[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 15997]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRESS NEEDS TO PERMANENTLY REAUTHORIZE THE LAND AND WATER 
                           CONSERVATION FUND

  (Mr. TAKAI asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to our looming 
budget crisis and, in particular, the expiration of the Land and Water 
Conservation Fund.
  For over 50 years, this fund has been one of our most effective tools 
to conserve irreplaceable lands and improve outdoor recreation 
opportunities throughout the Nation.
  In Hawaii's case, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped to 
maintain and support some of our world-famous beaches and nature 
preserves. The fund expired on September 30 because of congressional 
inaction. With that, the American public has lost one of our greatest 
tools to ensure the protection of our public lands and waters.
  We need to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities 
we have to enjoy our Nation's majestic natural beauty.
  I call upon our colleagues to bring forward legislation to 
permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

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