[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 78 (Friday, May 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT OF 2003

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                               speech of

                           HON. BARON P. HILL

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2003

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, Southern Indiana is blessed with natural 
beauty, and the Hoosier National Forest in my congressional district is 
an important source of this beauty. I have greatly enjoyed my visits to 
this national forest over the years.
  Today I voted against passage of H.R. 1904, The Healthy Forests 
Restoration Act of 2003. I decided not to support this legislation 
after giving it careful consideration and weighing its effects on my 
constituents.
  I have many constituents who regularly visit the Hoosier National 
Forest. They enjoy hiking, fishing, horseback riding and mountain 
biking in the forest. My constituents also feel strongly about the 
right to comment on and participate in the management decisions that 
are made regarding this beautiful national forest.
  I voted against H.R. 1904 because I am very concerned that it would 
result in my constituents having fewer opportunities to comment on 
forest policy proposals. H.R. 1904 would expand the use of 
``categorical exclusions'' by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land 
Management and reduce the opportunities for the public to comment.
  I have consistently supported efforts to ensure the public has 
meaningful opportunities to comment on national forest policy 
proposals, and I will continue to support the public's right to 
comment. I voted against H.R. 1904 because it could limit the 
opportunities the public would have to participate in forest policy-
making decisions.

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