Bruce Westerman

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. LaMalfa) for all of his efforts on this. He is a farmer. He knows about agriculture. He knows about the water issues in California. This is an issue that is important to our whole country. It is not just important to California because most of the fruits, nuts, and vegetables grown in this country are in the Central Valley of California. Without water, you can't grow any of them. If we are taking water away from the Central Valley for unnecessary reasons, that means that the rest of the country is going to suffer when we go to the grocery market. Mr. Speaker, I think, if truth be known, there is one reason why the longfin smelt got listed. It is because it would divert water away from the Central Valley, and I don't understand that. I don't understand why groups would be so adamant to be taking water away from the breadbasket of our country and shifting it to a purpose that is not accomplishing anything. There are a lot of myths about the longfin smelt. There is a myth that, if they are listed, it will have no effect on the farmers in the Central Valley. I will read a quote from the science director who was involved from the San Francisco Baykeepers when the listing was finalized: ``Preventing further decline and extinction of longfin smelt will require reducing California's diversion of fresh water from the Bay's watershed to supply unsustainable industrial agriculture. . . .'' If water is taken away from agriculture in the Central Valley, it is unsustainable. You can't grow anything without water. We need to get back to the science, as Mr. LaMalfa stated, and it is unfortunate that we have to do a CRA on an endangered species listing, but that is what happens when administrations make bad decisions. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from California.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. LaMalfa), the sponsor of the CRA.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 78 offered by Representative LaMalfa of California, which would undo the listing of the longfin smelt in the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment under the Endangered Species Act. The listing was based on flawed science in response to an ESA-related lawsuit and adds yet another piece of regulatory red tape preventing water from reaching California's Central Valley and communities further south. California's Central Valley is one of the most prolific agricultural regions in the world, growing hundreds of crops that feed millions of people. However, this region faces continual water uncertainty due to drought and ESA-related regulations. The Central Valley Project, or CVP, transports water from wetter areas in northern California to drier areas further south, including the Central Valley. It is subject to ESA biological opinions that mandate water that would otherwise go to communities and farms be diverted to the San Francisco Bay. The effects of this can be seen at this very moment in California where Federal reservoirs are almost full, yet many farmers are only receiving half of their water allocations. This is in large part due to restrictions imposed by the ESA, which will only be exacerbated by the listing of the longfin smelt. Unfortunately, the rush to judgment that ensued from the lawsuit resulted in a listing based on flawed assumptions and bad science. First, by solely focusing on the bay-delta rather than the longfin smelt's entire range, the service ignores the fact that the species has been found in dozens of locations, including in and around every tributary of the San Francisco Bay. Meaning the longfin smelt is not at risk of extinction and does not meet the statutory definition of an endangered species. Instead of being based on science, this listing comes from the common radical environmental playbook of suing for a predetermined outcome. Radical groups have litigated for years trying to get the longfin smelt listed under the ESA, with a 2024 lawsuit compelling the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to make a listing decision being the latest example. Unfortunately, as with many ESA-related lawsuits, the species is rarely the true motivation. The leader of the organization that filed the lawsuit in question said the not-so-quiet part out loud when he said that protecting the longfin smelt going forward would require taking more water away from farmers. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this CRA and roll back this misguided listing, 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 to include extraneous material on H.J. Res. 78.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 354, I call up the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 78) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to ``Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt'', and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I will point out that the idea that passing this Congressional Review Act would restrict all off-road vehicle access is just not right. That is not going to happen. There was a rule in place before the Biden administration put the new rule in place. We vetted this with the Congressional Research Service. We would simply go back to the rule that was in place that was working fine before the Biden administration came in and put this onerous rule in place. Also, the argument has been made that only 24 out of 388 miles have been restricted to off-road vehicle use, but as we all know, roads are networks. For instance, there is a half-mile section in this ruling under the Biden administration that blocks off access to over a million acres. You block off a half-mile of road, and you restrict the use to a million acres. I don't think that is what most people would call public access or would agree that it is the way that we should be managing our Federal lands, especially in an area that when it was established, part of its goal was to be able to provide off-road vehicles a place to recreate. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Utah (Ms. Maloy), the lead sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 60, led by Representative Maloy. This is an important effort that will overturn an onerous and unnecessary regulation designed to restrict off-highway vehicle access and recreational use of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. House Republicans are committed to pursuing a comprehensive approach to restoring multiple use and public access to our Federal lands, one that favors commonsense land management and prioritizes community buy- in over preservationist policies that are cooked up here in Washington, D.C. As chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources, I have often said that some of our most meaningful work increasing access to our public lands will maybe never be a headline on FOX News or CNN, but it will make the front page of your local paper. Established by Congress in 1972 to enhance public recreation, the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a premier tourist destination that offers world-class water-based, backcountry, and off-highway recreation opportunities. Off-highway vehicle recreation predates the recreation area's establishment and has allowed visitors for generations to explore some of the most remote and beautiful stretches of this remarkable landscape. Consistent with this history, the National Park Service issued a rule in 2021 that expanded the permissible uses of off-road vehicles throughout Glen Canyon, but groups quickly sued, leading the Biden administration to enter into a hasty and secretive settlement against the wishes of local communities. Under that agreement, the Park Service issued a revised rule in the waning days of the Biden administration that restricts motorized uses in Glen Canyon, overturning decades of precedent and severely restricting public access and recreation opportunities. Under this new rule, dozens of miles of popular trails and shorelines are closed off to highway vehicles in what the State of Utah called de facto wilderness management. Even small road closures can have profound consequences for public access. For example, the National Park Service effectively cut off access to the adjacent 1.45 million-acre Henry Mountains travel management area by closing just one-half mile of road in the new rule. Some of the most popular trails in this area, including the Flint Trail and Poison Springs Loop that are pictured behind me, were also shut down under this rule. What is especially nonsensical about this is that these trails aren't even maintained by the National Park Service. The local county maintains them. These restrictions are unnecessary and, frankly, lack common sense. Many of these routes are restricted to off-highway vehicles and remain open to conventional vehicles. This creates public safety concerns by incentivizing the use of vehicles that are not meant to handle rough terrain and rugged trails. Restricting off-highway vehicles also disproportionately affects disabled individuals, who often rely on ATVs or side-by-sides to gain access to remote areas of our public lands. The State of Utah compared the decision to limit off-highway vehicles while still allowing for conventional vehicles as akin to designating parts of Lake Powell exclusively for yachts while restricting more accessible fishing boats and kayaks to less desirable sections of the lake. In totality, this rule ensures that only the most able-bodied and wealthy will be able to have access to areas of Glen Canyon that used to be open and accessible to everyone. Utah boasts $9.5 billion of outdoor recreation economy driven largely by motorized recreation. By shutting down some of the State's most popular motorized recreation trails, the National Park Service is shutting down a main engine of economic growth in some of the poorest, most rural counties. Earlier this year, Congress passed the first-ever bipartisan, comprehensive recreation package aimed at growing, not restricting, our Nation's $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy. The EXPLORE Act passed unanimously in both the House and Senate, a rare feat that demonstrates the overwhelming support for opening more of our public lands to outdoor recreation, not locking up our lands and throwing away the key. In keeping with that, I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important joint resolution, which will restore off-highway vehicle access to treasured public lands. I again thank Congresswoman Maloy for her excellent work and leadership on this effort. 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 to include extraneous material on H.J. Res. 60.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 354, I call up the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 60) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Park Service relating to ``Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Motor Vehicles'', and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I just want to say that it is unfortunate that we are having to use a Congressional Review Act, but it is unfortunate that a former administration tried to legislate from the administrative branch. That is the purpose of the Congressional Review Act. When bureaucrats overstep their bounds, we have this tool to rein them back in. It would not allow them to make this rule again. A clear reading of the Congressional Review Act, it is easy to see that the rule would go back to the rule that was in place before the Biden administration put the rule in place that we are doing the Congressional Review Act on. It is also common sense that that would happen, and it is clearly the intent of Congress, should this get signed into law, that it would go back to the original rule. I again applaud Representative Maloy for her exceptional leadership in this effort and for looking out for her constituents. This is a necessary resolution that will allow for more recreation opportunities, greater public access, and growth within Utah's outdoor recreation economy. Whether it is hunting, fishing, hiking, or recreating on off- highway vehicles, our public lands were meant to be enjoyed by all Americans, and this CRA allows just that. Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of the joint resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I appreciate the gentlewoman for her efforts on this legislation and for being a voice for her constituents. She talked about the county governments there that didn't have a voice when this rule was made. This is hurting their economy. It doesn't make sense, and it is kind of a bad example of having that distant landlord with an alternative agenda that lives many miles away managing the land where you live. I thank her for her efforts on behalf of her constituents and on all Americans who enjoy outdoor recreation. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close and continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Senate amendment. The American people gave Congress a clear mandate to lower costs, reduce burdensome regulations, and unlock American resources. Passing the resolution before us will allow committees to thoughtfully craft and debate legislation to extend the 2017 Trump tax cuts, averting a $4 trillion to $5 trillion tax increase on the American people, and to use our resources to generate more revenue and to cut wasteful spending. The resolution in itself is not the solution, but it unleashes committees to put pen to paper and craft reconciliation legislation that fully delivers on the promises the President and House Republicans have made the American people. Mr. Speaker, if we look in this beautiful Chamber, I have only located one quote from our past that is displayed here, and it is up above you up close to the ceiling. We are getting close to celebrating the 200-year anniversary of those words that Daniel Webster spoke in 1825 when he said: ``Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth our powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also, in our day and generation, may not perform something worthy to be remembered.'' Mr. Speaker, the House Committee on Natural Resources looks forward to taking action to develop our Nation's resources and to do that responsibly. Our resources are among our Nation's greatest assets and revenue generators. This resolution starts the process to do something worthy to be remembered in our day and generation, a process to keep taxes low for working Americans, to unlock the full potential of our natural resources, and to deliver on Speaker Johnson's directive to have the resolution on the President's desk by Memorial Day. Mr. Speaker, I support it, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, our country is at a point where we need more energy and every form of energy when we look at the demands for data processing, when we look at transportation demands, when we look at demands for energy to grow our economy and to produce more things here. I don't think anybody on either side of the aisle would question the fact that we need more energy and our energy consumption is on an exponential increase. This rule that the Biden administration made is not about an all-of- the-above energy approach. It is not about producing more energy, more clean reliable energy that comes from America. It is about attacking an industry. If you don't believe that, just look at the rule itself. We produce more than one kind of energy offshore. We produce oil and gas. We also produce wind, but magically wind farms don't trigger an archeological review, I guess, because they are not included in this analysis, this redundant process that the Biden administration put in place. The reason they are not is the same reason that oil and gas should not be included; because there is already a process to do the National Historical Preservation Act section 106 requirements when you are getting a permit. This rule was added by the Biden administration just to create another level of bureaucracy, another level of regulatory hurdles to stop offshore oil and gas exploration and production. That is the only purpose they could have put this rule in place for. Otherwise, they would have said, if they really cared about archeological features and artifacts in the Gulf and offshore, they would have included the wind farms in this, but it is only targeted at oil and gas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources on the Natural Resources Committee.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of S.J. Res. 11. I thank my colleagues across the aisle for actually making our point on why this regulation that was put in place by the Biden administration is totally unnecessary. We made the point that it is targeted specifically for oil and gas and that wind is exempted. They tried to say that wind is exempted because they are already doing the analysis under the National Historic Preservation Act, section 106. Guess what? Oil and gas is doing the same thing. They are already making these archaeological assessments under existing rules. This is redundant, but it is not just redundant. It is punitive. It was a rule put in place to attack what our colleagues like to refer to as the Big Oil bogeyman. Apparently, because they have been successful and they can actually turn a profit because there is a demand for their product, they should be attacked by the Federal Government; they should have more regulations put on them. We should do anything we can to stop producing more energy offshore if you are in the mindset of the previous administration. That is not helping America. That is not helping the American consumers. That is not helping the American economy, and it is certainly not helping America on the world stage. It is ridiculous that we are having to come here and do Congressional Review Acts on horrible policies that were put in place by the previous administration, but thank goodness we have the tool to do that. Thank goodness the Senate has already done it, and we have bipartisan support in the Senate to do the CRA on this rule. State and Federal laws, as has already been mentioned, provide robust oversight for marine historic resources, again making this added layer of Federal bureaucracy pointless and wasteful. The repeal will lower energy costs for American families, strengthen U.S. energy independence, and support an industry critical to our economy and our security, all while maintaining responsible stewardship of historic resources. One thing that BOEM failed to analyze that often gets overlooked, it is not just Big Oil in the Outer Continental Shelf, it is also small producers, family-owned businesses, and thousands and thousands of people who make a living working in the Outer Continental Shelf. This burdensome regulation will be detrimental to those small businesses. I urge my colleagues to support the resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 177, I call up the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 11) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management relating to ``Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources'', and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on S.J. Res. 11.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S.J. Res. 11, a resolution to express disapproval of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's misguided protection of the ``Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources'' rule. First, I thank my colleagues, Senator Kennedy and Representative Ezell, for championing this effort and collaborating with my team to bring this resolution to the floor today. Additionally, I acknowledge Democratic Senators Hickenlooper, Cortez Masto, and Rosen for supporting this resolution in the Senate. Mr. Speaker, S.J. Res. 11 is a commonsense measure that would repeal a burdensome and unnecessary Biden administration rule that forces offshore energy operators to conduct costly archeological surveys and submit reports for every exploration and development plan on the Outer Continental Shelf. Under the rule in question, operators must comply with this blanket mandate, even in areas with no known archeological risks, adding millions in unnecessary costs and delays despite existing State and Federal protections under the National Historic Preservation Act. Eliminating this one-size-fits-all rulemaking will ensure that energy production isn't bogged down by duplicative red tape. S.J. Res. 11 uses the Congressional Review Act to nullify a rule which BOEM acknowledges places ``100 percent of the increased Gulf of Mexico compliance cost for survey[s]'' on operators