Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012

Floor Speech

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Chair, I want to speak in favor of Mr. Bass' amendment to restore funds to the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

More than 40 years ago, Congress made a commitment to the American public--a commitment to use a small portion of revenues from offshore drilling toward natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation programs--a commitment to partially offset the depletion of limited natural resources that belong to us all.

Diverting these funds goes against the promise that Congress made to the American public back in 1965 and the American public doesn't support it.

A new bipartisan poll released today by the LWCF Coalition shows that 85 percent of Americans support full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The nation's primary tool to conserve land for parks, wildlife refuges, forests, rivers, trails, historic and cultural sites.

Cuts to the LWCF undermine the economic asset that our Federal, State, and local public lands represent in this country.

And rob the American public of the opportunity to enjoy and recreate in these special places.

According to the Outdoor Industry Foundation, outdoor recreation activities, including hunting, fishing, camping, and other activities contribute a total of $730 billion annually to the economy.

Supporting 1 of every 20 jobs in the U.S. and stimulating 8 percent of all consumer spending.

Support jobs, support our natural treasures, and keep our commitment to the American public.

Vote "yes'' on the Bass Amendment to restore funds to the LWCF.

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