[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 12, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H8163-H8164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   PERMANENT REAUTHORIZATION OF THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND

  (Mr. FITZPATRICK asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues, 
Democrat and Republican alike, and House leadership to support 
permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This 
vital program benefits millions of Americans in innumerable ways, from 
promoting recreational activity to contributing to our Nation's robust 
economy, along with furthering environmental protection.
  As we rapidly approach the deadline for this crucial program, which 
affects 98 percent of counties here in the United States and 
contributes to an

[[Page H8164]]

economy that encompasses 1 out of 15 American jobs, I urge this 
Congress to take up full permanent funding for the Land and Water 
Conservation Fund.
  Since its establishment 50 years ago, the Land and Water Conservation 
Fund has greatly benefitted my home district in Bucks and Montgomery 
Counties in Pennsylvania. Treasured public lands such as Nockamixon 
State Park, Tyler State Park, and cherished community venues such as 
Hatfield Community Park are all just a few of the examples of the 
beneficiaries of this valuable fund.
  I am encouraged by the strong bipartisan support for permanent 
funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. I urge my colleagues 
on both sides of the aisle to continue its authorization and funding on 
a permanent basis.
  Mr. Speaker, this must be a bipartisan priority, and we must get this 
done. The alternative is unacceptable.

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