2017: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Disapproving A Rule That Changed The
Bureau Of Land Management Procedures For Resource Management Plans. In
February 2017, Fitzpatrick voted against a resolution that would,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "disapproves the Resource
Management Planning rule issued by the Interior Department on Dec. 12,
2016 (commonly known as Planning 2.0), which modifies the Bureau of Land
Management's process for developing resource management plans for public
lands. The measures provides that the rule will have no force or
effect." The vote was on the legislation. The House agreed to the
legislation by a vote of 234 to 186. The president later signed the
legislation into law. The president later signed the legislation into
law. [House Vote 83,
2/7/17; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/3/17; The Hill,
2/7/17;
Congressional Actions, H. J. Res.
44]
The Rule Was An Attempt For The BLM To Address A Wider Variety Of
Issues, Including Wildfire Risks And The Appropriate Demand For
Renewable Energy Sources; Rule Also Emphasized Using High Quality
Data. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The final rule is
intended to more readily address a wider variety of issues and
possible impacts, including wildfire risk, wildlife habitat,
appropriate development or the demand for renewable and
non-renewable energy sources. It emphasizes the role of using
high-quality information in the planning process, including the best
available scientific information, and the importance of evaluating
resource, environmental, ecological, social and economic conditions
at the outset of planning." [Congressional Quarterly,
2/3/17]
Supporters Of The Rule Argued That The Rule Will Make BLM Provide
A More Holistic Approach To Resource Management. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "Opponents of the resolution, mainly
Democrats, say the rule will provide a more holistic approach to BLM
resource management planning and allow the agency to respond to
critical environmental, economic and social changes in a timely
manner. They praise provisions intended to gather more information
at the outset of a project and to work more closely with local
communities in an open and transparent manner, saying it will help
create more resilient public lands and habitats in the face of
climate change. The rule, they say, effectively gives the public a
better seat at the table in managing public lands." [Congressional
Quarterly, 2/3/17]
Rule Updated Decades Old Guidelines; Because A CRA Prevents
Similar Rules In The Future, The Old Rules Would Remain In Place.
According to The Hill, "Conservation groups and most Democrats
support the rule, saying it would update decades-old guidelines
within the Interior Department and disputing GOP claims that it
would diminish input from individuals and local governments. In a
letter to lawmakers on Monday, 13 groups noted that CRA resolutions
prevent agencies from writing similar rules in the future, meaning
BLM's management policies could be frozen for years. [...] 'If
Congress wants to return to a system that was plagued with lawsuits,
conflict, and the outsized influence of big oil companies then this
is the way to go. If they want to maintain a system that allows for
both energy development and protecting public lands, then they
should keep Planning 2.0.'" [The Hill,
2/7/17]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For A Federal Lands Bill That Permanently
Reauthorized The Land And Water Conservation Fund, Created New National
Monuments, Expanded A Number Of National Parks And Added 1.3 Million
Acres Of New Wilderness. In February 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for a
landmark federal lands bill. According to Congressional Quarterly, "the
bill that would permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation
Fund, with at least 40 percent of the fund to be used for state
projects, at least 40 percent for federal projects, and at least 3
percent toward increasing recreational access to federal lands. It would
also reauthorize, through 2023, the national volcano monitoring system
and the U.S. Geological Survey. Through 2022, it would reauthorize
several programs related to wildlife conservation, invasive species
management, and prevention of illegal poaching and trafficking. The bill
also includes a number of provisions related to the designation,
regulation, exchange, and management of federal public lands and
forests. It would make additions and boundary adjustments to several
national parks, monuments, and historic sites. It would authorize and
establish procedures for the transfer of water and power facilities from
the Bureau of Reclamation to state and local entities and would
authorize a Reclamation water management project in south-central
Washington State. It also contains provisions related to federal land
access for hunting and ordering studies on federal land designation,
among other provisions." The vote was on a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill. The House agreed to the motion, thereby passing the
bill, by a vote of 363 to 62. The Senate had already agreed to the
legislation, thus the bill was sent to the president, who signed it into
law. [House Vote 95,
2/26/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/26/19;
Congressional Actions, S.
