violence prevention and to deal with the public health crisis that we face. For 20 years, Tom has bravely converted his pain and his anguish into action, pushing for gun violence prevention. Yet 20 years later, he and, frankly, the entire State of Colorado are still waiting on Congress to address the most basic and commonsense solutions to gun violence. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise for Tom. I rise for his son. I rise for the so many victims that we have lost to gun violence across Colorado and across our country. I rise today for the more than 100,000 Americans who every year survive a gunshot wound and now face the lifelong physical and emotional toll surviving gun violence takes on an individual. I rise today to give voice to the millions of Americans across this great country who are tired of the Senate's leadership being held hostage by the special interest gun lobby. I rise today because all Americans have a right to make their communities safe from the onslaught of gun violence that this country witnesses day after day. They have a right to demand the dangerous loopholes like the Charleston loophole are closed. They have a right to demand an end to the unbelievable number of military-style firearms flowing through their streets. And demanded they have, Mr. Speaker. Indeed, a majority of Americans support creating a red flag law, by way of example, allowing police or family members to request a judge to temporarily remove guns from individuals who may be dangerous. A majority of Americans think that it is absolutely ridiculous that we do not require universal background checks for gun purchases at gun shows or other private sales. And a majority of Americans think that it is beyond comprehensible that Members of Congress would stand in the way of working to ensure that individuals do not have access to weapons of mass murder. Let us be clear, Mr. Speaker. Let us be clear. The gun violence epidemic that has gripped this country is neither a Democratic nor Republican issue, but, rather, one of national importance, the solutions to which must not face further delay. We have grieved together; we have demanded change together; and we have been shocked by the paralysis that has gripped this institution when it comes to tackling our country's gun violence epidemic. Mr. Speaker, I will close simply by saying the time has well since passed when we should have enacted these commonsense reforms. We should have done it 20 years ago. There is bipartisan legislation in the Senate right now that will address these pressing issues, and it is time for the Senate majority leader to bring that legislation to the Senate floor for a vote. Coloradans and Americans have waited long enough.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, the Cherry Creek Schools Board of Education recently named the Honorable John Buckner as one of the newest inductees to the Legacy Stadium Educational Leadership Wall of Fame. This honor is so very well-earned, and I join in Cherry Creek Schools' lauding of Mr. Buckner's life and legacy. State Representative Buckner served as a principal in Colorado schools for decades and was a lifelong advocate for equal access to meaningful education for every student across our state, including by leading his district's work in the areas of equity and inclusive excellence and as Chair of the House Education Committee. He carried these values not only as a school administrator, but also throughout his time as a member of the Colorado State House. As one example of his countless substantial contributions, in the 2014 state legislative session he sponsored the annual school finance bill and successfully increased funding for English language learners and created an additional 5,000 pre-K and full-day kindergarten slots for at-risk children. Rep. Buckner was a mentor to countless Coloradans, myself included. He served his community with dedicated grace and thoughtful policymaking, and set an example for what steadfast, meaningful leadership looks like for so many future leaders. That legacy continues each day through Rep. Buckner's wife Janet who, since his passing in 2015, has held his State House seat and taken up the mantle on countless issues that John championed. I am so pleased that Rep. Buckner is receiving this well-earned honor, and I join in this recognition alongside so many people and organizations in Colorado who continue to benefit from the leadership he demonstrated each and every day.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Administration after administration has used this authority to engage our Armed Forces in various conflicts around the world. It is time for Congress to return to its traditional role under our constitutional structure. I support this measure. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in support of my good friend and colleague's commonsense measure, and I want to thank Representative Lee for her leadership and her moral courage. I also would just say we have heard a lot with respect to objections around the process. Long before I got here, Representative Lee, as I understand it, secured a similar amendment in an appropriations bill just a few years ago. In the dead of night, the prior Speaker of the House struck that amendment out of the bill, and I didn't hear many process objections at that time from so many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. If folks want to have an honest debate, let's have that honest debate. For my part, I support this measure and what it represents. I believe it is ultimately about the need to underscore to this administration the constitutional limitations placed on its authority, a reminder that is necessary because of this President's reckless foreign policy and his refusal to engage Congress in the authorities placed with us by the Founders. This Chamber is often referred to as the ``people's House,'' elected by the people, charged to represent the people and to govern for the people. The Founders, the Framers, in their infinite wisdom, decided to rest the solemn power to declare war with the Congress as the people's House, and yet, for the better part of the last 18 years, this Chamber has abdicated its traditional role.

