Sen. Hutchison Cosponsors Antiquities Act Legislation

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Texas' senior Senator, cosponsored the National Monuments Act of 2009, legislation ensuring congressional review and approval of proposed national monuments. The bill would make several changes to the Antiquities Act of 1906, a law that provides the President with unilateral authority to declare national monuments. Sen. Hutchison joined U.S. Sens. David Vitter and Richard Shelby in introducing the bill.
"When the Antiquities Act of 1906 initially vested the President with unilateral authority to declare monuments, the power was used judiciously and reasonably. Recently, however, Presidents have expanded this authority and named monuments without reasonable consideration of commercial and economic impact," Senator Hutchison said.
"We must ensure that the declaration of monuments and historic sites does not unnecessarily or adversely impact the economic livelihood of states and their affected industries, such as oil and gas, commercial fishing, or shipping. Our legislation will restore the voice of Congress in the designation of monuments and the preservation of national treasures. This will appropriately balance the original intent of the Antiquities Act with our nation's present environmental and economic circumstances," said Senator Hutchison.

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