Bruce Westerman

Mr. WESTERMAN

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

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I support the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission Extension Act. This bill reauthorizes the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission for 7 years beyond the Commission's current expiration date of September 2024. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, or C&O Canal, stretches over 184 miles from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. For nearly a century, the national historical park played a crucial role in the transportation of many agricultural products along the Potomac River. Today, the park offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities while continuing to serve as a source of economic growth through tourism and employment opportunities. In 2021, the park attracted over 5 million visitors, supported 1,360 jobs, and generated $104 million in economic output in local gateway communities surrounding the park. The park's commission is comprised of 19 members who serve on a volunteer basis. By including the voices and unique perspective of various local stakeholders, the commission provides a critical link between the National Park Service and local communities with no cost to the American taxpayer. 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 to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1727, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1727) to amend the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Development Act to extend the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission, as amended.

Mr. WESTERMAN

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

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I again thank the gentleman from Arizona for sponsoring this important legislation. I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Ciscomani), the sponsor of the bill.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, once again, this is important legislation to reauthorize the Udall Foundation to continue supporting Native American congressional interns, as well as the research and study that goes along with that. As I mentioned earlier, it also works with Alaska Native healthcare issues and Tribal public policy issues. This is a very important piece of legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2882, the Udall Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2023, as amended, would reauthorize the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation through 2028. Congress passed the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation Act in 1992, intending to provide scholarships and internship opportunities for Native Americans. This program continues today and brings Native American students into the halls of government, providing opportunities for them to pursue public policy and work on issues that directly address their own experiences. In 1998, Congress broadened the scope of the Udall Foundation and created the United States Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution. In 2009, Congress amended the act to add former Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall's name to the Foundation. The Udall Foundation was last reauthorized in 2019. In that reauthorization, Congress renamed the United States Institute to the John S. McCain III National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution. The Udall Foundation currently supports several programs that encourage research and study related to the environment, American Indian and Alaska Native healthcare issues, and Tribal public policy concerns. H.R. 2882 reauthorizes the Udall Foundation through 2028. This reauthorization maintains currently authorized appropriations and has been amended to make interest income from the trust fund subject to appropriations. The bill also requires the Department of the Interior's Office of the Inspector General complete an audit of the Udall Foundation within 4 years of passage. Past audits highlighted areas where the Foundation was then able to strengthen processes within the Foundation. I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Ciscomani) for his work on this bill, and I encourage adoption of the legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Committee on Education and the Workforce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, January 3, 2024. Hon. Bruce Westerman, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Westerman: This letter is in regard to the jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Education and the Workforce (``Committee'') in certain provisions of H.R. 2882, the Udall Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2023, which fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, the Committee is willing to waive the right to sequential referral. By waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of the Education and the Workforce Committee to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions. Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 2882 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Virginia Foxx, Chairwoman.

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. 2882, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2882) to reauthorize the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Trust Fund, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. WESTERMAN

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. 4051, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor the life and service of Mr. Paul Harvel, a distinguished leader who dedicated over five decades to the advancement of Arkansas chambers of commerce, economic development, and the agricultural industry. His profound impact on countless communities and unwavering commitment to excellence leave an indelible mark on our collective memory. In July of 2014, the American Chapter of Commerce Executives rightfully bestowed upon Paul Harvel the Life Member Award, the highest individual honor in the chamber of commerce profession. This accolade, presented to only 42 individuals in the ACCE's century-long history, reflects Paul's exceptional lifetime of leadership, service, and dedication to the business community. Former Governor Mike Beebe aptly noted that there are few parts of Arkansas untouched by Paul Harvel's influence. His wisdom, expertise, and collaborative spirit benefited numerous communities, creating a legacy of positive change and progress. Paul Harvel's extensive career included pivotal roles such as CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he played a key role in establishing Pulaski County Technical College. His visionary leadership saw the growth of the Little Rock Chamber's assets from $70.000 to over $10 million during his 21-year tenure. As President and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber, Paul Harvel initiated Leadership Arkansas, contributing significantly to the organization's growth, with total income rising from $800,000 to $1.8 million and membership expanding from 650 to 1,400. His impact also extended to the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he led successful efforts to secure over $2 million for a new economic development fund. Beyond his chamber work, Paul Harvel championed Arkansas' agriculture sector, drawing from his upbringing on a farm in Kellar, Texas. From his early days as a vocational agriculture teacher to his instrumental role in founding the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame in 1987, his contributions to the state's agriculture legacy are immeasurable. Paul Harvel's passing is not only a loss to his family, including his wife Barbara, daughter Michelle Boulden, and grandson Hunter Tuggle, but also to the broader community that benefited from his vision, dedication, and tireless efforts. In honoring Paul Harvel's memory, let us reflect on the remarkable legacy he leaves behind and strive to continue the positive impact he made on Arkansas and beyond.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend my condolences to the friends and loved ones of the Bragg family from Monticello. While visiting family in Michigan over the holiday, Hope and Don Bragg, their son Kenny and their daughter, Elizabeth, lost their lives in a house explosion. Their son Stephen and Hope's father, Richard Pruden, made it out but are still in recovery. Hope was a dedicated Arkansas 4-H instructor, and Don was a renowned scientist, who conducted critical research at the University of Arkansas at Monticello that will forever impact forestry in Arkansas and nationwide. In fact, much of the research that Don conducted has impacted the work that I have done throughout my career as both a forester and a Member of Congress. I am thankful for both Hope and Don's contributions to the agricultural and forestry sectors, but, furthermore, I am thankful for their generous contributions to their community. I was devastated to learn about this tragedy, as I know many were. Hope and Don's absence will be greatly felt and impact many in Drew County and across the country, but they leave behind a lasting legacy of love for science and public service. My prayers go out to Stephen and Mr. Pruden as they recover from this disaster and the Braggs' friends and families as they navigate this devastating loss. Recognizing Tom Nichols

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Tom Nichols for his distinguished career in broadcast radio. For over 65 years, Tom Nichols has been in the radio business in Arkansas. Since 1958, when he got his start with the Hot Springs DJs, Tom has impacted the Natural State's radio industry beyond measure. After years of managing KZNG in Hot Springs, Tom and his wife, Polly, became trailblazers in Arkansas radio when they started the first-ever radio station in Pike County in Glenwood. What began as a small AM radio station became the spot for Arkansans in Pike County to receive breaking news and daily entertainment on AM and FM frequencies. As KWXI grew in Glenwood, Tom and Polly saw a need for quality radio in Hot Springs Village, and, thus, they started KRVE where they still are today. The KVRE call letters mean Village Radio Entertainment, which is exactly what they are all about. One of Arkansas' last family-owned and operated stations, KVRE is known as being personable and making its listeners feel like friends and family. As someone who has joined Tom on KVRE for several interviews, I can attest to the familiar and personal environment he and his family have curated in Hot Springs Village. Tom has not only been able to capture and maintain the nostalgia of hometown radio with local personalities and local news, but he has adapted with the times. You cannot only listen at 92.9 locally, but you can also listen worldwide at KVRE.com. It is with great honor that I rise today to recognize Tom Nichols and his 65 years of service in radio broadcasting.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the late Melvin Daniel who will be posthumously inducted into the Arkansas Agricultural Hall of Fame in March. A Bismarck native, Melvin spent 37 years as an agriculture education teacher and FFA adviser for the Glenwood, Lake Hamilton, and Foreman school districts, including 33 years at Lake Hamilton where he advised the school's first FFA State officer, first American FFA Degree recipient, and trained 33 State-winning FFA judging teams. Melvin was a dedicated agriculturalist known not only for his dedication to agricultural education and FFA but also for his passion for raising Black Angus and Limousine cattle and for his time spent as director of the Master Gardeners program with the Garland County Cooperative Extension Service. Although I never had Mr. Daniel as my ag teacher, he taught at a neighboring high school. I spent much time with him and his students at fairs, conventions, and contests. Mr. Daniel had a desire to see all students succeed, whether they were his students or not. I was one of those who benefited from knowing him. I am honored to stand today and recognize my friend, Mr. Melvin Daniel, for his lifelong commitment to agriculture. His induction to the Arkansas Agricultural Hall of Fame is well deserved, and I know his family and the community are still inspired by his service. Honoring the Bragg Family

Mr. WESTERMAN

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. 2839, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2839 will amend the Siletz Reservation Act to provide a process by which the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians and the State of Oregon may negotiate to amend or replace the 1980 agreement that currently serves as the final determination of the Tribe's hunting, fishing, trapping, and animal gathering rights. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is a confederation of more than 27 different Tribes and bands of Indians who, beginning in 1856, were removed throughout western Oregon and placed on the Siletz Coast Reservation. The Siletz Coast Reservation was repeatedly diminished by Federal action until the Siletz Tribe's Federal recognition was terminated by an act of Congress in 1954. In 1977, Congress enacted a bill to restore the Tribe's Federal recognition. This restoration was not without conditions. The Siletz Tribe's hunting, fishing, trapping, and animal gathering rights were limited through an agreement made with the State of Oregon. This agreement was finalized on May 2, 1980, by the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon as a consent decree. The 1980 consent decree was then incorporated into the Siletz Reservation Act of 1980. The agreement provided limited allocations for salmon fishing and deer and elk hunting while otherwise prohibiting Tribal hunting, fishing, gathering, and trapping, except as authorized under Oregon State law. H.R. 2839 would allow the Siletz Tribe in the State of Oregon to negotiate to amend, replace, or terminate the 1980 consent decree. That consent decree remains in place until there is mutual agreement for a new agreement between both the Tribe and the State. The U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon would also be required to adjudicate any change in the consent decree on the merits of the case. This prevents the modification from being dismissed by the court because the matter had already been decided. Additionally, the legislation includes language preserving all other hunting and fishing treaty rights held by other treaty Tribes. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this legislation would amend the Siletz Reservation Act to allow the State of Oregon and the Siletz Tribe to negotiate to amend, replace, or terminate the Tribe's 1980s hunting, fishing, trapping, and animal consent decree. The current consent decree would remain in place until there is a new agreement that is mutually decided on, allowing all parties to reach an agreement before changes are made. Mr. Speaker, I thank the sponsor of the legislation for her work on behalf of her constituents. I urge adoption of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 788) to amend the Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2013 to allow States to issue fully electronic stamps under that Act, and for other purposes.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 788, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from the great State of Louisiana (Mr. Graves), where I understand that if you can't get to a hunt in Arkansas, it is not a bad place to go as a consolation.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 788, sponsored by my friend and fellow Razorback, Senator John Boozman from Arkansas. This bill makes commonsense improvements to wildlife regulations by modernizing how waterfowl hunters across the country can purchase a Federal duck stamp. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves), who had a companion bill in the House that went through our committee. The Federal duck stamp was first created when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act into law in 1934. The law required waterfowl and other migratory bird hunters, ages 16 and over, to purchase and possess a valid duck stamp prior to taking migratory waterfowl. Current law requires hunters to physically possess a signed duck stamp while hunting for any migratory waterfowl. Even in States where electronic licensing is used, a signed physical duck stamp is required. Mr. Speaker, on my mobile phone, I have the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission hunting app. Right here, front and center, I have my Federal duck stamp electronically. Technically, I would be breaking the law if a game warden approached me when I was hunting and this is all that I had. I still have to carry my little duck stamps in my pocket that are signed, both the State and Federal duck stamps. This bill would modernize that program so that these electronic duck stamps would suffice if you were approached by a game warden. S. 788 modernizes the program by removing the 45-day requirement to have a physical duck stamp and allowing States the option to sell electronic duck stamps for the entirety of the hunting season. Under this bill, purchasers would still receive the physical stamp at the end of their State waterfowl season, therefore preserving the long legacy of the Federal duck stamp for generations to come. This is a good governance approach that will continue the unmatched American tradition of wildlife conservation through sportsmen participation. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Garret Graves of Louisiana for his tireless work on this issue. He sponsored the House companion to S. 788. After today, this legislation is one step closer to becoming law. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to make clear that the gentleman from Louisiana, even though he looks like a duck commander, he is not a duck commander, but he does enjoy the outdoors. The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, which is based on a user pays system through the purchase of items like the Federal duck stamp, is the envy of the world. In total, fees paid by the sportsmen communities contribute over $1 billion in revenue annually that goes toward wildlife conservation, which is truly a remarkable achievement. S. 788 is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that underpins the Northern American model by giving hunters certainty and modernizing the Federal duck stamp process. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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