Mr. NEGUSE

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

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, today I wish to honor the life and service of Mr. Ian McBeth, a Colorado-born firefighter who was killed in a helicopter crash in Australia this month. Mr. McBeth went to Australia as a volunteer assisting in fighting that nation's devastating wildfires. Born and raised in Wray, Colorado, Mr. McBeth served in the Wyoming Air National Guard while a student at the University of Wyoming and later joined the Air National Guard in Montana. His service included tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is survived by his wife and three children. Coloradans and Americans throughout the West know all too well the great cost wildfires have on life, land, and our environment. These devastating impacts are curtailed only through the enormous sacrifice and bravery of the men and women who set aside their personal safety to run toward the blaze with the goal of saving their neighbors and communities. We are endlessly indebted to all those who rise to serve these dire needs, and particularly those who give their lives in these fights. I send my deepest condolences to Mr. McBeth's family, friends, and all those who were impacted by his loss. We thank Mr. McBeth for his many years of service for our nation.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, as a source of inspiration and drive for every student who walks onto his track, Colorado's Lyons High School Head Cross Country Coach Mark Roberts is a prime example of the kind of coach we all hope our children have. I am so proud that his many years of tireless work at Lyons High is being honored by his induction into the Colorado High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame this March. Raised in Colorado and a runner himself since high school, Coach Roberts is well-renowned throughout Colorado's running community and has expertly coached countless track and field students to victory. During Coach Roberts tenure, the Lyons boys and girls cross country and track and field teams won a combined 18 state championships and were runners-up an equal number of times. In 2013 alone, the Lyons High boys runners placed first, second and third to record the only perfect team score in state history. This past fall, Lyons also won every possible championship--boys and girls individual titles, as well as boys and girls team titles--joining just one other school as the first to do so since 1995. In addition to his clear talent for coaching students to victory, Coach Roberts has also been the meet director for the St. Vrain Invitational track and St. Vrain Invitational cross country meets. These are two of the largest meets in Colorado and Coach Roberts has added innovative and exciting components to them, to not only inspire the participating athletes, but also to ensure these events are engaging for families and, truly, our entire community. Coach Roberts is clearly an irreplaceable asset to the running and sports communities throughout Colorado and to every student athlete he serves, and his induction into the Colorado High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame is very well earned. Colorado's 2nd Congressional District and our entire state send our congratulations to Couch Roberts and wish him and the Lyons team continued victory on the field.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Nadler and Speaker Pelosi for their leadership and their moral courage. Today, the House of Representatives is debating whether to take the rare step of voting to impeach a President for only the third time in our country's history. Unfortunately, President Trump has left us no choice. The fact of the matter is that the President abused the power of his office and invited a foreign country to interfere in our elections. In so doing, he undermined the sanctity of the free and fair elections upon which our Republic rests. Making matters worse, over the past several months, President Trump and his administration have done everything they can to prevent Congress from uncovering the truth. Let us be clear, in the history of our Republic, no President has ever obstructed Congress like this before. During the Watergate investigation, as my colleagues well know: President Nixon's chief of staff testified before Congress; President Trump's chief of staff refused. President Nixon's counsel testified; President Trump's counsel refused. White House aides close to President Nixon testified; President Trump refused to allow any aide who may have knowledge relevant to this investigation to testify. Simply put, his administration has engaged in a wholesale obstruction of Congress, and that is exactly why we are considering not just one but two Articles of Impeachment before the House today. Every Member of this body has a responsibility to uphold our Constitution, to defend our Republic, and, when necessary, to hold the executive branch accountable. We are exercising that responsibility today. Mr. Speaker, therefore, I will vote ``yes'' on both articles because it is what the Constitution requires and what my conscience demands.