[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 9]
[House]
[Pages 12747-12751]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 SAWTOOTH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA AND JERRY PEAK WILDERNESS ADDITIONS 
                                  ACT

  Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 1138) to establish certain wilderness areas in central Idaho 
and to authorize various land conveyances involving National Forest 
System land and Bureau of Land Management land in central Idaho, and 
for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 1138

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Sawtooth 
     National Recreation Area and Jerry Peak Wilderness Additions 
     Act''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.

                    TITLE I--WILDERNESS DESIGNATIONS

Sec. 101. Additions to National Wilderness Preservation System in the 
              State of Idaho.
Sec. 102. Administration.
Sec. 103. Water rights.
Sec. 104. Military overflights.
Sec. 105. Adjacent management.
Sec. 106. Native American cultural and religious uses.
Sec. 107. Acquisition of land and interests in land.
Sec. 108. Wilderness review.

             TITLE II--LAND CONVEYANCES FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES

Sec. 201. Short title.
Sec. 202. Blaine County, Idaho.
Sec. 203. Custer County, Idaho.
Sec. 204. City of Challis, Idaho.
Sec. 205. City of Clayton, Idaho.
Sec. 206. City of Stanley, Idaho.
Sec. 207. Terms and conditions of permits or land conveyances.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means--
       (A) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to land 
     administered by the Forest Service; or
       (B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to land 
     administered by the Bureau of Land Management.
       (2) Wilderness area.--The term ``wilderness area'' means 
     any of the areas designated as a component of the National 
     Wilderness Preservation System by section 101.

                    TITLE I--WILDERNESS DESIGNATIONS

     SEC. 101. ADDITIONS TO NATIONAL WILDERNESS PRESERVATION 
                   SYSTEM IN THE STATE OF IDAHO.

       (a) Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness.--In accordance with the 
     Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), certain Federal 
     lands in the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests in the 
     State of Idaho, comprising approximately 67,998 acres, as 
     generally depicted on the map entitled ``Hemingway/Boulders 
     Wilderness Area-Proposed'' and dated February 25, 2015, are 
     designated as wilderness and as a component of the National 
     Wilderness Preservation System, which shall be known as the 
     ``Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness''.
       (b) White Clouds Wilderness.--In accordance with the 
     Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), certain Federal 
     lands in the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests in the 
     State of Idaho, comprising approximately 90,769 acres, as 
     generally depicted on the map entitled ``White Clouds 
     Wilderness Area-Proposed'' and dated March 13, 2014, are 
     designated as wilderness and as a component of the National 
     Wilderness Preservation System, which shall be known as the 
     ``White Clouds Wilderness''.
       (c) Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness.--In accordance with 
     the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), certain Federal 
     lands in the Challis National Forest and Challis District of 
     the Bureau of Land Management in the State of Idaho, 
     comprising approximately 116,898 acres, as generally depicted 
     on the map entitled ``Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness'' and 
     dated February 21, 2015, are designated as wilderness and as 
     a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, 
     which shall be known as the ``Jim McClure-Jerry Peak 
     Wilderness''.
       (d) Maps and Legal Descriptions.--
       (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and 
     the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of 
     Representatives a map and legal description for each 
     wilderness area.
       (2) Effect.--Each map and legal description submitted under 
     paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if 
     included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct 
     minor errors in the map or legal description.
       (3) Availability.--Each map and legal description submitted 
     under paragraph (1) shall be available in the appropriate 
     offices of the Forest Service or the Bureau of Land 
     Management.

