Bruce Westerman

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1729, the Bolts Ditch Act, sponsored by Representative Neguse. This straightforward legislation allows additional entities to conduct routine maintenance activities on Bolts Ditch and the Bolts Ditch Headgate in Colorado. Bolts Ditch and the Bolts Ditch Headgate are water facilities located near the town of Minturn, Colorado, that divert water into Bolts Lake. In 1980, Congress established the Holy Cross Wilderness in the White River and San Isabel National Forests but inadvertently failed to include Bolts Ditch among a list of existing water facilities excluded from the designation. This has prevented the structure from being rebuilt or repaired for more than three decades. The inability to rehabilitate and rebuild the Bolts Ditch Headgate prevented new development in the area, which would have required the expansion of Bolts Lake to provide a water supply for surrounding homes. Congress corrected this error in 2019 by allowing the town of Minturn to access Bolts Ditch for maintenance and repairs. H.R. 1729 builds on this legislation by allowing additional local entities, including the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District and the Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority, to maintain this vital infrastructure near Bolts Lake. This is commonsense legislation that will help local Coloradans and improve the operational efficiency of this important water infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on H.R. 1729, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1729) to amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act to allow for additional entities to be eligible to complete the maintenance work on Bolts Ditch and the Bolts Ditch Headgate within the Holy Cross Wilderness, Colorado.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, by passing this commonsense legislation, the House will ensure that we can continue conserving vital waterfowl habitats for years to come. This is important for sportsmen and -women who depend on healthy wetland habitats for hunting, fishing, and other forms of wildlife- centered recreation. H.R. 2316 is a win for conservation and the sportsmen and -women communities alike. NAWCA has proven to be a very successful program. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hurd), the lead sponsor on the bill.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2316, the Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025. This bill is sponsored by Representative Hurd of Colorado, and it would ensure that the interest from unallocated Pittman-Robertson funds continue to go to North America Wetlands Conservation Act, or NAWCA. NAWCA is one of the most successful conservation programs administered by the Federal Government and has proven to be invaluable all over the country as well as in my home State of Arkansas. Over 100,000 people visit Arkansas each year to hunt waterfowl in the pristine flyways of The Natural State. Across North America, NAWCA projects have conserved nearly 34 million acres of wetland habitat for migratory waterfowl. Funds generated under Pittman-Robertson come from excise taxes on the sale of hunting equipment and firearms. Various State and wildlife agencies, as represented by the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, are on record supporting this approach, further confirming its viability and effectiveness. I commend my colleague from Colorado (Mr. Hurd) for being a champion for sportsmen and -women, and I thank him for his work on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2316, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2316) to amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to provide that interest on obligations held in the Federal aid to wildlife restoration fund shall become available for apportionment at the beginning of fiscal year 2033.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Soto's bill will help leverage modern technology and mapping data to gain a better understanding of the sinkhole hazards facing the country and empower local communities to prepare for and mitigate these hazards. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Representative Soto's bill, H.R. 900, the Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025. Sinkholes are a natural hazard that cost the United States Government approximately $300 million per year and pose a serious threat to public safety. Sinkholes occur when there is a lack of proper external surface drainage so when a heavy rainstorm comes through and the ground cannot drain the water properly a void may form underground. From that point on, it is often simply a waiting game until the ground gives out and a dangerous sinkhole develops. This bill would require the Director of the United States Geological Survey to establish a program that examines the short- and long-term causes of sinkholes. This research would provide the government with more accurate data on the costs incurred from these hazards. The program would also create maps of areas most at risk of sinkholes, analyze the areas with the greatest risk of experiencing a sudden sinkhole and make maps publicly available to help community planners and government agencies prepare for and avoid these catastrophes. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 900, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 900) to direct the Director of the United States Geological Survey to establish a program to map zones that are at greater risk of sinkhole formation, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1, which unleashes American energy and unlocks many of our abundant natural resources. We are incentivizing domestic production in the Gulf of America and Alaska with at least 30 lease sales in the Gulf and 6 lease sales in the Cook Inlet. We are mandating lease sales every other year in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. Our mission to responsibly develop our resources doesn't end there. The bill also requires coal lease sales. It reduces royalty rates on oil, gas, and coal production, and it incentivizes production, thereby lowering energy costs and supplying our country with domestically dependable energy. That is just the beginning. The bill also invests in crucial water resource infrastructure and helps implement President Trump's executive orders on forest management. Republicans on the House Committee on Natural Resources are proud of this historic legislation that unlocks our domestic resources' potential and supports hardworking Americans and communities nationwide as we become energy-dominant again and mine, refine, and manufacture in America. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional young leader from my district, Jayden Coffey, a student at Cass Job Corps in Franklin County, Arkansas, and the latest recipient of the Westerman Award--a quarterly honor given to students who demonstrate outstanding character, leadership, and service. Jayden is a shining example of what hard work, humility, and dedication to others can achieve. At Cass, she serves as the shop foreman in the paint trade department, where she leads by example and fosters excellence among her peers. Beyond her trade, Jayden is an active member of campus leadership. She serves as Secretary of the Student Government Association and as Vice President of her dormitory. roles in which she consistently promotes a culture of respect, accountability, and teamwork. What truly sets Jayden apart is her servant leadership--an approach rooted in humility and a deep commitment to others. Her excellent people-skills and ability to inspire and motivate those around her make her a trusted leader among students and staff alike. Jayden's commitment to her community is evident both on and off campus. She has volunteered her time at the local food pantry and played a key role in a student-led campaign to collect non-perishable items for blessing boxes in the community of Ozark, Arkansas, ensuring those in need have access to essential resources. Jayden is also blazing trails in traditionally male-dominated fields. She is currently the only female member of the Fire Crew at Cass, where she recently passed the Pack Test and earned her Red Card for wildland firefighting. She participates in daily physical training to prepare for her upcoming Fire detail and is a dedicated member of the Camp Crew. Her passion for public service and emergency response will continue after graduation, as she plans to pursue advanced training in Fire and Rescue. Jayden Coffey represents the very best of Arkansas' youth--resilient, service-driven, and ready to lead. It is my honor to recognize her today before this body and to commend her as a model citizen and recipient of the Westerman Award.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith for yielding and for his leadership, patience, and unwavering dedication to putting this tax policy and budget reconciliation bill before us. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the opportunity we have to not only provide historic tax relief for hardworking Americans but also to spur investments in our economy by developing the resources of our land. This is our unique opportunity to do something truly worthy to be remembered in our day and in our generation. The Natural Resources Committee is proud to have played a key part in this legislation. Our title far exceeds our $1 billion instruction. The Congressional Budget Office estimates it will generate over $20 billion in savings and new revenue for the Federal Government, primarily by direct royalty and lease fees from the sale of oil, gas, timber, and mined resources, while curbing wasteful spending. CBO's direct revenue evaluation is only a paragraph in a much larger story. Mr. Speaker, it is impossible to utilize billions of dollars of resources without massive investments in oil rigs, pipelines, LNG facilities, mines, refineries, sawmills, mobile equipment, machinery, workforce development, and the list goes on and on with the upstream and downstream economic benefits of resource development. Our title reinstates onshore and offshore oil and gas lease sales, holds annual geothermal lease sales, and ensures a fair process for critical mineral development nationwide. We have also directed the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to utilize long-term timber sale contracts. We are putting our fiscal foot forward by using America's resources to generate wealth for America while restoring American energy dominance and giving Americans the opportunity to make products from America, in America, and for America and the world. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in kick-starting this new golden age of America by voting ``yes.''

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, this bill by Representative Stefanik acknowledges a significant site for its pivotal role in American history as we approach our Nation's 250th anniversary. I urge the adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Stefanik), the lead sponsor of this bill.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Representative Stefanik's bill, H.R. 1550, which will redesignate the Saratoga National Historical Park located in her district as the Saratoga National Battlefield Park. Saratoga County, New York, is the fastest growing county in New York State and features a robust economy and world-class tourist destinations for families and history buffs alike. However, this prosperous community in upstate New York would not exist if not for a series of legendary events that took place nearly 250 years ago. In September 1777, General Horatio Gates led Continental Army troops against the British empire in present-day Saratoga County. In the ensuing Battles of Saratoga, American colonists forged a turning point in the Revolutionary War by routing the British invasion force. Today, this 3,400-acre site is considered a unit of the National Park System. There, visitors can explore trails and experience the historic battlefield, which includes landmarks, fortifications, and other important structures. Representative Stefanik's legislation would redesignate this hallowed site as the Saratoga National Battlefield Park, thereby recognizing its significance as a historic battlefield and highlighting the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought there. While this area was originally named Saratoga Battlefield Park by the State of New York, the battlefield nomenclature was dropped in 1938 when the area became part of the National Park System. With the battles' upcoming 250th anniversary, however, residents of Saratoga County and New York State have called for renaming the park to clarify its place in the heroic struggle for American independence. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Stefanik for her leadership on this issue. She is a longstanding advocate for honoring America's history and protecting hallowed battlefields. Her leadership was crucial in ensuring the passage of the bipartisan American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act, which was signed into law earlier this year. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. 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 H.R. 1550, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1550) to redesignate Saratoga National Historical Park as Saratoga National Battlefield Park.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, this legislation will provide a more efficient and predictable form of recourse for those facing extended delays with their IBLA appeals. Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman) for her work on this important subject. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 677, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman), the lead sponsor of the bill.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 677, the Expedited Appeals Review Act, introduced by Representative Hageman. This bill addresses critical flaws currently plaguing the review process of the Interior Board of Land Appeals, or IBLA. The IBLA functions as an appellate review body within the Department of the Interior. It is tasked with resolving the many disputes that arise in connection with the public lands and natural resources under the Department's jurisdiction. With over 600 appeals pending before the IBLA, however, many cases go undecided and are simply left to expire. This effectively results in automatic denials even though no substantive decisions have been rendered. Thankfully, H.R. 677 offers a needed off-ramp for appellants that the IBLA has left in limbo. Starting 1 year after filing the appeal, an appellant may submit a request that requires the IBLA to decide the case within 6 months. If the IBLA fails to meet the new deadline, the case automatically becomes eligible for de novo judicial review outside of the Department. This solution will reduce the existing backlog while ensuring stakeholders receive their day in court. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 677, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. 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 H.R. 677, as amended, the bill now under consideration.