47]
The Bill Expanded National Parks By 42,000 Acres, The National
Trail System By 2,600 Miles, And Added 88,000 Acres To Death Valley
National Park. According to the National Parks Conservation
Association, "The bill will expand national parks by more than
42,000 acres, expand the National Trails System by 2,600 miles and
add 621 miles into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Create 1.3 million acres of new designated wilderness, of which
approximately 88,000 acres will be managed by the Park Service, as
part of Death Valley National Park. [...] Establish six new
national heritage areas that are managed by the Park Service."
[National Parks Conservation Association,
2/26/19]
The Legislation Added National Monuments Such As Medgar And The
Myrlie Evers Home National Monument In Mississippi And The Jurassic
National Monument In Utah. According to the AP, "The new monuments
are the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument in
Mississippi; the Mill Springs and Camp Nelson national monuments in
Kentucky; the former Saint Francis Dam site in Southern California;
and the Jurassic National Monument in Utah." [AP,
3/12/19]
The Legislation Prevented Mining Near Yellowstone National Park
And North Cascades National Park. According to the National Parks
Conservation Association, "Prevent new mining operations on 370,000
acres outside of North Cascades and Yellowstone National Parks."
[National Parks Conservation Association,
2/26/19]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Designate An Ancient Cypress Forest Off The
Gulf Of Mexico As The "Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine
Sanctuary" And To Prohibit Dredging Below The Surface And Drilling Or
Coring The Seabed. In July 2024, Fitzpatrick voted for , according to
Congressional Quarterly, "the bill, as amended, that would designate the
ancient cypress forest in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Alabama as
the 'Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary.' It would
prohibit the cutting, removing or subsurface salvage of the cypress
trees. It would also prohibit activities such as dredging below the
surface, drilling or coring the seabed or lowering, laying, positioning
or raising any type of seabed cable or cable-laying device. It would
provide exemptions for certain activities, such as fishing, diving or
similar commercial and recreational activities. It would also provide an
exemption for necessary operations of public vessels. It would allow the
development or production of oil or gas projects authorized before the
bill's enactment." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by
a vote of 349 to 19. [House Vote 336,
7/8/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 7/8/24;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
897]
2017: Fitzpatrick Voted To Allow The Transfer Of Federal Lands To
State And Tribal Groups To Have No Cost From A Budget Scoring
Perspective. In January 2017, Fitzpatrick voted for House rules that
would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "effectively
shield[ed] from Congressional Budget Office scoring any legislation
that would require or authorize the conveyance of federal land to a
state, local government or tribal entity. By not requiring the budget
analysis, the affected legislation wouldn't need offsets or budgetary
pay-fors that can trip up a lands bill before it hits the House floor.
According to the provision, land transfers 'shall not be considered as
providing new budget authority, decreasing revenues, increasing
mandatory spending, or increasing outlays.'" The vote was on the
resolution. The House passed the resolution by a vote of 234 to 193.
[House Vote 6, 1/3/17;
Congressional Quarterly,
1/3/17;
Congressional Actions, H. Res.
5]
Federal Land Can Generate Receipts, Including Potential Land
Sales. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Federal land can
generate receipts from a variety of sources, including natural
resources like coal or timber on the land, from activities such as
grazing and utility right-of-way fees and from potential land sales
from an authorized federal agency." [Congressional Quarterly,
1/3/17]
Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ): "This Proposed Rule Change Would
Make It Easier To Implement This Plan By Allowing The Congress To
Give Away Every Single Piece Of Property We Own, For Free, And
Pretend We Have Lost Nothing Of Any Value." According to
Congressional Quarterly, "House Democrats, led by Natural Resources
ranking member Raúl M. Grijalva, D-Ariz., called foul on the
proposal, saying it is 'outrageous and absurd' that Congress would
give away federal land 'for free.' 'This proposed rule change would
make it easier to implement this plan by allowing the Congress to
give away every single piece of property we own, for free, and
pretend we have lost nothing of any value,' Grijalva said in a
statement. 'Not only is this fiscally irresponsible, but it is also
a flagrant attack on places and resources valued and beloved by the
American people.' Grijalva said local governments are unlikely to
have the necessary resources to effectively manage the land, and
this type of transfer would lead to state land sales. 'The proposal
is one more example of the Trump Republicans' plans to use federal
resources to enrich wealthy developers by making it easier for them
to get their hands on invaluable federal lands currently owned by,
and open to, all Americans,' Grijalva said." [Congressional
Quarterly,
1/3/17]
2023: Fitzpatrick Voted To Extend The Authority Of The Shasta-Trinity
National Forest Regarding Marina Fees. In September 2023, Fitzpatrick
voted for a bill that, according to Congressional Quarterly, "would
extend by six years, through fiscal 2029, the authority of the
Shasta-Trinity National Forest to collect, retain and use marina fees."