     SEC. 102. ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) In General.--Subject to valid existing rights, each 
     wilderness area shall be administered by the Secretary in 
     accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), 
     except that--
       (1) any reference in that Act to the effective date shall 
     be considered to be a reference to the date of enactment of 
     this Act; and
       (2) with respect to wilderness areas that are administered 
     by the Secretary of the Interior, any reference in the 
     Wilderness Act to the Secretary of Agriculture shall be 
     considered to be a reference to the Secretary of the 
     Interior.
       (b) Consistent Interpretation.--The Secretary of 
     Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior shall seek to 
     ensure that the wilderness areas are interpreted for the 
     public as an overall complex linked by--
       (1) common location in the Boulder-White Cloud Mountains; 
     and
       (2) common identity with the natural and cultural history 
     of the State of Idaho and the Native American and pioneer 
     heritage of the State.
       (c) Comprehensive Wilderness Management Plan.--Not later 
     than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior 
     shall collaboratively develop wilderness management plans for 
     the wilderness areas.
       (d) Fire, Insects, and Disease.--Within the wilderness 
     areas, the Secretary may take such measures as the Secretary 
     determines to be necessary for the control of fire, insects, 
     and disease in accordance with section 4(d)(1) of the 
     Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131(d)(1)).
       (e) Livestock.--
       (1) In general.--Within the wilderness areas, the grazing 
     of livestock in which grazing is established before the date 
     of enactment of this Act shall be allowed to continue, 
     subject to such reasonable regulations, policies, and 
     practices as the Secretary determines to be necessary, in 
     accordance with--
       (A) section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 
     1131(d)(4));
       (B) with respect to wilderness areas administered by the 
     Secretary of Agriculture, the guidelines described in House 
     Report 96-617 of the 96th Congress; and
       (C) with respect to wilderness areas administered by the 
     Secretary of the Interior, the guidelines described in 
     appendix A of House Report 101-405 of the 101st Congress.
       (2) Donation of grazing permits and leases.--
       (A) Acceptance by secretary.--
       (i) In general.--The Secretary shall accept the donation of 
     any valid existing leases or permits authorizing grazing on 
     public land or National Forest System land, all or a portion 
     of which are within the area depicted as the ``Boulder White 
     Clouds Grazing Area'' on the map entitled ``Boulder White 
     Clouds Grazing Area Map'' and dated January 27, 2010.
       (ii) Partial donation.--A person holding a valid grazing 
     permit or lease for a grazing allotment partially within the 
     area described in clause (i) may elect to donate only the 
     portion of the grazing permit or lease that is within the 
     area.
       (B) Termination.--With respect to each permit or lease 
     donated under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall--
       (i) terminate the grazing permit or lease or portion of the 
     permit or lease; and
       (ii) except as provided in subparagraph (C), ensure a 
     permanent end to grazing on the land covered by the permit or 
     lease or portion of the permit or lease.
       (C) Common allotments.--
       (i) In general.--If the land covered by a permit or lease 
     donated under subparagraph (A) is also covered by another 
     valid grazing permit or lease that is not donated, the 
     Secretary shall reduce the authorized level on the land 
     covered by the permit or lease to reflect the donation of the 
     permit or lease under subparagraph (A).
       (ii) Authorized level.--To ensure that there is a permanent 
     reduction in the level of grazing on the land covered by the 
     permit or lease donated under subparagraph (A), the Secretary 
     shall not allow grazing use to exceed the authorized level 
     established under clause (i).
       (D) Partial donation.--If a person holding a valid grazing 
     permit or lease donates less than the full amount of grazing 
     use authorized under the permit or lease, the Secretary 
     shall--

[[Page 12748]]

       (i) reduce the authorized grazing level to reflect the 
     donation; and
       (ii) modify the permit or lease to reflect the revised 
     level or area of use.
       (f) Outfitting and Guide Activities.--In accordance with 
     section 4(d)(5) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(5)), 
     commercial services (including authorized outfitting and 
     guide activities) within the wilderness areas are authorized 
     to the extent necessary for activities which are proper for 
     realizing the recreational or other wilderness purposes of 
     the wilderness areas.
       (g) Fish and Wildlife.--Nothing in this title affects the 
     jurisdiction of the State of Idaho with respect to the 
     management of fish and wildlife on public land in the State, 
     including the regulation of hunting, fishing, and trapping 
     within the wilderness areas.
       (h) Access.--In accordance with section 5(a) of the 
     Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1134(a)), the Secretary shall 
     provide the owner of State or private property within the 
     boundary of a wilderness area adequate access to the 
     property.

     SEC. 103. WATER RIGHTS.

