Bruce Westerman

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Fulcher).

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This isn't just a minor rule. This is a major rule that the BLM is pushing out. When they held their listening sessions, they were located in places that were inconvenient for communities and stakeholders who are most affected by the rule to actually participate in. Only three of the listening sessions held by the BLM were in person, and they were all three in major cities. They were in Albuquerque, Denver, and Reno. Two of the five listening sessions were held virtually, affecting rural communities who have limited access to the internet. The BLM refused to hold listening sessions in the following Western States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, and Washington. You would think if they really cared about what the local stakeholders thought, they would have gone out to them and had listening sessions where people could have participated. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Bentz), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Newhouse), the chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As I was listening to my friend from Colorado's comments, I was reminded of a saying that a graduate school professor who taught statistics used to say: Numbers and people are a lot alike. If you torture them long enough, they will tell you anything you want to know. This study that my colleagues talk about references a cherry-picked 10,000 comments that were analyzed, and according to the BLM just over 8,000 were actually unique comments. That means that 2,000 of the comments were identical comments. These are comments that get submitted when you put clickbait out there and say, ``Send this comment in,'' and you just hit the button from your favorite radical environmental group, and it goes into the BLM or to the other Federal agency. Also, you know, I would expect the results to actually be even higher because it is kind of like asking: ``Do you like ice cream?'' or ``Do you like chocolate?'' or ``Do you like candy?'' When you say, are you for conservation and protecting the land, yeah, most people I think are for that. However, when you look at what this rule does, it is anything but that. It locks up land and takes it away from the multiple uses that Congress has designated that this BLM land is for. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Curtis), the sponsor of the legislation.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1173, I call up the bill (H.R. 3397) to require the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw a rule of the Bureau of Land Management relating to conservation and landscape health, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, hunters and anglers are the backbone of American wildlife conservation efforts and are invested in the long-term health of wildlife. It is important that Congress comes to their defense against ideologically driven and unscientific decisions that limit access to our public lands. Now, Mr. Speaker, if the big bad government was really basing their actions on science, why did they randomly pick seven wildlife refuges? Why didn't they propose this across the Nation? Again, this is a classic sue and settle. They got sued by their friends in the radical environmental groups, and they decided to settle and give them a little consolation prize of a few wildlife refuges, thinking we might just turn our backs and say it was just a few refuges. They are just giving a little gift to their friends in the radical environmental movement. Let's go on and work on something else, but you have to stop these actions where they start. To be clear, this bill doesn't prevent the Federal Government from banning the use of lead ammunition and tackle, but it does say that any ban must be supported by site-specific science showing that the use of lead is harming wildlife in that refuge. It also requires that States be properly consulted when the Federal Government proposes to ban the use of lead. If some of my colleagues have an issue with that, they must ask themselves if they consider States to be partners in conserving wildlife or stakeholders who they can ignore. I believe that a true partnership between States and Federal Government and wildlife conservation is the best path forward, and this bill is a step in that direction. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Wittman for his leadership on this legislation. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 2nd Annual National Rendering Day. The burden of responsibility for feeding the world extends beyond the farm. Rendering plays a critical role in ensuring we can meet the growing global demand for food, feed, and fuel, while helping reduce food waste and loss. By recycling unused animal products, renderers create valuable ingredients from resources that would otherwise take up enormous amounts of precious landfill space. Renderers also collect billions of pounds of used cooking oil from restaurants and food manufacturers for upcycling into products and sustainable fuels, like biodiesel. Rendering not only creates alternative, sustainable fuels to power trucks, trains, water vessels and other vehicles but also feeds our beloved household pets. Rendering is the largest industry involved in prevention of food loss and waste and is an important component of a bio-circular economy. Renderers play an important role in reducing food loss and waste, sustainably recycling valuable agricultural resources, and positively contributing to local, state, and national and international economies. U.S. renderers contribute $10 billion in annual economic activity across the country and include many small businesses that help drive the American economy and define the American dream. I am honored to represent many great rendering companies in the 4th District of Arkansas. I am grateful for the role of rendering in producing America's feed and fuel, and reducing food waste and loss by repurposing products we don't eat for other practical needs. Today on National Rendering Day, please join me in recognizing renderers' countless contributions to strengthening the U.S. economy and protecting the environment.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 112.

Mr. WESTERMAN

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. 6492, as amended, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New Mexico for her passion which is evident on this bill, and I thank the minority for working with us to come up with a bill about something that truly is nonpartisan--and it is our public lands and our enjoyment of the outdoors and the wonderful opportunities that we have in this country. As I mentioned earlier, I get to put my name on this bill as the chairman of the committee, but this isn't all my idea. There are ideas that came from both sides of the aisle. As was mentioned, Senators are working on this legislation, and I do encourage them to take up our legislation and pass it. One of the very important provisions in the bill is the Military and Veterans in Parks component that is in it. I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Kiggans) who authored the language in this section of the bill and is a veteran herself.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I, again, want to show my appreciation to the other gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) for her work on this bill and for the great bipartisan support that we have had. I know every speaker that comes up will talk about the beautiful recreation opportunities in their particular area, but one thing I know is from sea to shining sea, America has beautiful areas for outdoor recreation. The next gentleman represents the district that includes his hometown of Mobile and some excellent offshore fishing as well as inshore fishing. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Carl).

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, a few years ago I had an opportunity to go to northern Minnesota and actually drive a vehicle out onto a lake and fish through a little hole on the ice when it was minus 22 degrees. There are all kinds of unique outdoor recreation opportunities across our country. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber).

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, in particular, I would recognize Jess Turner from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, Matt Wade from the American Mountain Guides Association, and Aaron Bannon from America Outdoors for their tireless efforts on this bill. I would also recognize Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barasso, who are leading the Senate companion legislation to the EXPLORE Act. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this first-of-its-kind legislation that will unleash the full potential of the outdoor recreation economy and encourage millions of Americans in Arkansas and across our great country to get out and explore the unparalleled recreational opportunities our Federal lands and waters have to offer. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, when you think of the great State of Montana, we think of Yellowstone and Glacier and all the beautiful places there. I also think of the gentleman from Montana, who was not only the Secretary of the Interior, but also represents the great State of Montana and knows a thing or two about outdoor recreation. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Zinke).

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 move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6492) to improve recreation opportunities on, and facilitate greater access to, Federal public land, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, or EXPLORE Act. This legislation is a bipartisan effort, cosponsored by Ranking Member Grijalva of the Committee on Natural Resources. I want to take a moment to thank Ranking Member Grijalva for his commitment to this bill and, most importantly, to wish him well in his fight against cancer. Last week, we were saddened to hear of his recent diagnosis. I know what a fighter Ranking Member Grijalva is, and I have confidence that he will be back in D.C. very soon. Our prayers are with him and his family. Mr. Speaker, today is the first time in the history of the House that we will be considering a comprehensive outdoor recreation package aimed at getting more Americans outdoors and supporting the $1.1 trillion and growing outdoor recreation economy. This bipartisan, bicameral bill is the culmination of more than a year's worth of hearings and markups in the House, and it builds off years of work in both the House and the Senate. This legislation is cosponsored by more than 50 of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. It is also supported by over 100 organizations representing outdoor recreation, small businesses, conservation groups, and sportsmen and -women from across the country. I grew up and still spend as much time as I can recreating on and around Arkansas' beautiful public lands, which, in my humble opinion, are the best the country has to offer. Arkansas is known as the Natural State because of our plentiful and well-managed forests, rugged mountains, pristine lakes and rivers, and abundant wildlife. Arkansas offers truly unmatched places to recreate, hunt, fish, spend time with loved ones, and simply enjoy God's wonderful creation. We are known for our world-class mountain biking, duck hunting, trout fishing, and rock climbing. Outdoor recreation is a part of our heritage and a tradition we pass on from generation to generation. That is why I am proud to offer the EXPLORE Act. It includes great ideas from my colleagues from around the country, ideas which will improve access and opportunities for outdoor recreation across all of our public lands and waters. This will ensure that more Americans can enjoy our great outdoors in the present while leaving them in better condition for generations to come. Specifically, the EXPLORE Act will create new long-distance bike trails, ensure rock climbing continues in wilderness areas, and reduce the bureaucratic burdens on small business. The bill also helps encourage the next generation of sportsmen and -women by creating new target shooting ranges, cutting red tape for filming on public lands, and addressing invasive species that harm recreational fishing opportunities. The EXPLORE Act recognizes that outdoor recreation extends beyond our public lands and into nearby communities that host millions of visitors annually. In Arkansas, visits to public lands support an average of $362 million in economic output. The legislation addresses the challenges gateway communities face by alleviating overcrowding at national parks, addressing housing shortages, and modernizing technology to improve visitor experiences. I am especially proud that the EXPLORE Act also includes provisions to tackle many of the barriers that prevent members of our military, wounded warriors, people with disabilities, and young folks from fully accessing our public lands. The legislation does this by building new, accessible trails, directing land managers to prioritize recreational visits among our military servicemembers, and reauthorizing the successful Every Kid Outdoors program. I also highlight the important benefits this legislation provides for Arkansans. Importantly, this legislation directs the U.S. Forest Service to reopen closed campgrounds at the popular Albert Pike Recreation Area in the Ouachita National Forest. The legislation also creates public-private partnerships to improve parking opportunities and the availability and cleanliness of restrooms on public lands, two of the top concerns that I hear from my constituents. Finally, this legislation encourages the creation of new off-highway vehicle recreation opportunities and updates maps for OHV users so they know what trails are open. I acknowledge Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders and First Gentleman Brian Sanders for their work on the Natural State Initiative, which is aimed at promoting the beauty and recreation opportunities found in Arkansas. I also thank Katherine Andrews, the director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, who testified in support of this legislation last year. Their work has been instrumental in supporting the formulation of this legislation and growing Arkansas' outdoor recreation economy. Mr. Speaker, I also recognize just a few of the Arkansas organizations that have lent their support to this bill, including the Arkansas Climbers Coalition, the Arkansas Canoe Club, and the Arkansas chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support the bill and reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Agriculture, Washington, DC, March 26, 2024. Hon. Bruce Westerman, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: This letter confirms our mutual understanding regarding H.R. 6492, the ``Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act'' or the ``EXPLORE Act''. Thank you for collaborating with the Committee on Agriculture on the matters within our jurisdiction. The Committee on Agriculture will forego any further consideration of this bill. However, by foregoing consideration at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over any subject matter contained in this or similar legislation. The Committee on Agriculture also reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees should it become necessary and ask that you support such a request. We would appreciate a response to this letter confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 6492 and request a copy of our letters on this matter be published in the Congressional Record during floor consideration. Sincerely, Glenn ``GT'' Thompson, Chairman.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, we talk a lot about access. There is access for people with limited mobility. There is access for older folks who can't get around as well. But when we think about access in the form of public access to public lands, it is about all Americans being able to enjoy the great lands that we have, the great ideas that our founders had to set this land aside for the enjoyment of all Americans. It is not something we should just stand back and look at. We should actually get out into our public lands and enjoy them. I know firsthand the importance of access to our public lands and waters, both for Americans who enjoy them and the communities that surround them. From camping and mountain biking to rock climbing and fishing, the EXPLORE Act has something for everybody who enjoys outdoor activities. The EXPLORE Act would not have been possible without the tireless work and contributions of the many stakeholder organizations that have advocated for comprehensive outdoor recreation policy. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter dated April 8, 2024, signed by more than 30 of these organizations, which states: ``This transformative legislation is a win-win-win for businesses, our cherished lands and waters, and Democrats and Republicans alike, all while supporting rural economies, communities, and our American quality of life.'' Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, April 8, 2024. Hon. Bruce Westerman, Chairman, House Committee on Natural Resources, Washington,

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6233) to amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to authorize partnerships between States and nongovernmental entities for the purpose of reclaiming and restoring land and water resources adversely affected by coal mining activities before August 3, 1977, and for other purposes.

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. 6233, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6233, the Community Reclamation Partnerships Act. H.R. 6233, introduced by Congressman LaHood, would allow States to partner with nongovernmental entities to reclaim and restore land and water resources from abandoned mines. There are still thousands of abandoned mines in the U.S., deserted before modern regulations required mine owners and operators to adhere to strict environmental standards and implement holistic land restoration when operations cease. Many of these sites pose health risks, safety hazards, and environmental concerns for their surrounding communities. While fees collected from current mining operations combined with Federal dollars fund States' abandoned mine cleanup efforts, third- party nongovernmental organizations, or NGOs, have volunteered their resources to assist in abandoned mine restoration. However, should a site deteriorate in the future after an NGO has implemented restoration efforts, that NGO could be liable for the site. H.R. 6233 aims to shield third-party nongovernmental organizations from frivolous litigation. The Community Reclamation Partnerships Act will expedite abandoned mine reclamation efforts and improve environmental hazards, all without using taxpayer funds. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 6233, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), the author of the legislation,

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for closing. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6233. This commonsense legislation streamlines abandoned mine recovery efforts and provides an alternative pathway to abandoned mine restoration without the use of government funds or the imposition of additional fees on an industry that is operating today with the highest environmental standards. Further, this bill has bipartisan support and passed unanimously out of the Committee on Natural Resources in December of 2023. As Mr. LaHood mentioned, it previously passed out of committee in the 116th and 117th Congress and was passed by the House in the 115th Congress. I urge my colleagues to come together again today to support smart, efficient legislation that is good for the taxpayers' bottom line, the environment, our States, and our communities. I thank Congressman LaHood for his work to bring H.R. 6233 to the floor, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of Clay Adam Bryant, a cherished resident of Pottsville, Arkansas, whose passing on March 23, 2024, leaves a profound void in the community and in Arkansas' Fourth Congressional District. Born on March 21, 1977, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Adam was the beloved son of Clay and Dianna Bryant. Throughout his life, he exemplified compassion, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to service. Adam's legacy as a devoted firefighter spanned over 24 years, during which he selflessly served the Chickalah and Pottsville Fire Departments. His bravery and resilience in the face of danger touched countless lives and inspired admiration among his peers. Beyond his role as a firefighter, Adam was known for his caring heart and willingness to lend a helping hand. He found joy in coaching softball for his children, embodying the values of teamwork and camaraderie. A staunch supporter of the Razorbacks, Adam's passion for sports brought together friends and family in celebration of shared victories. In his spare time, Adam found solace in the great outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. His presence brought warmth and laughter to every gathering, especially when surrounded by his family, including his wife, Esperanza, his children, grandchildren, brother, sister, nieces, nephews, and a multitude of cherished friends. As we reflect on Adam's life, let us remember his infectious smile, his dedication to his community, and his profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his legacy of kindness and service to others continue to inspire future generations. May we honor Adam's memory by embracing the principles of compassion, unity, and selflessness that defined his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this time of loss.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Hot Springs World Class High School Education Accelerated by Service and Technology (EAST) team on winning the 2024 Founder's Award at the 2024 EAST Conference. This award is given to students who demonstrate a commitment to EAST's core values of authenticity, innovation, collaboration, dedication, and service. Mr. Speaker, it is evident that these students exemplify all of these and more. The team's accomplishment stems from an interactive map they created for the solar eclipse passing through the state of Arkansas on April 8, 2024. The map allows individuals to see all viewing options for this once-in-a- lifetime event happening across the country. I am proud of the students for collaborating with the local community, working as a team, and accomplishing their goals. I'm proud to recognize the students on this team and their EAST facilitator, Ms. Breanna Burris, for all their hard work on this extraordinary project. They have not only achieved a prestigious national award, but they have simultaneously improved the lives of their peers in Hot Springs.