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, each and every day we must honor the legacy of those who came before us; those who dedicated their lives to promoting freedom and forging the path on which all future generations walk. Today, I wish to honor the life and work of Ms. Marie Greenwood whose long and full life was devoted to creating a more equitable and just society for countless Coloradans. Marie passed away on November 18th at 106 years old. As one of the first Black teachers to be hired by Denver Public Schools in Colorado, Marie spent her entire teaching career fighting segregation and uplifting students through one simple creed: every child can learn. A first-grade teacher for 30 years, Marie guided educators throughout her long and illustrious career in the importance of early literacy programs. ``Teaching first grade was the joy of my life,'' she once said, ``I believe it is there that one lays the beginning of a sound education foundation upon which a child can continue to learn successfully.'' Marie continued her passion for literacy by participating in the Each One Teach One program which aims to improve early literacy by building vocabulary through hands-on community projects. This program allows students to contribute to their communities while building topical vocabulary. To Marie's four children, to her entire family, and to all those who loved and admired her, I share my condolences and my gratitude for the exceptional dedication and progress made possible by Marie's life and work.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, each and every day, across America our fellow community members find opportunities to be of service to one another. These small acts of heroism, pinnacles of our values and ideals as Americans, are far too frequently lost in the rapidity of our society. I would like to take a moment to draw attention to one of those small acts of heroism in the town of Fairplay in Park County, Colorado. In a small mountain town of just 762 people, nearly 750 people were stranded last Friday and Saturday after snow, wind, and low visibility made travel impossible. At the height of the post-Thanksgiving travel rush, with their town's limited shelter resources strained to breaking, the people of Fairplay jumped to action to ensure safety and comfort for all those who could not continue their travels. Hotel operators housed people in every space possible; churches opened their stores of food to ensure no one went hungry; neighbors went door-to-door to gather blankets and supplies; transportation authorities brought vehicles abandoned on the highways to the town and reconnected drivers to their cars. In the end, everyone remained safe and sheltered. This is the type of hospitality and generosity that makes Park County and Colorado such an incredible place. This year I am grateful for citizens like these in Park County, and throughout our nation, who remind us during this holiday season of the essential goodness of people.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Speaker, this bill that we are considering today, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act, is about more than partisan debate. This bill is about hiking; it is about hunting; it is about fishing; it is about skiing--some of you all might not think I ski, but I do--it is about camping; and it is about a Colorado way of life and preserving our public lands. The experiences we have outdoors with our loved ones bond us together. And, for me, that was hiking with my father in Rocky Mountain National Park. Yesterday, my wife called me to let me know that our 1-year-old daughter walked for the first time. I cannot wait to go back to Colorado and be able to hike with my daughter in the iconic public lands that are protected under this bill. Ultimately, this bill is about ensuring that we protect our most pristine and treasured places for generations long after we are gone. That is the essence of our service: leaving a better world for those who come next. As Teddy Roosevelt once said: ``Here is your country. Cherish these national wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and the romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches, or its romance.'' At the end of the day, we have an obligation to protect these public lands, which is why I am so honored to lead this bill. And I will just say that we have worked incredibly hard to make this bill something that our State can be proud of. I am proud that the House has voted to accept two of my colleagues' amendments, because in Colorado we get things done by collaboration and consensus. I am proud that every local jurisdiction impacted by a title of this bill supports those very same titles--Republican and Democrat. I am proud that this bill has bipartisan support back in the State of Colorado. It is unfortunate that this motion to recommit is not about any of those things: It is not about improving the bill; it is not about reaching consensus. It is purely political, and here is why. Just a few moments ago, over 400 Members in this Chamber voted in favor of an amendment offered by my distinguished colleague from Colorado (Mr. Crow), who bravely served in our Armed Forces--fought for our country in Afghanistan and Iraq--and he offered an amendment to stress the importance of Colorado's Army National Guard High Altitude Aviation Training Site. That measure passed unanimously--or almost unanimously; I guess seven or eight folks voted against