Bruce Westerman
Representative for Arkansas · Republican · United States
“Nearly 50 uncontained fires are burning across the country, and our prayers are with the firefighters and the families of those whose lives have been taken by wildfire. We owe it to them to manage our forests and provide the tools needed to suppress fires. The Fix Our Forests Act does just that.”
“Nearly 50 uncontained fires are burning across the country, and our prayers are with the firefighters and the families of those whose lives have been taken by wildfire. We owe it to them to manage our forests and provide the tools needed to suppress fires. The Fix Our Forests Act does just that.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [House] [Page H4615] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] WAKE UP AND SMELL THE SMOKE (Mr.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [House] [Page H4615] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] WAKE UP AND SMELL THE SMOKE (Mr.”
“Presley exemplifies the talent, character, and leadership that have earned her this distinguished title. Her accomplishments during the Miss Arkansas' Teen competition were extraordinary.”
“Presley exemplifies the talent, character, and leadership that have earned her this distinguished title. Her accomplishments during the Miss Arkansas' Teen competition were extraordinary.”
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“Nearly 50 uncontained fires are burning across the country, and our prayers are with the firefighters and the families of those whose lives have been taken by wildfire. We owe it to them to manage our forests and provide the tools needed to suppress fires. The Fix Our Forests Act does just that. It accelerates hazardous fuel reduction in our highest-risk forests. It strengthens State and local partnerships. It supports firefighters and their families by establishing a new Casualty Assistance Program. It does all this and much more. It is time to wake up and smell the smoke. Enact the Fix Our Forests Act so we can begin the process of forest health restoration to protect our communities, to protect our environment, and to protect against the loss of American lives. ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [House] [Page H4615] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] WAKE UP AND SMELL THE SMOKE (Mr. WESTERMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, the Senate is fiddling while America burns, and when I say burns, I mean it in the literal sense. Mr. Speaker, 18 months ago, we sent a hugely bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act to the Senate. It has passed the Senate Ag Committee on a bipartisan vote. It is time for the Senate to send the Fix Our Forests Act to the President's desk.”
“Nearly 50 uncontained fires are burning across the country, and our prayers are with the firefighters and the families of those whose lives have been taken by wildfire. We owe it to them to manage our forests and provide the tools needed to suppress fires. The Fix Our Forests Act does just that. It accelerates hazardous fuel reduction in our highest-risk forests. It strengthens State and local partnerships. It supports firefighters and their families by establishing a new Casualty Assistance Program. It does all this and much more. It is time to wake up and smell the smoke. Enact the Fix Our Forests Act so we can begin the process of forest health restoration to protect our communities, to protect our environment, and to protect against the loss of American lives. ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [House] [Page H4615] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] WAKE UP AND SMELL THE SMOKE (Mr. WESTERMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, the Senate is fiddling while America burns, and when I say burns, I mean it in the literal sense. Mr. Speaker, 18 months ago, we sent a hugely bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act to the Senate. It has passed the Senate Ag Committee on a bipartisan vote. It is time for the Senate to send the Fix Our Forests Act to the President's desk.”
“On behalf of the people of Arkansas, I congratulate Presley Bennett on this remarkable achievement and commend her for her dedication to service, academic excellence, and advocacy. I join her family, friends, and community in wishing her continued success as she represents Arkansas on the national stage and inspires others through her leadership and example. ____________________”
“Her example of service, confidence, and leadership reflects the very best of Arkansas's next generation. In September 2026, Presley will proudly represent the Natural State at Miss America's Teen 2027, to be held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. There she will compete alongside delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands for the national title. The Miss Arkansas Scholarship Program, an official state preliminary to Miss America, has long been dedicated to empowering young women through scholarship, service, leadership, and personal achievement. Presley Bennett embodies each of these values and serves as an outstanding representative of this mission.”
“Presley exemplifies the talent, character, and leadership that have earned her this distinguished title. Her accomplishments during the Miss Arkansas' Teen competition were extraordinary. She earned a total of $13,750 in scholarships and awards, including recognition for Overall On-Stage Conversation, Preliminary Health and Fitness, the Sharon Evans Bale We Are More Award, and Overall Arrival. Her title as Miss Arkansas' Teen also includes a $10,000 scholarship sponsored by Pafford EMS, further supporting her educational aspirations and future success. As Miss Arkansas' Teen, Presley will spend the coming year serving as a statewide ambassador for the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Program, making appearances across Arkansas while promoting her platform and inspiring young people throughout our state.”