that are small entities. This resolution would end the Biden administration's needless overreach and return the regulatory regime to a targeted, evidence- based approach. Notably, this repeal preserves America's ability to tap its offshore resources efficiently. It will not weaken genuine historic preservation but will stop a pointless cash grab that inflates administrative burdens. In fact, this resolution could boost Federal revenues by speeding up leasing and production timelines that are critical to U.S. energy security. Offshore oil and gas from the Outer Continental Shelf accounts for 15 percent of U.S. production, supporting jobs, powering homes, fueling transportation, paying for conservation, and lowering costs for goods we all need. Yet, this rule, part of a broader pattern of Biden-era restrictions, threatens that stability with added costs of more than 500 additional labor hours per year across operators. Federal regulators shouldn't stifle energy development. This resolution offers a rational fix by eliminating a rule which was intended to add burdens to a vital industry. S.J. Res. 11 will protect American energy security and keep energy costs down for families as part of an all-of-the-above energy strategy. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill is not about repealing anything that is going to add any protections or viability to anything that is happening on offshore exploration. The rule was not even about wearing a suspender with a belt. This rule was put in place to hamper offshore energy production. Under section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, protections already exist for offshore operators, and it requires them to identify and avoid marine archeological sites, making this rule totally redundant. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of the Biden-era rule wasn't just for redundancy. It was to put shackles on offshore energy production and to put higher costs on American consumers, who are already struggling with inflation that has resulted from the policies of the previous administration. Good governance doesn't have redundancy and duplicative rules in place that hamper Americans from building and producing. What we are doing is releasing the shackles off of energy production so that we can provide the things that our country and our economy need. That is why I really appreciate the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Ezell) for bringing this bill forward. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Ezell).

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the fiscal year 2025 budget resolution. My constituents know firsthand how the failed policies of the left resulted in increased grocery and energy bills, opened our borders, imperiled our national security, accelerated our debt, and made it next to impossible to build and use our natural resources here at home, making us dependent on our adversaries. This budget creates a blueprint to deliver on the promises we made to the American people: righting the wrongs of the past, unleashing America's energy potential, and implementing the full America First agenda. Advancing the budget resolution opens the door for the budget reconciliation process. It will allow committees to begin our work on the nuts and bolts of budget reconciliation, implementing savings across government and harnessing our biggest revenue generators, such as domestic energy production. By unlocking access to our energy and mineral reserves, actively managing our forests, streamlining burdensome permitting processes, and repealing wasteful IRA spending, we will deliver a responsible reconciliation bill that builds the wealth of our Nation. As a former member of the House Budget Committee, I appreciate the budget process and have great respect for Chairman Arrington and his staff in getting this budget resolution to the House floor. Mr. Chair, while our colleagues across the aisle are using made-up numbers that have no basis or substance as a scare tactic on the American people, I can say, as a former State legislator, and I am happy to remind my colleagues across the aisle that Medicaid is a State and Federal program. Not a single person will lose Medicaid coverage unless their State makes that choice. Mr. Chair, this resolution has my full support, and I encourage my colleagues to vote for it.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding young leader, Alex J. Wilson, a student at Cass Job Corps in Ozark, Arkansas. Alex is currently enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Operations Pre-Apprentice Trade, where he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and perseverance--qualities that embody the Cass Cougar spirit. Alex's leadership extends far beyond the classroom. As the Student Government Association President and a Student Ambassador for the Youth-to-Youth initiative, he is a dedicated voice for his peers, advocating for their needs and championing opportunities for student success. Through the Youth-to-Youth program, Alex has worked to combat violence and drug use while promoting positive mental health on campus. His servant-style leadership is evident in his commitment to both his fellow students and the broader community. As a member of the Cass Job Corps Fire Crew, Alex has trained extensively to serve and protect, further exemplifying his dedication to helping others. Recognizing the challenges new students face, he implemented a volunteer program with Needy Paws, a local animal shelter, providing students with an opportunity to ease stress and homesickness through service. Alex's impact reaches beyond campus through his involvement in numerous community service projects. He has participated in a River Valley event honoring local veterans, served as Sergeant at Arms for Bumpers North Dorm, and was selected for the Cass Community Leadership Program. His commitment to excellence also earned him a spot in a real-world work experience opportunity with the West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District. Alex attributes his passion for Heavy Equipment Operations to the mentorship of his instructors, Mr. Chris Wilson and Mr. Hibbs, who have instilled in him the values of discipline, hard work, and innovation. Their guidance has fueled his ambition to secure an apprenticeship with the International Union of Operating Engineers--a goal I have no doubt he will achieve. Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, Alex J. Wilson exemplifies the very best of our young leaders. His work ethic, commitment to service, and ability to elevate others will undoubtedly lead him to success. I am proud to recognize Alex today and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. Boebert).

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 5, I call up the bill (H.R. 26) to prohibit a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman.