[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 36 (Thursday, February 25, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        PROTECTING PUBLIC LANDS

  (Mr. PALMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. PALMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to comment on H.R. 803, specifically, 
the debate I just heard.
  This bill does not protect public lands, it turns them into economic 
deserts off limits to public use and sensible management practices. At 
some point we must recognize the damage that is done by these left-wing 
land grabs, to our economy, our communities, and even to our national 
security when we make critical resources off limits.
  My Democratic colleagues are advocating land use and management 
policies that are entirely misguided. As I listen to my Democratic 
colleagues' speeches, I heard an almost religious devotion to the sites 
covered by this legislation.
  When I heard one Member talk about protecting the Grand Canyon from 
mining, even though mining is already prohibited there, I couldn't help 
wondering what my colleagues would think if it turned out the Grand 
Canyon was the result of an ancient mining company. It would probably 
be fine if it fit their agenda.

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