[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 19, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1810]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM REFORM ACT OF 1995

                                 ______


                               speech of

                            HON. RICK LAZIO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 1995

  Mr. LAZIO of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose H.R. 260, 
the National Park System Reform Act. Though there is a need to review 
the viability and status of national parks, in this era of fiscal 
constraint and increasing demand on the park system, the issues of park 
reform and review are not simple ones. This type of legislation should 
not be brought up under the suspension of the rules. The gravity of 
this bill calls for further debate and the possibility of offering 
amendments to this bill.
  H.R. 260 would establish an 11-member Natural Park System Review 
Commission, which would make recommendations to Congress regarding 
which parks should be closed or managed differently. This commission 
does not have the authority to close or modify parks of its own accord 
and only presents non-binding recommendations to Congress. 
Nevertheless, we need to ensure that these recommendations are not 
simply rubber-stamped by Congress, but are, indeed, thoroughly 
reviewed.
  Coastal areas are unique in character, and our national seashores 
should not be grouped along with the land-locked national parks when a 
review is made. My specific concern is for the preservation of the Fire 
Island National Seashore in its present form. This barrier island 
stands defiantly facing the Atlantic Ocean while protecting the waters 
of the Great South Bay and the mainland of Long Island. Fire Island 
residents have created 17 separate communities not only for summer 
recreation, but also to preserve the island's natural heritage. 
Congress was wise to grant Fire Island its current status as a National 
Seashore. A determination of this importance should not be reserved 
without proper safeguards. In order to continue to preserve our 
coastline's natural heritage, we need to ensure that Fire Island is 
protected in its present form. Bringing this bill up under the 
suspension of the rules without the opportunity to offer amendments or 
for additional debate will not ensure the proper protection for the 
Fire Island National Seashore or other coastal parks. I urge my 
colleagues to defeat H.R. 260 under the suspension of rules. This is 
not the right legislative procedure for a proper review of our national 
parks.

                          ____________________