The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 415 to
0, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 387,
9/13/23; Congressional
Quarterly, 9/13/23;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
3324]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment That Included The Colorado
Outdoor Recreation And Economy Act And The Grant Canyon Protection Act
To The FY 2023 Defense Authorization Bill. In July 2022, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for an amendment to the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which would
"add the text of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act and the
Grand Canyon Protection Act to the bill." The vote was on the adoption
of an amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote 214-201.
[House Vote 345,
7/14/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 7/14/22;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
284;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
7900]
The Colorado Outdoor Recreation And Economy Act Provided For The
Conservation Of Specified Lands In Colorado And Designated Several
Areas As Federal lands. According to the Congressional Research
Service, "This bill provides for the conservation of specified lands
in Colorado. Specifically, the bill designates specified federal
lands within the White River National Forest as components of the
National Wilderness Preservation System, the proposed Williams Fork
Mountains Wilderness as a potential wilderness area, the Tenmile
Recreation Management Area, the Porcupine Gulch Wildlife
Conservation Area, the Williams Fork Mountains Wildlife Conservation
Area, the Camp Hale National Historic Landscape, the Sheep Mountain
and Liberty Bell East Special Management Areas, the Curecanti
National Recreation Area, and the interpretive site located beside
U.S. Route 24 as the Sandy Treat Overlook." [Congressional Research
Service,
1/28/21]
The Colorado Outdoor Recreation And Economy Act Adjusted The
Boundaries Of The White River National Forest And The Rocky Mountain
National Park Potential Wilderness, And Included More Federal Lands
Into The National Wilderness Preservation System. According to the
Congressional Research Service, "The bill adjusts the boundary of
the White River National Forest and the Rocky Mountain National Park
Potential Wilderness. The bill provides for the inclusion of
additional federal lands in the National Wilderness Preservation
System." [Congressional Research Service,
1/28/21]
The Colorado Outdoor Recreation And Economy Act Cancelled The
Thompson Divide Oil Or Gas Leases And Established The "Greater
Thompson Divide Fugitive Mine Methane Use Pilot Program" To Mitigate
Fugitive Methane Emissions And Reduce Emissions And Improve Air
Quality. According to the Congressional Research Service, "The
bill provides for the cancellation of all Thompson Divide oil or gas
leases. The bill establishes the Greater Thompson Divide Fugitive
Coal Mine Methane Use Pilot Program to promote the capture,
beneficial use, mitigation, and sequestration of fugitive methane
emissions to reduce methane emissions, improve air quality, and
improve public safety, among other things." [Congressional Research
Service,
1/28/21]
The Grand Canyon Protection Act Withdraws Over 1 Million Acres Of
Federal Lands In Arizona From Entry, Appropriation And Disposal
Under Public Land Laws; Location, Entry And Patent Under Mining
Laws; And Activities Under Mineral Leasing And Geothermal Laws And
Mineral Materials Laws. According to the Congressional Research
Service, "This bill withdraws 1,006,545 acres of federal lands in
Arizona, including any land or interest in land acquired by the
United States after enactment of this bill, from entry,
appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws; location,
entry, and patent under the mining laws; and operation of the
mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws and mineral materials
laws." [Congressional Research Service,
2/15/21]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For Effectively Prohibiting New Mining Or
Mineral Production Activities In Colorado By Designating Land As
Wilderness For Recreation Management And Conservation. In October
2019, Fitzpatrick voted for a bill that would, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "modify land use authorities for over 400,000
acres of land in Colorado, particularly in areas in or along the
Continental Divide, San Juan Mountains, Thompson Divide, and Curecanti
National Recreation Area. The bill would effectively prohibit any new
mining or mineral production activities on approximately 61,000 acres of
federal lands in the San Juan Mountains and approximately 200,000 acres
of federal lands within the Thompson Divide. Specifically, it would
withdraw the lands from eligibility for activities permitted under
federal laws governing public lands, mining, and mineral and geothermal
leasing. The bill would designate or expand a number of wildlife
conservation, wilderness, recreation and other management areas on
federal lands, and it would modify or expand a number of Interior
Department land use authorities." The vote was on passage. The House
passed the bill by a vote of 227-182. [House Vote 609,
10/31/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 10/31/19;
Congressional Actions,
H.R.823]
The Bill Expanded Land Use Protection For 400,000 Acres Of Federal
Lands in Colorado. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The land
protection bill would expand various land use protections for
roughly 400,000 acres of federal lands in Colorado, including by
prohibiting new mining or mineral development leases, establishing
new wilderness areas or expanding existing areas, and designating
certain lands for recreation, conservation, and special management."
