[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 111 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         FOREST TAX RELIEF ACT

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                             HON. MARY BONO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 6, 1998

  Mrs. BONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to announce the introduction of the 
Forest Tax Relief Act, an important bill to let all our citizens enjoy 
the forests free from burdensome taxes. I am proud to announce that I 
have co-authored this bi-partisan bill with my dear colleague, 
Representative Lois Capps (D-CA.)
  Due to enabling legislation passed by a previous Congress, the United 
States Forest Service has implemented a new pilot project charging day 
users a per car fee to park on public lands. Dubbed the ``Adventure 
Pass'' by the U.S. Forest Service, this is nothing but a new tax on 
using public lands. Many of my constituents question the fairness and 
merits of this tax, and I share their concern. This tax goes against 
the concept of experiencing our free and open land making it a hardship 
on locals and visitors alike.
  Within the forest of the 44th Congressional district, the per car fee 
for an Adventure Pass is $5. To residents in the communities of 
Idllywild, Anza, Hemet and San Jacinto and tourists who come to enjoy 
these precious lands, this fee is a source of much controversy. We have 
come to expect the freedom to enjoy this area without the inconvenience 
and tax imposed on us today.
  To tax the Great Outdoors is offensive to the very concept of the 
national forest system. The forests are for the entire nation and 
therefore should be supported through the traditional funding process. 
Under this plan, Congress taxes Americans twice. It is now time to 
remedy this situation.
  Mr. Speaker, not only are the fees unjust, but they are generating 
only half the projected revenue. I believe we are deterring individuals 
from discovering the wonder and beauty of our National Forest. We must 
encourage people to visit, not discourage them from doing so. When 
tourists go elsewhere, it hurts small businesses and it hurts our 
efforts to educate individuals on the importance of protecting this 
precious national resource. This tax serves as a barrier to working 
families, hikers, nature lovers and all those desiring access to our 
national forests.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this effort to return 
the forests back to the people.

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