       (a) Statutory Construction.--Nothing in this title--
       (1) shall constitute either an express or implied 
     reservation by the United States of any water rights with 
     respect to the wilderness areas designated by section 101;
       (2) affects any water rights--
       (A) in the State of Idaho existing on the date of enactment 
     of this Act, including any water rights held by the United 
     States; or
       (B) decreed in the Snake River Basin Adjudication, 
     including any stipulation approved by the court in such 
     adjudication between the United States and the State of Idaho 
     with respect to such water rights; or
       (3)(A) establishes a precedent with regard to any future 
     wilderness designations; or
       (B) limits, alters, modifies, or amends section 9 of the 
     Sawtooth National Recreation Area Act (16 U.S.C. 460aa-8).
       (b) New Projects.--
       (1) Prohibition.--Except as otherwise provided in this Act, 
     on and after the date of the enactment of this Act, neither 
     the President nor any other officer, employee, or agent of 
     the United States shall fund, assist, authorize, or issue a 
     license or permit for the development of any new water 
     resource facility inside any of the wilderness areas 
     designated by section 101.
       (2) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``water 
     resource facility'' means irrigation and pumping facilities, 
     reservoirs, water conservation works, aqueducts, canals, 
     ditches, pipelines, wells, hydropower projects, and 
     transmission and other ancillary facilities, and other water 
     diversion, storage, and carriage structures.

     SEC. 104. MILITARY OVERFLIGHTS.

       Nothing in this title restricts or precludes--
       (1) low-level overflights of military aircraft over the 
     wilderness areas, including military overflights that can be 
     seen or heard within the wilderness areas;
       (2) flight testing and evaluation; or
       (3) the designation or creation of new units of special use 
     airspace, or the establishment of military flight training 
     routes, over the wilderness areas.

     SEC. 105. ADJACENT MANAGEMENT.

       (a) In General.--Nothing in this title creates a protective 
     perimeter or buffer zone around a wilderness area.
       (b) Activities Outside Wilderness Area.--The fact that an 
     activity or use on land outside a wilderness area can be seen 
     or heard within the wilderness area shall not preclude the 
     activity or use outside the boundary of the wilderness area.

     SEC. 106. NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS USES.

       Nothing in this title diminishes the treaty rights of any 
     Indian tribe.

     SEC. 107. ACQUISITION OF LAND AND INTERESTS IN LAND.

       (a) Acquisition.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary may acquire any land or 
     interest in land within the boundaries of the wilderness 
     areas by donation, exchange, or purchase from a willing 
     seller.
       (2) Land exchange.--Not later than 3 years after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to 
     complete an exchange for State land located within the 
     boundaries of the wilderness areas designated by this title.
       (b) Incorporation in Wilderness Area.--Any land or interest 
     in land located inside the boundary of a wilderness area that 
     is acquired by the United States after the date of enactment 
     of this Act shall be added to, and administered as part of 
     the, wilderness area.

     SEC. 108. WILDERNESS REVIEW.

       (a) National Forest System Land.--Section 5 of Public Law 
     92-400 (16 U.S.C. 460aa-4) is repealed.
       (b) Public Land.--
       (1) Finding.--Congress finds that, for purposes of section 
     603 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 
     U.S.C. 1782), the public land administered by the Bureau of 
     Land Management in the following wilderness study areas have 
     been adequately studied for wilderness designation:
       (A) Jerry Peak Wilderness Study Area.
       (B) Jerry Peak West Wilderness Study Area.
       (C) Corral-Horse Basin Wilderness Study Area.
       (D) Boulder Creek Wilderness Study Area.
       (2) Release.--Any public land within the areas described in 
     paragraph (1) that is not designated as wilderness by this 
     title--
       (A) shall not be subject to section 603(c) of the Federal 
     Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)); 
     and
       (B) shall be managed in accordance with land management 
     plans adopted under section 202 of that Act (43 U.S.C. 1712).

             TITLE II--LAND CONVEYANCES FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES

     SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Central Idaho Economic 
     Development and Recreation Act''.

     SEC. 202. BLAINE COUNTY, IDAHO.

       The Secretary of Agriculture shall issue a special use 
     permit or convey to Blaine County, Idaho, without 
     consideration, not to exceed one acre of land for use as a 
     school bus turnaround, as generally depicted on the map 
     entitled ``Blaine County Conveyance--Eagle Creek Parcel--
     Proposed'' and dated October 1, 2006.

     SEC. 203. CUSTER COUNTY, IDAHO.

       (a) Park and Campground.--The Secretary of the Interior 
     shall convey to Custer County, Idaho (in this section 
     referred to as the ``County''), without consideration, 
     approximately 114 acres of land depicted as ``Parcel A'' on 
     the map entitled ``Custer County and City of Mackay 
     Conveyances'' and dated April 6, 2010, for use as a public 
     park and campground, consistent with uses allowed under the 
     Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the Recreation and 
     Public Purposes Act; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).
       (b) Fire Hall.--The Secretary of the Interior shall convey 
     to the County, without consideration, approximately 10 acres 
     of land depicted as ``Parcel B'' on the map entitled ``Custer 
     County and City of Mackay Conveyances'' and dated April 6, 
     2010, for use as a fire hall, consistent with uses allowed 
     under the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the 
     Recreation and Public Purposes Act; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).
       (c) Waste Transfer Site.--The Secretary of the Interior 
     shall convey to the County, without consideration, 
     approximately 80 acres of land depicted as ``Parcel C'' on 
     the map entitled ``Custer County and City of Mackay 
     Conveyances'' and dated April 6, 2010, to be used for a waste 
     transfer site, consistent with uses allowed under the Act of 
     June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the Recreation and Public 
     Purposes Act; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).
       (d) Forest Service Road.--
       (1) Conveyance.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall convey 
     to the County, without consideration, the Forest Service road 
     that passes through the parcel of National Forest System land 
     to be conveyed to the City of Stanley, Idaho, under section 
     206 from the junction of the road with Highway 75 to the 
     junction with Valley Creek Road at the City of Stanley 
     boundary.
       (2) Relocation.--The conveyance under paragraph (1) is 
     subject to the condition that the County agree to relocate 
     the portion of the road that passes through the section 206 
     conveyance parcel to the southeast along the boundary of the 
     conveyance parcel.

     SEC. 204. CITY OF CHALLIS, IDAHO.

       The Secretary of the Interior shall convey to the City of 
     Challis, Idaho, without consideration, approximately 460 
     acres of land within the area generally depicted as ``Parcel 
     B'' on the map entitled ``Custer County and City of Challis 
     Conveyances'' and dated February 2, 2010, to be used for 
     public purposes consistent with uses allowed under the Act of 
     June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the Recreation and Public 
     Purposes Act; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).

     SEC. 205. CITY OF CLAYTON, IDAHO.

       (a) Cemetery.--The Secretary of the Interior shall convey 
     to the City of Clayton, Idaho (in this section referred to as 
     the ``City''), without consideration, approximately 23 acres 
     of land depicted as ``Parcel A'' on the map entitled ``City 
     of Clayton Conveyances'' and dated April 6, 2010, for use as 
     a public cemetery.
       (b) Park.--The Secretary of the Interior shall convey to 
     the City, without consideration, approximately two acres of 
     land depicted as ``Parcel B'' on the map entitled ``City of 
     Clayton Conveyances'' and dated April 6, 2010, for use as a 
     public park or other public purpose consistent with uses 
     allowed under the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the 
     Recreation and Public Purposes Act; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).
       (c) Water Tower.--The Secretary of the Interior shall 
     convey to the City, without consideration, approximately two 
     acres of land depicted as ``Parcel C'' on the map entitled 
     ``City of Clayton Conveyances'' and dated April 6, 2010, for 
     location of a water tower, consistent with uses allowed under 
     the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the Recreation 
     and Public Purposes Act; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).
       (d) Wastewater Treatment Facility.--The Secretary of the 
     Interior shall convey to the City, without consideration, 
     approximately six acres of land depicted as ``Parcel D'' on 
     the map entitled ``City of Clayton Conveyances'' and dated 
     April 6, 2010 (including any necessary access right-of-way 
     across the river), for use as a wastewater treatment

