Green Mountain Lookout Heritage Protection Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the Green Mountain Lookout tower is perched on a bluff overlooking Washington State's Cascade Mountains in what is now the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the tower is a popular destination for hikers and a testament to our long tradition of public lands-based service and training programs.

A lawsuit challenged the tower's presence in the wilderness area, and a judge ruled it be removed. Passage today of S. 404 will ensure the tower remains where it is, which we feel is important and appropriate. I want to thank Senator Murray of Washington and Representative DelBene, the sponsor of the House companion. It is thanks to their hard work that we are considering this legislation today.

While it will not take away from the tragedy of the recent mudslide, passing this bill today will be a big win for the local community and the State of Washington as a whole.

We support the legislation and thank the majority and the chairman for bringing it up under suspension of the rules.

With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source