Legislative Hearing on H.R. 309, H.R. 2196, H.R. 4284, H.R. 4386, H.R. 4467 and H.R. 5131
2025-09-18
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Source: Congress.gov
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Subcommittee on Federal Lands will come to order. Without objection, the chair is authorized to declare a recess of the subcommittee at any time. Subcommittee is meeting today to consider six bills. H.R. 309 by Representative Nels, 2196 by Representative Hudson, 204284, Representative Ledger-Fernandez, 4386, Representative Walberg, 4467, Representative Thompson of Mississippi, and H.R. 5131, by Representative Begich. I ask unanimous consent that the following members be allowed to participate in today's hearing. From the dais, the gentleman from Michigan, Mr. Wahlberg, the gentleman from Alaska, Mr. Begich, the gentleman from Mississippi, Mr. Thompson, and the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Nels. Without objection, so ordered. Under Committee Rule 4F, any oral opening statements at hearings are limited to the chairman and ranking minority member, I therefore ask unanimous consent that all other members' opening statements be made part of the hearing record if they are submitted in accordance with Committee Rule 3, Parent O. Without objection, so ordered, I'll now recognize myself for an opening statement. Today, the subcommittee will be advancing several pieces of legislation that honor our nation's military, law enforcement, and first responders. The topics we'll discuss today carry profound implications not only for America's military, but also for honoring our military history and the service of frontline and emergency personnel. Collectively, these measures conserve, modernize, and expand access to some of America's most significant historic sites and public lands, while also renewing military land withdrawals that sustain national security and training readiness. To recognize our first responders, we will consider two pieces of legislation by Representative Nails and Hudson. Representative Nails legislation would provide grants to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to operate programs aimed at officer safety, wellness, and community education.
The legislation is endorsed by the Wisconsin Troopers Association, who said the following in a letter of support. At a time when many law enforcement agencies across the country remain understaffed and overwhelmed, there is a critical need to enhance public understanding and appreciation of law enforcement and to improve the safety and wellness of officers who serve our communities. A sustained national effort to restore confidence and understanding in law enforcement is urgently needed now more than ever. That is precisely what the bill would do. I'd like to ask unanimous consent to enter this letter into a record. Without objection, so ordered. Similarly, Representative Hudson's legislation extends legislative authority to construct a permanent memorial to recognize emergency medical service providers who gave their lives in service to others. No such memorial exists today, and Representative Hudson's bill helps ensure that one can be completed in the near future. I'd also like to highlight the legislation of critical national security importance offered by the gentleman from Alaska, Representative Begich. His bill extends the current use of existing military installations in Alaska, California, and New Mexico used by the United States Army through 2051. Let me be clear, the woke agenda of the Biden-Harris administration is dead. Those years weakened confidence in our military institutions, drove down recruitment, and prioritize ideology over readiness. Under President Trump's leadership, we are restoring respect for our armed forces and rebuilding our military to deter America's adversaries from aggression. That is peace through strength in action. And Representative Begich's legislation builds on that foundation by extending the military's use of these federal funds or federal lands for training and readiness. In addition to supporting our military, we are also commemorating our nation's storied military history by improving visitor experiences,
at hallowed sites like Vicksburg National Military Park. Representative Thompson's bill authorizes a key federal to state land transfer at Vicksburg, an iconic site of America's Civil War history. This transfer will facilitate a public-private partnership that will allow for the construction of a new state-of-the-art welcome and interpretive center. Finally, I'd like to commend Representative Wahlberg for leading a bill that restores fairness to motorcyclists by clarifying that two motorcycles may access our national parks and public lands under one annual pass. This legislation reverses a wrongful Biden-Harris administration policy that limited access for motorcyclists. As we approach our nation's super centennial restoring affordable public lands across Access for all Americans is simply good policy. Together, the bills on this agenda directly advance five of President Trump's recent executive orders, including prioritizing military excellence and readiness, strengthening and unleashing America's law enforcement to pursue criminals and protect innocent citizens, making the District of Columbia safe and beautiful. celebrating America's 250th birthday and making America beautiful again by improving our national parks. These proposals commemorate our nation's history while preparing for the future, advancing military readiness, conserving cultural landmarks, and ensuring that every American has access to the public lands and historic resources that define our national story. I want to once again thank our esteemed witnesses for being here today. We look forward to your testimony and working together to advance these important bills. With that, I yield back and recognize the ranking member of the full committee, Mr. Huffman. Good to see you this morning.
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