[[Page 12749]]

     facility, consistent with uses allowed under the Act of June 
     14, 1926 (commonly known as the Recreation and Public 
     Purposes Act; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).
       (e) Fire Hall.--The Secretary of the Interior shall convey 
     to the City, without consideration, approximately two acres 
     of land depicted as ``Parcel E'' on the map entitled ``City 
     of Clayton Conveyances'' and dated April 6, 2010, for use as 
     a fire hall and related purposes, consistent with uses 
     allowed under the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the 
     Recreation and Public Purposes Act; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).

     SEC. 206. CITY OF STANLEY, IDAHO.

       (a) Workforce Housing.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
     convey to the City of Stanley, Idaho (in this section 
     referred to as the ``City''), without consideration, a parcel 
     of National Forest System land within the Sawtooth National 
     Recreation Area, but outside the area managed by the Sawtooth 
     Interpretative and Historical Association under special use 
     permit with the Secretary, that consists of approximately 
     four acres as indicated on the map entitled ``Custer County 
     and City of Stanley Conveyance Parcel-Proposed'' and dated 
     February 24, 2015, for the purpose of permitting the City to 
     develop the parcel to provide workforce housing for persons 
     employed in the City or its environs.
       (b) Number and Construction of Housing.--The City will 
     construct up to 20 apartment units on the parcel conveyed 
     under subsection (a). The actual design and configuration of 
     the apartment units will be determined by the City in 
     consultation with the Secretary and other interested parties, 
     except that units may not exceed two stories and must be 
     located near or against the hillside to blend in with the 
     terrain.
       (c) Recreation Area Private Land Use Regulations.--The 
     private land use regulations of the Sawtooth National 
     Recreation Area shall not apply to the parcel conveyed under 
     subsection (a), including with regard to the number and type 
     of apartments units to be constructed on the parcel.
       (d) Removal of Existing Structure.--The Secretary shall be 
     responsible for the removal of the barn located, as of the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, on the parcel to be 
     conveyed under subsection (a). The Secretary may remove the 
     barn either before the conveyance of the parcel or at such 
     later date as the City may request.
       (e) Relation to Required Reversionary Interest.--Consistent 
     with the reversionary interest required by section 207(b), 
     the City may contract for the development and management of 
     the apartment units constructed on the parcel conveyed under 
     subsection (a) so long as the City retains ownership of the 
     parcel in perpetuity.

     SEC. 207. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PERMITS OR LAND 
                   CONVEYANCES.

       (a) Terms and Conditions.--The issuance of a special use 
     permit or the conveyance of land under this title shall be 
     subject to any terms and conditions that the Secretary 
     determines to be appropriate.
       (b) Reversionary Interest.--If any parcel of land conveyed 
     under this title ceases to be used for the public purpose for 
     which the parcel was conveyed, the parcel shall, at the 
     discretion of the Secretary, based on a determination that 
     reversion is in the best interests of the United States, 
     revert to the United States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
American Samoa (Mrs. Radewagen) and the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. 
Bordallo) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from American Samoa.


                             General Leave

  Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from American Samoa?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  H.R. 1138, introduced by my good friend, Congressman Michael Simpson 
of Idaho, would establish new recreation and wilderness areas and 
release 154,000 acres of wilderness study areas back to multiple use in 
central Idaho.
  This area, which is predominantly Bureau of Land Management and U.S. 
Forest Service land, is home to world-class scenery and attracts 
thousands
of outdoor recreationists, including snowmobilers, hunters, 
backpackers, hikers, mountain bikers, outfitters, and campers. The bill 
also conveys several Federal parcels to local counties and cities to be 
used for a variety of municipal purposes.
  Congressman Simpson has worked tirelessly on this issue for the last 
decade. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1138.
  I reserve the balance of my time.

