Bruce Westerman

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my hometown National Park College Nighthawks on winning the 2024 NJCAA Division II Basketball National Championship. After achieving a perfect 26-0 regular season record, the Nighthawks claimed the crown this year in Danville, Illinois. On his way to achieving greatness, head coach Dillon Hargrove was also named the NJCAA Region 2 Coach of the Year. Nighthawk Taylor Harrell was named the tournament's Pin Ryan Most Valuable Player. The sophomore center had 50 points, 35 rebounds, and 2 blocks throughout the tournament including a double-double of 18 points and 15 rebounds in the semifinals and 22 points and 8 rebounds in the championship game. I also want to recognize the coaches and staff who helped bring this championship back home to the Fourth Congressional District of Arkansas: Dillon Hargrove (Head Coach), Drake Henderson (Assistant Coach), Timothy Webb (Assistant Coach), Rich Thompson (Athletic Director), Mark Oliver (Sports Information Director). And the players who worked hard to achieve this great accomplishment: Hunter Burke, Siddiq Canty, Keryn Collins, Will Dykes, Taylor Harrell, Ja'Bryant Hill, Them Koang, Madison Peaster, Anthony Swift, Colen Thompson, Brody Tucker, Mondo Watkins, Nakavieon White, Chris Crew, Alveon Harris, and Tavarius Vinson. Having been a college athlete myself, I have a deep-rooted appreciation for competitive team sports. One of the three key pillars my staff and I follow is ``compete to win.'' The NPC Nighthawks have done just that. Mr. Speaker, this team has made Hot Springs and the state of Arkansas unbelievably proud, and I am honored to recognize and congratulate them today. These young men will forever be remembered in the history of Arkansas sports. I yield back.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas, is not only the alma mater of two of our distinguished colleagues, Representatives Steve Womack and Kevin Hern, but I rise today to recognize the Arkansas Tech University Robotics team's outstanding performance at their tournament last month that earned them the distinction as the number one collegiate robotics team in the United States. I am confident that with the exceptional talent they have already proven to possess, they will continue to represent ATU and Arkansas' Fourth Congressional District with distinction on the global stage at the upcoming world championship in Texas next month. As a fellow engineer, I admire the dedication and exemplary skills necessary for these students to attain such accolades for their university, and I know the brothership they are gaining through this journey has been all the more valuable. Again, I congratulate the ATU Robotics team for their incredible achievements thus far and wish each of the members continued success in all of their future endeavors. May you each continue to push the boundaries of innovation and uphold the legacy of excellence that defines Arkansas Tech University.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate a significant milestone: the 50th anniversary of Western Energy Alliance. Oil and natural gas are affordable and reliable sources of energy that drive progress, power industries, and fuel innovation. The Alliance is a leader among the oil and gas associations in understanding the complex Federal regulations surrounding production and development in the United States. They have been a strong voice for small- and mid-size companies in navigating Washington, D.C., and pulling together allies across the country. Its members use responsible and innovative practices. Importantly, they have a demonstrated commitment to the environment. As a result, millions of Americans are able to heat their homes and power their vehicles. The Alliance has been a catalyst for job creation, economic growth, and conservation across the country. Congratulations to Western Energy Alliance on 50 years of excellence. Here is to many more years of progress and partnership. The Run Forester Run Team

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I often say I am blessed to have incredible staff who always exceed expectations in each of their respective roles, but today I rise to recognize some of the talents that go well beyond just the office. Members of my staff, including Isabel David, Miles Bolin, Cross Thompson, Colen Morrow, Will King, Lonnie Smith, and Ian Macari, also known as the Run Forester Run team, have shown exceptional dedication as they train for the upcoming D.C. Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run, of which I am proud to be an honorary congressional co-chair. One of the three key pillars that my staff and I follow is to compete to win. I have no doubt that the Run Forester Run team has worked hard to prepare for the opportunity that they will have in the upcoming race. Godspeed in the race. I know they will make us proud. Recognizing the Arkansas Tech University Robotics Team