“Competing as Miss Saline County's Teen, Presley impressed judges with a dynamic Michael Jackson-inspired tap dance performance and demonstrated exceptional poise and character throughout the competition. Equally noteworthy is her dedication to youth mental health advocacy through her community service initiative, Peaceful Places. Through this important effort, Presley works to promote mental health awareness and well-being in schools, encouraging students to prioritize emotional wellness and foster supportive environments for their peers. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Presley during her visit to Washington, D.C., when she stopped by my office. It was a privilege to learn more about her accomplishments, aspirations, and dedication to serving others.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E589] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MISS PRESLEY BENNETT MISS ARKANSAS' TEEN 2026 ______ HON. BRUCE WESTERMAN of arkansas in the house of representatives Thursday, June 18, 2026 Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Miss Presley Bennett of White Hall, Arkansas, on being crowned Miss Arkansas' Teen 2026. At just 17 years old, Presley has distinguished herself through her talent, leadership, service, and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.”
“On behalf of the people of Arkansas, I congratulate Presley Bennett on this remarkable achievement and commend her for her dedication to service, academic excellence, and advocacy. I join her family, friends, and community in wishing her continued success as she represents Arkansas on the national stage and inspires others through her leadership and example. ____________________”
“Her example of service, confidence, and leadership reflects the very best of Arkansas's next generation. In September 2026, Presley will proudly represent the Natural State at Miss America's Teen 2027, to be held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. There she will compete alongside delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands for the national title. The Miss Arkansas Scholarship Program, an official state preliminary to Miss America, has long been dedicated to empowering young women through scholarship, service, leadership, and personal achievement. Presley Bennett embodies each of these values and serves as an outstanding representative of this mission.”
“Presley exemplifies the talent, character, and leadership that have earned her this distinguished title. Her accomplishments during the Miss Arkansas' Teen competition were extraordinary. She earned a total of $13,750 in scholarships and awards, including recognition for Overall On-Stage Conversation, Preliminary Health and Fitness, the Sharon Evans Bale We Are More Award, and Overall Arrival. Her title as Miss Arkansas' Teen also includes a $10,000 scholarship sponsored by Pafford EMS, further supporting her educational aspirations and future success. As Miss Arkansas' Teen, Presley will spend the coming year serving as a statewide ambassador for the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Program, making appearances across Arkansas while promoting her platform and inspiring young people throughout our state.”
“Competing as Miss Saline County's Teen, Presley impressed judges with a dynamic Michael Jackson-inspired tap dance performance and demonstrated exceptional poise and character throughout the competition. Equally noteworthy is her dedication to youth mental health advocacy through her community service initiative, Peaceful Places. Through this important effort, Presley works to promote mental health awareness and well-being in schools, encouraging students to prioritize emotional wellness and foster supportive environments for their peers. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Presley during her visit to Washington, D.C., when she stopped by my office. It was a privilege to learn more about her accomplishments, aspirations, and dedication to serving others.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E589] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MISS PRESLEY BENNETT MISS ARKANSAS' TEEN 2026 ______ HON. BRUCE WESTERMAN of arkansas in the house of representatives Thursday, June 18, 2026 Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Miss Presley Bennett of White Hall, Arkansas, on being crowned Miss Arkansas' Teen 2026. At just 17 years old, Presley has distinguished herself through her talent, leadership, service, and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.”
“The joint resolution was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, and was read the third time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on passage of the joint resolution. The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appeared to have it.”
“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. The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate has expired. Pursuant to House Resolution 354, the previous question is ordered on the joint resolution. The question is on the engrossment and third reading of the joint resolution.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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. 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.”
“I again thank Congresswoman Maloy for her excellent work and leadership on this effort. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas? There was no objection.”
“60 Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress disapproves the rule submitted by the National Park Service of the Department of the Interior relating to ``Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Motor Vehicles'' (90 Fed. Reg. 2621), and such rule shall have no force or effect. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The joint resolution shall be debatable for 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources or their respective designees. [[Page H1707]] The gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Huffman) each will control 30 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman). General Leave”
“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. The Clerk read the title of the joint resolution. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 354, the joint resolution is considered read. The text of the joint resolution is as follows: H.J. Res.”