it--because they recognized that the HAATS program is something we must protect. But the truth of the matter is this bill already addresses the concerns offered by my colleague. I will quote from the bill on page 37, subparagraph (f): ``Military Overflights. Nothing in this title or an amendment made by this title restricts or precludes any low-level overflight of military aircraft over any area subject to this title or an amendment made by this title. . . .'' I could go on, but you also are going to have to take my word for it. I have a letter from the Colorado National Guard. As my colleague, Mr. Crow, said yesterday during floor debate, we ought to listen to our troops, to our commanders and what they have told us: It is through the diligent efforts of staff within the Department, the offices of the bill sponsors, and the Department of Defense we have mitigated prior concerns related to military overflight over the potential wilderness areas identified in this bill, and I appreciate the efforts of Congressman Neguse and yourself. The letter from the Colorado National Guard concludes by thanking the delegation for their effort to preserve Colorado's natural beauty and looking forward to the passage of this important legislation. Those are not my words, those are the words of the Colorado National Guard. It is important for us not to lose sight of the bigger picture. The CORE Act presents an opportunity for us to come together to show that we can still govern on issues that are so important to all of our constituents. While I may be new to Congress, Mr. Speaker, the components of this bill that we are slated to vote on in just a few short minutes are not new to this Congress: Title I of this bill has been introduced for five straight Congresses; Title II of this bill dates back to 2009; Local advocates have been asking for the withdrawal of the Thompson Divide since 2010; Title IV of this bill was introduced in 2009. Mr. Speaker, these bills have been around since George W. Bush was President. When those bills were being drafted, the Washington Nationals had not yet played their first game in Nationals Park. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that we all vote against this motion to recommit and support our public lands. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, today is a serious and solemn day for our country. The House's impeachment inquiry has exposed the truth and uncovered significant evidence that the President abused his power. To honor the oath to defend the Constitution that each of us took, we must move forward with this impeachment inquiry. As Thomas Jefferson once said hundreds of years ago: ``A sacred respect for the constitutional law is the vital principle, the sustaining energy of a free government.'' Let us honor the Constitution and defend it today by voting ``yes'' on this resolution.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition, though I am not opposed.

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 823.

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I would first like to thank Chairman Grijalva and Chairwoman Haaland for their support and advocacy of this bill. I stand today in support of my bill, H.R. 823, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act, or the CORE Act. As Representatives for the people, as legislators here in the Halls of Congress, our job is to fight for commonsense solutions that come directly from our communities. When our constituents raise their voices on issues that impact them, and when we are able to respond with legislation that benefits our districts and our State, that is when our work is most effective. I am proud that the CORE Act was crafted by Coloradans over the last decade. It is a product of collaboration, careful consultation, and negotiation. Local elected officials, community members, businesses, outdoor recreation and conservation groups, ranchers, sportsmen, they have all contributed their input and their passion for the outdoor areas that they love. Each title in this bill has been carefully vetted by a thoughtful group of local elected leaders and community members, and each title is well deserving of consideration on the House floor today. I will just give a brief overview of the bill. The CORE Act would conserve over 400,000 acres of public land, and it consists of four titles that Coloradans have been asking Congress to pass, as I said, for well over a decade. Title 1 is the Continental Divide Recreation, Wilderness and Camp Hale Legacy Act. It establishes permanent protections for nearly 100,000 acres of wilderness, recreation, and conservation areas in the White River National Forest along Colorado's Continental Divide. The title creates two new wildlife conservation areas, totaling approximately 12,000 acres. The Porcupine Gulch Wildlife Conservation Area would protect Colorado's only migration corridor over Interstate 70 for elk, bear, mule, deer, and other wildlife. The Williams Fork Wildlife Conservation Area would also enhance wildlife habitat for the greater sage grouse and other species. Title 1 also designates the first-ever national historic landscape at Camp Hale. This unprecedented designation speaks to the storied legacy of the Army's 10th Mountain Division in Colorado and around the world. As my colleagues may know, the