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a beloved member of our community, Tom Kamerling. On Tuesday, we lost a true legend, a man whose voice resonated through the halls of Arkansas Tech Univerity for many years. Tom's contributions to our community, both on and off the airwaves, will be forever cherished and remembered. As the public address voice of the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys and Golden Suns, Tom was more than just a broadcaster; he was the embodiment of professionalism and dedication. His voice became synonymous with Tech athletics, guiding fans through countless memorable moments with his unmistakable tone and unrivaled passion for the game. His impact extended far beyond the broadcasting booth. Tom's kindness and generosity touched the lives of everyone he encountered. Whether as a mentor to aspiring broadcasters or as a friend to those in need, he always went above and beyond to make a positive difference. His unwavering faith and commitment to serving others serve as an inspiration to us all. Even in his absence, his spirit will continue to guide and uplift our community for generations to come. My thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family and loved ones during this difficult time. May they find solace in the knowledge that his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. In honor of his memory, let us strive to embody the same kindness, professionalism, and unwavering faith that defined Tom Kamerling's life.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and admiration that I rise today to recognize a remarkable student currently attending classes at Cass Job Corps, located in Franklin County, within the bounds of Arkansas' esteemed Fourth Congressional District. Seth Utterback embodies the spirit of dedication, leadership, and excellence that we strive to cultivate in our youth. Throughout his time at Cass Job Corps, Seth has experienced tremendous growth and success, particularly within the culinary program where he has truly distinguished himself. Serving as both a dorm president and lead chef in the culinary arts trade, Seth exemplifies servant leadership, tirelessly ensuring that his fellow students feel welcome and supported on campus. His commitment to the success of others is truly commendable. Seth's passion for culinary arts is evident in his unwavering dedication to honing his skills. His natural talent, coupled with his strong communication and teamwork abilities, sets him apart as a standout student and a valued team player. Whether he is mastering new techniques or assisting his classmates, Seth consistently goes above and beyond, embodying the values of reliability, respect, and positivity. In addition to his exemplary academic and leadership achievements, Seth has been selected to represent Cass Job Corps at the Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities. Furthermore, his participation in the Work Experience Program through WIOA has provided him with invaluable real-world skills and experiences under the guidance of Mr. Mike Brown, further preparing him for success in his future endeavors. Looking ahead, Seth's ambitions extend beyond the borders of Arkansas as he plans to attend Treasure Island Job Corps in California, with the long-term goal of becoming a chef on a cruise line. His determination, outstanding work ethic, and unwavering commitment to his dreams serve as an inspiration to us all. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Seth Utterback on his achievements and in wishing him continued success as he embarks on the next chapter of his journey. Seth is truly a testament to the limitless potential of our Nation's youth, and I have no doubt that he will continue to make us proud in all his future endeavors.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Graves for yielding and for his leadership on the FAA reauthorization bill and on the full committee. This summer, under the leadership of Chairman Sam Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Cohen, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee did our job. We crafted a strong and bipartisan reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration. It passed unanimously through committee and with overwhelming bipartisan support on this very floor. The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act is a comprehensive, commonsense bill that Members of this Chamber can be proud of. The historic legislation ensures that we continue to improve safety, encourage innovation, and ensure that the United States remains the gold standard in aviation. However, since its passage, as has been mentioned, 7 months ago, we have had to vote on two extensions for the FAA reauthorization, and now we are facing a vote on a third because of the Senate's inaction on this important legislation. Aviation safety impacts every single American, and each day that goes by without Senate passage and the President's signature, the enactment of key safety measures and improved framework for innovation is delayed. During the development of this bill, we all worked hard in good faith for good policy. I fought for safety provisions that will directly benefit the airports in my district in El Dorado, Hot Springs, Texarkana, and Mena, such as requiring that the FAA implement tower marking rules that protect the general aviation community, especially agricultural aircraft, and ensuring that planes going in and out of Mena Airport have stable radio communication. These are nonpartisan, good issues, and they are just an example of things all across the country. While it is unfortunate that we are faced with a third extension to provide ample time for this critical legislation to make it across the finish line, we must pass this additional extension. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to swiftly pass the FAA legislation and the President to sign it into law so the United States can continue its role as the global leader in aviation safety and innovation. With all this being said about how we can't get things done in the House, we have got something done in the House, and we just need our Senate partners and the White House to come along.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, because there was a clear consensus and prior historical evidence demonstrating that NEPA would not apply to the development of the campus after the administrative jurisdiction transfer, the legislative text did not include superfluous savings clauses regarding NEPA's applicability. In addition to this, it is my hope that both D.C. and the Department of the Interior will abide by Congress' 6-month timeframe provided in the legislation to reach all necessary agreements and complete the transfer. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize the hard work and collaboration of Chairman Comer, Delegate Holmes Norton, and the entire staff of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. I would also thank Ranking Member Grijalva and his team, the Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for their assistance in getting this legislation to the floor today. Finally, I would recognize several people without whom this legislation would not be possible: Beverly Perry, Tara Hupman, Jerry Couri, and Lisa Pittman. From the House Natural Resources Committee staff, I thank Aniela Butler, Brandon Miller, Colen Morrow, and Taylor Wiseman. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support the legislation.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4984, which is bipartisan legislation that I am cosponsoring to allow development of the RFK Memorial Stadium campus in the heart of Washington, D.C. As a former football player at the University of Arkansas, I know the powerful ways that sports can bring communities and even States together. The current RFK Memorial Stadium, located just down the road from the Capitol, has had a long and complex history but is now decrepit and falling apart. The legislation before us today will allow D.C. to mark the end of decades of legal limbo and the start of an age of economic revitalization. Under the bill, the National Park Service will no longer have to maintain and operate the campus, freeing up finite resources to focus on their deferred maintenance backlog. In turn, D.C. will be able to revitalize this area and create thousands of jobs with new commercial, residential, and recreational facilities. This can serve as a model going forward for other communities, particularly those with large footprints of Federal land, and represents a win-win for both the Federal Government and D.C. I would take a moment to clarify the intent of Congress with respect to this legislation and the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA. Over the course of several months of bipartisan negotiations that involved the Natural Resources Committee, the Oversight and Accountability Committee, as well as the city of D.C., and the National Park Service, several improvements were made to the bill. During these negotiations, we reached a bipartisan consensus that after this bill passes, the National Park Service will conduct a NEPA analysis on the transfer of administrative jurisdiction itself. After the transfer, NEPA will no longer apply to D.C.'s development and use of the site because those activities will not be considered major Federal actions. This follows decades of precedent with previous administrative jurisdiction transfers, as well as technical assistance and advice provided by the Department of the Interior. The National Park Service also provided several examples of instances in which the agency transferred administrative jurisdiction of land to D.C., including as recently as 2022. In none of these instances did NEPA apply after the transfer of administrative jurisdiction. Mr. Speaker, the examples below were provided by the National Park Service (NPS) to the House Committee on Natural Resources during the consideration of amendments to H.R. 4984 of instances in which NPS transferred administrative jurisdiction of NPS lands within the District of Columbia. According to NPS, ``in executing each transfer, the NPS complied with all applicable laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act. After transfer of administrative jurisdiction under this authority, the District of Columbia assumed the management and legal responsibilities for the properties.'' 1. 2010 transfer of approximately 15 acres in the northern section of Fort Dupont Park Prior to the transfer, NPS issued a finding of no significant impact (FONSI), which stated: ``After the transfer of jurisdiction, the property will be the responsibility of the District since it will no longer be managed by NPS and will no longer be a part of Fort Dupont Park, and District environmental standards will apply.'' 2. 2014 transfer of a portion (Reservation 520) of Fort Lincoln Prior to the transfer, NPS issued a finding of no significant impact (FONSI), which stated: ``After the land transfer, the property would no longer be owned by the NPS and would be the responsibility of the District. Consequently, the District's environmental standards would apply.'' https://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm? parkID=198& project ID=44032& documentID=100579 3. 2022 transfer of another portion (Reservation 405) of Fort Dupont Park Prior to the transfer, NPS issued a decision form finding that the transfer was categorically excluded from further analysis under NEPA. https://www.ncpc.gov/files/projects/2021/8324_Reservation _405_-_Portion_of_Fort_Dupont_Park_Transfer_of _Jurisdiction_NEPA_Document_-_CATEX_Nov2021.pdf

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Cliff Goodin, a pillar of the community whose legacy will forever resonate throughout Russellville and the Fourth Congressional District of Arkansas. Cliff's journey, rooted in the humble beginnings of Bald Knob, Arkansas, was marked by unwavering dedication and an unyielding commitment to service others. From his early days as a beloved son of Duval Grant Goodin and Minnie Collison Goodin, to his steadfast companionship with his college sweetheart Sara Lou Snow, Cliff exemplified the virtues of love, loyalty, and resilience. Their enduring bond, spanning 59 years, stands as a testament to the enduring power of partnership and family. As a visionary entrepreneur and respected leader, Cliff left an indelible mark on the community through his pioneering efforts in the real estate industry. From his tenure at Vernon Howard Realty to the founding of Cliff Goodin & Associates, Realtors, Cliff's innovative spirit and tireless work ethic propelled the development of countless commercial and residential projects, shaping the landscape of the River Valley for generations to come. Beyond his professional achievements, Cliffs legacy is defined by his selfless service to others. As a dedicated member of the real estate community, he generously shared his time and expertise, serving in various capacities including President of the Arkansas REALTORS Association and as an ARPAC Trustee. His advocacy and leadership were instrumental in advancing the interests of his colleagues and advocating for policies that promoted economic growth and prosperity. Cliffs impact extended far beyond the boardroom, as he actively engaged in civic leadership and community service. Whether through his involvement with organizations such as the Russellville Jaycees, Lions Club, or Chamber of Commerce, Cliff demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those around him. His passion for civic engagement and grassroots activism inspired others to follow in his footsteps, leaving an enduring legacy of service and leadership. As we reflect on Cliff's remarkable life, let us draw inspiration from his boundless generosity, unwavering integrity, and steadfast devotion to his family and community. Though he may no longer walk among us, his spirit will continue to guide and inspire us in the days ahead. May Sara Lou, Gaye, Julie, and the entire Goodin family, find comfort in the cherished memories they shared with Cliff and solace in the knowledge that his legacy will endure as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. Let us honor Cliff's memory by rededicating ourselves to the principles of service, compassion, and unity that he held dear. May his legacy continue to shine brightly, illuminating the path forward for the community and beyond.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dean Weber. In 1973, Dean Weber started as head athletics trainer for the University of Arkansas, where he provided care for thousands of Razorback student athletes. He never missed a football game as an athletic trainer, working over 415 games with the team under eight head coaches. A Hall of Famer, Dean served the university for over 50 years and has the third longest tenure of anyone in Razorback athletics history, behind Frank Broyles and Norm DeBriyn. Dean's love for the Natural State and Razorback athletics was immeasurable. Still, his legacy will always be in the relationships he built with the athletes, coaches, colleagues, and friends. When I think about what made Dean special, I can say from personal experience that I was just a walk-on, but Dean treated me like an all- American. We can all learn from that, and the world could use some more Dean Webers. We will miss our friend, but we are better having known him. Dean Weber made a difference. Woo Pig Sooie. Go Hogs.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7176. Of all their incoherent energy policies, the Biden administration's de facto ban on all pending approvals for LNG exports is among the very worst ideas in their ongoing attack on American energy. I challenge anyone in the Biden administration to string together and communicate a cognitive and defensible argument for how the ban benefits the environment, the geopolitical landscape, the U.S. economy, our allies, or our national security. This ban damages all those things while lining the pockets and strengthening Vladimir Putin and OPEC. To paraphrase ``Billy Madison,'' at no point has this administration in their rambling, incoherent energy policies been even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone is now dumber for having listened to it. American natural gas is the cleanest, safest, and most ethically sourced on Earth. American energy, and certainly American natural gas, is not our enemy. If the administration would simply read and comprehend our government's own data, they would realize American energy, and especially American natural gas, is the solution, not the problem. We should be producing and exporting more while we develop a sound all-of-the-above energy policy that focuses on reliable, affordable, and clean energy. U.S. Government data shows that since 1990, our economy has grown 791 percent, our vehicle miles traveled have increased 113 percent, our population has grown 47 percent, and our energy consumption has grown 29 percent. Mr. Speaker, thanks in large part to American natural gas, during this time of huge growth, our emissions have decreased 60 percent. A large part of that is due to our innovations in fracking and producing natural gas. I am proud to support this legislation to repeal the Biden administration's shortsighted restrictions on the export of U.S. natural gas and further U.S. leadership and emissions reduction, strengthen our economy, and bolster energy security for the U.S. and our allies.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Bob R. Brooks, Jr. Bob was loved by many, a true family man. He was proud to be known as Uncle Bob to the light of his life, Ryan, as well as to Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin's children. He was deeply involved in the lives of his friends and colleagues, and many considered him a member of their family. He graduated from the University of Arkansas and was a dedicated Razorback fan, rooting for the Hogs in every sport. Bob served as chief of staff for former Congressman Jay Dickey before returning to Arkansas to serve the Natural State in several ways, in both the public and private sectors. Bob was named chief deputy attorney general by Attorney General Tim Griffin in 2023. He deeply enjoyed golfing, horse racing, and traveling. Bob was loyal to those around him and the State of Arkansas. I am thankful for his contributions to our State; but furthermore, I am thankful for his friendship. Bob's legacy will be felt by many for years to come.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize February 17 through 24 as National FFA Week. President George Washington once said: ``Agriculture is the most healthy, the most useful, and the most noble employment of man.'' FFA members and alumni nationwide continue to look up to President Washington as a model of leadership and a champion for agriculture. For the past 76 years, we have celebrated National FFA Week during the week of Washington's birthday, February 22. My roots in FFA run deep. The organization played a role in shaping me into the man I am today. I was a member of the Fountain Lake FFA chapter in high school and went on to serve as the Arkansas FFA State president. I now have the opportunity to serve on the bipartisan Congressional FFA Caucus, and many of my staff members are previous FFA members, State officers, and even a national officer. At a time when the average age of a U.S. farmer is nearly 60 years old, agriculturists are looking to the next generation to fill their shoes. It has never been more important to give youth a seat at the table and enhance the agricultural talent pipeline, and that is where FFA excels. I am proud to recognize National FFA Week to celebrate this incredible organization. May it be a reminder of the great strides FFA makes in contributing to the future of agriculture. Honoring the Life of Bob R. Brooks, Jr.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 13 Mountain Gateway officials who have been separated from their families and wrongly imprisoned in Nicaragua. Our Founding Fathers in America established our First Amendment, which guarantees the freedom of religion. While we are blessed that the United States ensures these rights, other countries and governments do not offer these same liberties. Mountain Gateway is an evangelic ministry based in Texas that desires to make Jesus Christ's name known to all nations. The organization has had relations with Nicaragua since 2013, establishing churches, humanitarian relief projects, and a fair trade coffee farm that provides income to rural residents. This past year, Mountain Gateway held a series of mass religious worship services in Nicaragua with the government's approval. Throughout eight separate gatherings, more than 1 million people attended. The Nicaraguan Government began arresting Mountain Gateway affiliated personnel shortly after their most recent service in Managua on false claims of money laundering. Thirteen Mountain Gateway officials are currently being held in prison with no access to legal counsel, no visits from their relatives, and no access to the allegations against them. Beside me are pictures of a family that has been separated because of this catastrophe. The children, who are also U.S. citizens, are currently separated from their family due to the wrongful imprisonment of their parents. The response of the Nicaraguan Government is unacceptable. While the current U.S. open border has allowed over 300,000 Nicaraguans to access America since 2021, the Nicaraguan Government has targeted numerous U.S. citizens to be arrested and extradited to Nicaragua and separated two U.S. children under the age of 3 from their parents. As an American and a strong supporter of religious freedom, it is hard to grasp the reality that other nations do not have the freedom to worship in peace. I condemn the actions by Nicaraguan authorities against both Nicaraguan and American citizens for worshipping the God who created them, and I will be praying for peace and comfort for the individuals and their families until they are safely united. Recognizing National FFA Week

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Joyce), who is the bill's sponsor.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I consider myself a conservationist. The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program has long been a critical tool to help advance collaborative conservation on private lands, and the multinational species conservation funds have been essential to conserving some of the world's most iconic species, as we discussed. I, again, applaud Congressman Joyce's bipartisan efforts on this legislation that will continue our longstanding efforts to promote responsible conservation efforts in the country and internationally. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I yield back 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 H.R. 5009, sponsored by my friend and colleague, Congressman Dave Joyce of Ohio. The programs this bill reauthorizes are decades old and have had proven results. This bipartisan piece of legislation will continue our longstanding efforts to promote responsible conservation efforts in the country and internationally. First, H.R. 5009 authorizes the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, which allows the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to partner with private landowners to preserve habitat for at-risk species on private lands. Over the past 35 years, the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program has helped around 30,000 landowners complete more than 50,000 habitat restoration projects totaling more than 6.4 million acres of fish and wildlife habitat. In February 2023, the service reported that two-thirds of federally listed species have at least some habitat on private land, and some species have most of their remaining habitat on private land. Voluntary, collaborative conservation efforts like the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program help to empower private landowners to aid these species. Lastly, this bill reauthorizes the programs which make up the multinational species conservation funds. These programs provide grant funding to conserve some of the world's most iconic species, such as elephants, lions, tigers, rhinos, and great apes. Since their inception, these programs have provided over $92.5 million in grants and cooperative agreements for conservation projects in 54 countries, while leveraging $200 million in private matching contributions. These grants and cooperative agreements are vital to reducing illegal trafficking and poaching, decreasing conflict with humans, and improving habitat for these iconic species. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Mr. Joyce for his work on this bill, 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 have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 5009, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1240) to transfer administrative jurisdiction of certain Federal lands from the Army Corps of Engineers to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to take such lands into trust for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, as has been stated, the Winnebago Tribe has been working for more than 50 years to have these approximately 1,600 acres restored to their reservation. I am hopeful that in this Congress we can finally get it done. Mr. Speaker, I, again, want to thank Congressman Feenstra and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska for their hard work on this legislation. I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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 H.R. 1240, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1240, the Winnebago Land Transfer Act of 2023, would replace approximately 1,600 acres of land into trust for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska is one of the federally recognized Tribes of the Ho-Chunk people. Their reservation encompasses 117,000 acres of land located in Thurston and Dixon Counties in Nebraska and Woodbury County in Iowa. The treaties of 1865 and 1874 between the Tribe and the U.S. Government established the land that is now known as the Winnebago Tribe's reservation. In 1970, the Army Corps of Engineers condemned tracts of land on the eastern boundary of the Winnebago Reservation in Nebraska and Iowa through eminent domain for the use of the Snyder-Winnebago Oxbow Lake Recreation Complex project. The Tribe challenged this taking in Federal Court. In Nebraska, the District Court ruled in favor of the Tribe, and the parcels in the State were returned. That was not the case in Iowa. A failure to properly preserve a right of appeal meant that the Eighth Circuit Court could not return the land to the Tribe through a court order, even though they won their case. The land would have to be returned to the Tribe through an act of Congress. H.R. 1240 would right the wrong that occurred in 1970 by returning the land and placing it into trust. An additional 60-acre tract that was condemned by the Army Corps of Engineers would also be placed into trust as it would be landlocked by the main parcels being placed into trust. The land is currently woodland and marsh and has recreational, hunting, and fishing values. The Tribe testified they intend to manage the land under their Winnebago Wildlife and Parks Department and plan to make few, if any, changes to the conservation measures currently in place. Under this legislation, the land would be ineligible for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Feenstra) for his work on the bill, I encourage adoption of the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the bill's sponsor, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Feenstra).

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.