“Pursuant to House Resolution 354, the previous question is ordered on the joint resolution. The question is on the engrossment and third reading of the joint resolution. The joint resolution was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, and was read the third time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on passage of the joint resolution. The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appeared to have it. Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. ____________________”
“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. The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate has expired.”
“Speaker, I again urge a ``no'' vote and yield back the balance of my time. 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.”
“There have to be better ways to celebrate and cherish our national parks than to dismantle them. We could be doing something to restore all the jobs that have been cut by this administration. We could debate proposals to create new parks or expand existing ones to honor our shared history and protect our most cherished landscapes. We could advance comprehensive and thoughtful appropriations bills that invest in the future of our parks and our public lands. Instead of doing any of these productive and responsible actions, House Republicans decided to use some more precious floor time to overturn a narrow and specific rule at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. That is a disappointment, another missed opportunity, and a testament to the priorities of this Republican majority. Mr.”
“This revisionist turn is exemplified by President Trump's decision to rename Mount Denali in Alaska despite overwhelming criticism and concern from Alaska Native leaders and other voices in the State. It is clear the President is more interested in branding and flashy stunts than actually supporting our national parks and public lands. House Republicans have stood by and watched as all of this happened. They did nothing as President Trump and Elon Musk decimated the land management workforce, shuttered critical buildings, and froze funding for critical grant programs designed to safeguard and restore our parks and our public lands. Just since January, the Park Service has lost 1,700 rangers and Park Service staff, leaving parks understaffed and resources vulnerable just before the busiest time of the year.”
“If my colleagues accidentally ban off-roading in Glen Canyon, I hope they are ready to explain that to their constituents, assuming they ever hold townhall meetings again. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this legislation. Last week was National Park Week, an annual tradition meant to honor our deep connection to national parks. President Trump carried on the tradition by issuing a proclamation to officially designate the week--this is one of the few noncontroversial actions in the first 100 days of this administration--because all Americans love and value and support national parks. Unfortunately, the proclamation also highlighted how the administration is trying to use national parks to tell a myopic and narrow view of our history.”
“That means any rule regarding off-road access in this park unit. This repeal is practically inviting a court to strike down whatever fallback rule the administration tries reverting to, and when that litigation ensues and they comb through the Congressional Record to divine the intent of Congress, they will see pretty plainly that I warned you folks that that was the case right here on the record. Now, since this information seems new to some of my colleagues, they may be thinking: Wait, that can't be right. Wouldn't this sort of thing have happened before? The answer is no, because Congress has never used the CRA to micromanage a park or a park-access rule this narrow in the way that is being proposed with this resolution. The entire scheme is untested, reckless, and ill-advised.”
“Now, I don't know for sure because Republicans didn't hold a hearing on the legislation to bring in a witness from the Park Service to answer any questions, but there are two problems with this assumption they seem to be proceeding under. One, the current rule was issued under a settlement agreement to enforce compliance with environmental protection laws. Repealing that rule doesn't repeal those legal obligations, so whatever outdated rule the administration might try to revive will still have to comply with those laws, and a court is going to strike it down when it doesn't. Two, as we keep having to remind our colleagues, using the CRA to repeal a rule doesn't just remove that rule, it also prohibits the agency from ever issuing a substantially similar rule on this same topic.”
“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. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. [[Page H1709]] I stand by what I said a few minutes ago. Without the rule in place or a replacement rule, off-roading could very well be illegal in all of Glen Canyon. I did expect that my colleagues across the aisle would state that they assume the Park Service would simply revert back to a previous rule.”
“We should send a message that we stand with the people of Wayne and Garfield Counties, the people of Utah, and the people who like to recreate on our public lands. We value their voices, and we won't allow bureaucratic overreach to dictate our way of life. Together, we can ensure that Glen Canyon remains a place of freedom, adventure, and opportunity for generations to come and isn't a hindrance to the local economies. 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 to close roads and concentrate all those visitors in those small areas. These nonsensical rules that make bureaucrats feel better don't help Utahans and are a symptom of the problem of having a distant and disinterested landlord with an agenda. That is why I introduced H.J. Res. 60, a resolution that leverages the Congressional Review Act to overturn this misguided rule. The resolution is not just about restoring access to trails. It is about standing up for the rights of my constituents, protecting local economies, and preserving freedoms that define our Nation. Let us be clear: Conservation and access are not mutually exclusive. We can protect our natural heritage while ensuring that Americans can go see it and enjoy it. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.”
“The rule threatens to sever these connections, leaving communities to bear the brunt of its consequences. This is in a beautiful part of a gorgeous State, but it is not easy to get to. Keep in mind, this is a recreation area, not a preservation area. Mr. Speaker, the people of Utah deserve better. They deserve a government that listens, that respects their traditions, and understands the importance of balancing conservation with access. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is very popular, as my colleague across the aisle pointed out. The Orange Cliffs area is not well traveled. Much like the rural counties are struggling in a State that is thriving, the Orange Cliffs area is tough to get to in a national recreation area where everybody goes to the lake.”
“The reason the rural counties struggle is because almost all of the land in their counties is managed by the Federal Government. The Federal Government can make rules that restrict access to parts of their county over their objections. {time} 1630 These roads we are talking about are important to those residing in Wayne and Garfield Counties and the tourists who come here from all over the world. They have used these paths to get to places that are part of their history and part of their recreation for generations. These road restrictions reflect a pattern of access loss that characterizes the problems with having a distant Federal Government make local rules. People from across the world come to experience the unique opportunities these trails offer.”
“The National Park Service finalized a rule that restricts off-road vehicles and all-terrain vehicles, ORVs and ATVs, to access certain areas within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in my district. This would prohibit access to approximately 24 miles of road as the chairman said, including popular trails near the Orange Cliffs and segments of the Poison Springs Loop. I have spent a lot of time on the ground in these areas with local elected officials who, for years, have tried to generate a better experience for visitors to the Orange Cliffs, and this goes in the wrong direction. Wayne and Garfield Counties are counties that struggle in a State that otherwise thrives. Utah has a really strong economy, but these rural counties have really weak economies.”
“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. Ms. MALOY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution, H.J. Res. 60, which provides congressional disapproval under the Congressional Review Act of the rules submitted by the National Park Service on the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area pertaining to motor vehicles.”
“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.”
“It is the kind of uncertainty that would be discussed and fleshed out if you took the time to have a hearing and have a little bit of deliberation instead of jamming a CRA like this, a blunt instrument, right on the House floor. If the intent is truly about preserving access, there are better ways to do it. There are certainly much better ways for Congress to uplift and support our national parks; for example, standing up to Donald Trump and Elon Musk's gutting of the National Park Service. I wish we spent more time talking about that rather than a very reckless use of the Congressional Review Act. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr.”
“That is the downside from the environmental perspective, but even worse, from the perspective of these off-road vehicles, it could mean an end to all off-roading in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Mr. Speaker, Park Service has to have a rule in place if they want to authorize any access. That is what this rule does. If Congress repeals it and the CRA says no replacement rule can be issued, that is how it works. It is like Cortez when he got to Mexico, he burned the boats so nobody would go back. That is how the CRA works. You burn the bridge; you can't go back on that particular subject area. A court in the future may well decide that the absence of a rule means no off-roading. Period.”
“It is also worth noting that Congress has never used the Congressional Review Act in the way it is being used right now to repeal a Park Service decision of this nature. This is meddling and micromanaging at its worst, and it could have some unintended consequences as we will discuss in the course of this debate. When Congress uses the CRA to repeal a rule, then the agency is prohibited by law from issuing a substantially similar rule on the same topic. The decision to repeal this rule could lead to some unintended consequences that would backfire on the very off-road vehicle community that my friends across the aisle are saying that they are trying to protect. Park managers would be unable to change or alter access even if a proliferation of off-road vehicle use is damaging park resources.”
“The rule allows off- road vehicles on 388 miles of road within the park, only closing access to approximately 6 percent of the existing roadways to protect sensitive resources. Even those roads are still open to cars, jeeps, and other street- legal vehicles. They are just closed to vehicles that have the ability to travel off-road and cause severe damage in proposed wilderness and other sensitive landscapes. That is 94 percent of the roads in this Park Service unit open to motor vehicles, including off-road vehicles, and [[Page H1708]] then just 6 percent where only street-legal vehicles are allowed. That is a very reasonable tradeoff that protects the park for future generations.”