                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Natural Resources,

                                     Washington, DC, June 9, 2015.
     Hon. Bill Shuster,
     Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: On April 30, 2015, the Committee on 
     Natural Resources ordered favorably reported without 
     amendment H.R. 774, the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated 
     Fishing Enforcement Act of 2015, by unanimous consent. The 
     bill was referred primarily to the Committee on Natural 
     Resources, with an additional referral to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure.
       I ask that you allow the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure to be discharged from further consideration of 
     the bill so that it may be scheduled by the Majority Leader. 
     This discharge in no way affects your jurisdiction over the 
     subject matter of the bill, and it will not serve as 
     precedent for future referrals. I understand that our staffs 
     have worked out some additional language that affects 
     provisions in your jurisdiction for the Floor, and I pledge 
     to incorporate this language when we get to that point in the 
     process. In addition, should a conference on the bill be 
     necessary, I would support having the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure represented on the 
     conference committee. Finally, I would be pleased to include 
     this letter and any response in the bill report filed by the 
     Committee on Natural Resources to memorialize our 
     understanding.
       Thank you for your consideration of my request, and for 
     your continued strong cooperation between our committees.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Rob Bishop,
     Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources.
                                  ____

         Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of 
           Representatives,
                                    Washington, DC, June 19, 2015.
     Hon. Rob Bishop,
     Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 
     774, the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing 
     Enforcement Act of 2015, as ordered reported by the Committee 
     on Natural Resources on April 30, 2015. I appreciate your 
     inclusion of changes requested by the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure as this bill moves forward.
       I agree to allow the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure to be discharged from consideration of H.R. 
     774 with the understanding that this discharge does not 
     affect the Committee's jurisdiction over the subject matter 
     of the bill, and does not serve as precedent for future 
     referrals. In addition, I expect the negotiated text to be 
     the text considered on the floor. Finally, as stated in your 
     letter, should a conference on the bill be necessary, I fully 
     expect the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to 
     be represented on the conference committee.
       Thank you for your assistance in this matter and for 
     agreeing to include a copy of this letter in the bill report 
     filed by the Committee on Natural Resources, as well as in 
     the Congressional Record during floor consideration.
           Sincerely,
                                                     Bill Shuster,
                                                         Chairman.

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1138. This bill adds 
over 275,000 acres of wilderness to the Sawtooth National Recreational 
Area and Jerry Peak Wilderness in Idaho's Boulder-White Cloud 
Mountains.
  The Boulder-White Clouds region in central Idaho is the largest 
contiguous roadless area in the 48 States, and it deserves the 
permanent protection provided by this bill. The region contains over 
150 mountains that are over 10,000 feet and provides critical habitat 
for numerous fish and wildlife species. It is also a popular recreation 
destination that attracts people who hunt, fish, ski, and hike along 
the pristine shores of the alpine lakes and the ridges of the rugged 
mountains.
  This bill will leave a lasting legacy of conservation, and I applaud 
my colleague from Idaho for all of his work and determination. Mr. 
Speaker, I also thank the committee for their work on this bill.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson) the author of the bill.
  Mr. SIMPSON. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

[[Page 12750]]