soldiers that trained at Camp Hale led our Nation to victory in World War II and then went on to create the outdoor recreation industry as we know it today. The second title is the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act. This title, which has previously received bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate, provides permanent protections for nearly 61,000 acres of land located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado. It designates some of the State's most iconic peaks as wilderness, including two fourteeners, Mount Sneffels and Wilson Peak. The third title is the Thompson Divide Withdrawal and Protection Act, which prevents new oil and gas development in one of Colorado's most treasured landscapes while also protecting private property rights. The Thompson Divide, through ranching and outdoor recreation, contributes $30 million a year to the statewide economy. It is an area that is simply too valuable to drill for oil and gas. This title also includes a pilot program to allow the capture of fugitive methane from both active and inactive coal mines in portions of Pitkin, Delta, Gunnison, and Garfield Counties. Madam Chair, this is a point that is worth underscoring. This provision that I mentioned was developed at the request of local elected leaders. Ultimately, I am thankful for their thoughtful input to improve the bill. The fourth and final title formally establishes the boundary for the Curecanti National Recreation Area, currently one of only a handful of National Park Service units without a formal designation by an act of Congress. This special place consists of three reservoirs that are a designation for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. It is a long- overdue formal designation that will allow the National Park Service to more effectively manage the area, and it also will help ensure that the Federal Government lives up to a longstanding commitment it made to the State of Colorado to provide new fishing access for sportsmen in the Gunnison River basin. Finally, I would like to call out an important addition to this bill that was included in the manager's amendment to honor the life of an outstanding individual who was truly loved by his family and friends, and he served as a pillar of his community. Sanford Morris Treat, Jr., who went by the name ``Sandy,'' was a World War II veteran who served in the 10th Mountain Division and trained at Camp Hale. I had the honor of meeting Sandy before his passing earlier this year, and it is due to his and his fellow veterans' unwavering advocacy that Camp Hale would be forever maintained as a National Historic Landscape under the CORE Act. Therefore, the manager's amendment includes language to designate the Sandy Treat Overlook as an interpretive site overlooking Camp Hale. It is my hope that those who visit it will be reminded of his service to our country, his zest for life, and his passion for protecting the legacy of Camp Hale. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues, respectfully, to support the CORE Act, not only to honor those who came before us, but also to protect our treasured places for generations to come. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, with great respect for my colleague from Colorado Springs, whom I certainly enjoy serving with, I would just say that local community support is so critical on public lands bills of this nature. That is why I am so proud that this bill has overwhelming support from the local communities that are impacted by it. One thing, I suspect, that you will not hear from my distinguished colleagues on this side of the aisle is a reference to any counties, cities, or towns directly impacted by this bill that ultimately don't support it. Just to give you a sense of some of those communities, the town of Crested Butte, the town of Carbondale, the city of Glenwood Springs, the town of Telluride, the town of Basalt, the town of Breckenridge, the town of Ophir, the town of Ridgway, the town of Mountain Village, the town of Snowmass Village, the town of Frisco, and the town of Dillon, they have all supported this bill. Garfield County supports a provision of the bill which impacts its county. San Miguel County does the same. Gunnison County, Eagle County, San Juan County, Summit County, Ouray County, and Pitkin County--I am, in some respects, left at a loss of words in terms of trying to understand what local community support my distinguished colleague is referencing in terms of it being lacking. And, of course, it makes perfect sense that these communities would so overwhelmingly support this bill because they have been engaged in important stakeholder input on this bill for 10 years, long before I came to Congress. This bill has been the product of a very robust community-driven stakeholder process, which is why it has overwhelming support of not just the local communities that are impacted by it, but, ultimately, by the people shown by just a recent empirical study that over 70 percent of the people on the western side of Colorado and writ at large in the State support the provisions of the CORE Act. That is why it has also earned the support of my distinguished colleague from Colorado, the dean of our delegation. Madam Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. DeGette).