Amending the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Improvement Act to Extend the Exception to the Closure of Certain Roads Within the Recreation Area for Local Businesses, and for Other Purposes

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 6364 would extend the use of U.S. Route 209, a Federally owned road within the boundaries of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area for commercial vehicles in 2026.

While I support this bill today due to the public safety issues involved, I would note that the bill was brought to the House floor prior to the committee requesting technical assistance from the National Park Service.

At legislative hearing on this bill, the National Park Service requested the opportunity to work with the committee on a technical edit to the public law referenced in the bill. Instead of waiting for administrative feedback, the bill was rushed to the floor, and as a result, may fail to achieve its goal of actually enhancing public safety.

Legislation placed on the suspension calendar should be thoroughly vetted to ensure it will execute correctly and achieve desired outcomes. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to work with us to ensure that legislation considered on the floor is fully vetted in the future.

Mr. Speaker, that said, I support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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