[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 114 (Wednesday, July 27, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2012

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                               speech of

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 26, 2011

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2584) making 
     appropriations for the Department of the Interior, 
     environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending 
     September 30, 2012, and for other purposes:

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Chair, I want to speak in favor of Mr. Bass' 
amendment to restore funds to the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
  More than 40 years ago, Congress made a commitment to the American 
public--a commitment to use a small portion of revenues from offshore 
drilling toward natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation 
programs--a commitment to partially offset the depletion of limited 
natural resources that belong to us all.
  Diverting these funds goes against the promise that Congress made to 
the American public back in 1965 and the American public doesn't 
support it.
  A new bipartisan poll released today by the LWCF Coalition shows that 
85 percent of Americans support full funding for the Land and Water 
Conservation Fund.
  The nation's primary tool to conserve land for parks, wildlife 
refuges, forests, rivers, trails, historic and cultural sites.
  Cuts to the LWCF undermine the economic asset that our Federal, 
State, and local public lands represent in this country.
  And rob the American public of the opportunity to enjoy and recreate 
in these special places.
  According to the Outdoor Industry Foundation, outdoor recreation 
activities, including hunting, fishing, camping, and other activities 
contribute a total of $730 billion annually to the economy.
  Supporting 1 of every 20 jobs in the U.S. and stimulating 8 percent 
of all consumer spending.
  Support jobs, support our natural treasures, and keep our commitment 
to the American public.
  Vote ``yes'' on the Bass Amendment to restore funds to the LWCF.

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