Statement on H.R. 1459

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 1459, which would create arbitrary new rules to make it more difficult for presidents to protect our national heritage and resources through the Antiquities Act.

The Antiquities Act is a century-old tool that gives the president the ability to set aside already-public land for protection as a National Monument. Nearly every president since 1906, both Republican and Democratic, has used this authority to designate some of our nation's most iconic treasures, from the Grand Canyon to Acadia National Park. In my own Congressional district, President Eisenhower used the Antiquities Act to designate the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, the first step in a process to preserve what is now a thriving national park with a scenic towpath that showcases the rich history and natural beauty of the site.

Antiquities Act designations are good for surrounding communities, preserving natural resources, providing outdoor recreation opportunities, and boosting tourism. Moreover, the Antiquities Act complements, rather than overrides, Congressional action, as Congress retains the ability to declare monuments and manage resources for presidentially-proclaimed monuments.

Today's bill places arbitrary limits on designations and needlessly complicates the process, making it far more difficult to achieve permanent designations of heritage spaces. In the last three years, Congress has failed to create even one new unit of the National Park System. We should not prohibit the president from taking action to conserve public land and protect public resources. I urge a no vote.

Source