  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Leader McCarthy and Chairman Bishop for 
bringing H.R. 1138 to the floor today, which we refer to as SNRA+. I 
also want to thank Ranking Member Grijalva of the full committee, 
Chairman McClintock of the subcommittee, and Ranking Member Tsongas of 
the subcommittee.
  In 2005, we had the first congressional hearing on the Boulder-White 
Clouds on what then was a bill called CIEDRA. CIEDRA was a complicated 
60-page bill that tried to do a lot of things for a lot of different 
people.
  Today, we have a simplified 20-page bill we call SNRA+ that brings 
management certainty--and that is an important aspect--to the Boulder-
White Clouds. It does this by making the determination about which 
parts of the current wilderness study area will in fact become 
wilderness and which parts will be released for multiple use.
  There will be three new wilderness areas totaling 275,665 acres: 
Hemmingway-Boulders Wilderness, with 67,998 acres; White Clouds 
Wilderness, with 90,769 acres; and in honor of the late Senator Jim 
McClure, we have the James A. McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness, with 
116,898 acres. The bill also releases wilderness study areas back to 
multiple use, totaling 153,883 acres.
  So this not only makes the determination of what is going to be 
wilderness, it releases the other wilderness study areas for multiple 
use.
  It is important to note in this bill that we do not close any 
motorized roads or trails in this bill. Ranchers with allotments on the 
SNRA would be allowed to voluntarily retire their grazing permits and 
be eligible for compensation from a third party. Any retired grazing 
permits would be permanently closed.
  There is a provision that nothing in the bill affects the 
jurisdiction of the State of Idaho with respect to the management of 
fish and wildlife on public land in the State, including the regulation 
of hunting, fishing, and trapping within the wilderness areas.
  Individual parcels of land will be conveyed to Custer and Blaine 
Counties and rural communities for public purposes, including workforce 
housing, cemeteries, water towers, and waste transfer sites.
  As part of this process, grants have been provided to the SNRA for 
trail maintenance and improvements, including maintenance and 
improvements of existing motorized trails and two existing trials to 
provide primitive wheelchair access and for acquiring the land to build 
a mechanized bike/snowmobile access trail between Redfish Lake and 
Stanley.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill meets the needs of today's users and resolves 
longstanding debates over the management of the Boulder-White Clouds. 
It will end the discussion of monuments and wilderness in the Boulder-
White Clouds, and secures the future for generations of Idahoans who 
want to continue using and enjoying our beautiful Boulder-White Clouds.
  Finally, I am proud of the wide array of support we now have for this 
bill. We have the support of the Idaho Recreation Council, whose 
members include ATVers, motorcyclists, motorized and nonmotorized 
boaters, rafters, backcountry pilots, RVers, rock hounds, recreational 
miners, and snowmobilers in the Idaho State Snowmobile Association.
  We also have the support of the Sawtooth Society, the Custer County 
Commissioners, East Fork Ranchers, the Idaho Farm Bureau, the Idaho 
Cattle Association, Idaho Outfitters and Guides, the Idaho Conservation 
League, and the Idaho Wilderness Society.
  This is a broad array of users and conservation groups, and it 
demonstrates how far we have come with this bill and how widely it is 
supported.
  This is an Idaho bill--crafted by Idahoans over the past 15 years--to 
address some of the most contentious land management issues in one of 
the most beautiful places on Earth so that we can both use and enjoy it 
and preserve it for future generations. It is, by any definition, a 
``compromise'' by all stakeholders, and I urge my colleagues to pass 
this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I have a list of people I want to thank who helped 
support this bill over the years and have worked very diligently on 
this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the following people who have 
worked with me during most or part of the last 15 years. They each 
played a role in their own way.
  From the Conservation Community I want to thank Rick Johnson, who has 
become a true friend and honest broker in this long journey. I also 
want to thank Tim Mahoney, Marcia Argust, Craig Gehrke, Brad Brooks, 
Mike Matz, John Gilroy, Linn Kincannon, Lynne Stone, Tom Pomeroy, Bart 
Koehler, Kai Anderson, Athan Manuel, Chris Wood, Erik Schultz, Dani 
Mazzotta, and Myke Bybee.
  I want to thank the Custer County Commissioners Wayne Butts, Lin 
Hintze, Doyle Lamb and Cliff Hansen. They stood by us throughout and 
made sure their concerns were heard and taken care of.
  I want to thank current and former Blaine County Commissioners 
including Sarah Michael and also Larry Schoen who signed a joint letter 
with Commissioner Butts of Custer County.
  Additionally, I need to thank Stanley City Council President Steve 
Botti and Mayor Herb Mumford and former mayor Hannah Stauts.
  I want to thank the East Fork Ranchers Wayne and Melody Baker, Gary 
and Jackie Ingram, Doug, Cheryl and Sarah Baker and Junior and Lura 
Baker. They stood by me through thick and thin. They were the reason we 
started this process, and we are going to make sure their livelihoods 
on the East Fork continue for future generations.
  At the Sawtooth Society, I need to thank former executive director 
Bob Hayes, current executive director Gary O'Malley, Hans Carstensen 
and the current President Paul Hill.
  From the Idaho Recreation Council who represent motorized users I 
want to thank Brett Madron, Steve Frisbie and Gary Cvecich. I want to 
also thank their leader Sandra Mitchell. She is an incredible woman who 
represents her members very, very well.
  I want to thank Grant Simonds and Louise and Mike Stark who represent 
the outfitters and guides.
  At the Forest Service, I need to thank Ed Cannady for answering the 
hundreds of questions we asked over the years on uses and map 
boundaries. He knows the area better than anyone and he cares even more 
about them. He also took me, my staff and even the Forest Service Chief 
into the White Clouds on various trips so I could get a better 
understanding of the area. Ed has become a very good friend throughout 
this process.
  Additionally, at the Forest Service I want to thank Kit Mullen, Ruth 
Monahan, David Stockdale, Brenda Geesey, Bonnie Luckman, Barbara 
Garcia, Julie Thomas, Jennifer Blake, and Beckie Wagoner.
  At the BLM, Laurie Sedlmayr and Lara Douglas were a great help 
throughout this process.
  I want to thank Erica Rhoad who started working on this bill with 
Chairman Pombo and is finishing it with Chairman Bishop. She is very 
good at her job.
  I want to thank Gregory Kostka at Legislative Counsel. He drafted and 
redrafted countless versions of this bill over the years. He is a true 
professional.
  I want to thank Laurel Sayer who was on my staff and is now working 
in the conservation community. She attended many meetings and did 
terrific ground work for me throughout the process.
  I want to thank Senator Risch who when I spoke to him last year about 
one last try before a monument proclamation he said ``I think we can do 
this, Mike.'' The Senator and his staff John Sandy and Darren Parker 
have done a great job helping us get to the finish line.
  Finally, I want to thank my staff, Lindsay Slater, Malisah Small, 
Nathan Greene, Sarah Cannon, James Neill, Emilee Henshaw, Solara 
Linehan, Billy Valderrama, John Revier and Nikki Wallace. They have 
each helped in many different ways.
  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express 
my disappointment that yesterday the House approved H.R. 1138, the 
Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Jerry Peak Wilderness Additions 
Act, by voice vote.
  Throughout my career in Congress, I have strongly supported 
protection of America's wilderness, and applaud efforts to bring new 
lands into the National Wilderness Preservation System. However, 
provisions of this bill that will divide large tracts of roadless 
National Forest land give me great concern. While this legislation made 
important improvements over previous versions, motorized/mechanized 
corridors including at Germania Creek divide one of the nation's most 
pristine wilderness areas

[[Page 12751]]

and reduces the habitat available to vulnerable wildlife.
  In order to provide stronger protection for pristine wilderness in 
Idaho and other parts of the Northern Rockies, I have introduced the 
Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act (NREPA)--which would 
designate 23 million acres of roadless lands as permanent wilderness. 
This bill would protect vulnerable habitats, connect biological 
corridors, and restore habitats that have been damaged by road 
construction and clear cutting.
  I am pleased to see Congress turn its attention to the Northern 
Rockies, but hope that Members will recognize the significant 
shortfalls of H.R. 1138. As it is considered in the Senate, this 
legislation should be amended to preserve one of the largest roadless 
wilderness areas in the lower 48 states, as well as grant protection to 
additional areas in the Northern Rockies identified in NREPA.
  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize one of 
America's greatest conservation writers, Rocky Barker of the Idaho 
Statesman. Rocky has provided unparalleled depth and insight to the 
readers of Idaho and the United States throughout the 15 years I have 
been working on CIEDRA and SNRA+. He has hiked throughout these 
mountains and understands every nuance and aspect of the area and this 
bill. I want to thank him for covering this story fairly and accurately 
all of these years. I also want to thank former Blaine County 
Commissioner Tom Bowman for all of the great help he has provided. 
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank my colleague, Mr. 
Simpson, for sponsoring this very important piece of legislation.
  I ask my colleagues to help support H.R. 1138, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mrs. RADEWAGEN. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from American Samoa (Mrs. Radewagen) that the House suspend 
the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1138.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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