[Congressional Quarterly,
1/26/19]
Democrats And Republican Disagreed On Whether Or Not There Was A
"Local Consensus" To Protect Federal Lands. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "Democrats say it represents a locally
driven effort among a diverse set of stakeholders with a shared
interest in providing long-term protections for key public lands in
Colorado. Republicans say it does not reflect a local consensus in
the state that is needed for enacting sizable lands bills."
[Congressional Quarterly,
1/26/19]
The White House Threatened To Veto The Bill, Citing Concerns About
Its Effects On Local Economies. According to Congressional
Quarterly, "The White House also issued a veto threat Monday
opposing the Colorado land preservation bill citing concerns about
the negative impact the bill would have on local economies."
[Congressional Quarterly,
1/26/19]
Despite Support From Coloradans To Protect Public Lands, Cory
Gardner Has Not Supported Wilderness Legislation. According to The
Wilderness Society. "'Coloradans love public lands and want to see
more of them protected especially in the face of a changing climate
and the nature crisis. Conservationists, ranchers and sportsmen
around Colorado will celebrate the vote by the House and turn our
attention to the Senate,' said Jim Ramey, TWS' Colorado state
director. 'Senator Cory Gardner is the only senator from Colorado in
the last half-century who has not sponsored wilderness legislation.
As Colorado's only member on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Committee, it's time for Senator Gardner to heed his constituents'
calls and work with Senator Bennet to get the CORE Act across the
finish line.'" [The Wilderness Society,
10/30/19]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For Effectively Prohibiting New Mining Or
Mineral Production Activities In The Grand Canyon. In October 2019,
Fitzpatrick voted for a bill that would, according to Congressional
Quarterly, "effectively prohibit any new mining or mineral production
activities on approximately one million acres of federal lands in the
Grand Canyon region of Arizona. Specifically, it would withdraw the
lands from eligibility for activities permitted under federal laws
governing public lands, mining, and mineral and geothermal leasing." The
vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 236-185.
[House Vote 602,
10/30/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 10/30/19;
Congressional Actions,
H.R.1373]
The Bill Countered Efforts By The Trump Administration To Boost
The Uranium Industry By Mining On Federal Lands. According to The
Hill, "The House passed legislation Wednesday that would ban mining
near the Grand Canyon, a move designed to counter any efforts by the
Trump administration to bolster the uranium industry by mining
on federal lands. The bill [...] would make permanent a mining
moratorium on more than 1 million acres in northern Arizona
surrounding the iconic national park." [The Hill,
10/30/19]
The Wilderness Society: Uranium Mining Threatens To Pollute
Aquifers" And Could "Contaminate Drinking Water Supplies" And
"Destroy Crucial Wildlife Habitat." According to The Wilderness
Society, "In Arizona, uranium mining in the sensitive and stunningly
beautiful area around Grand Canyon National Park threatens to
pollute aquifers that feed springs and streams in the Grand Canyon.
Further, such mining activity could contaminate drinking water
supplies, destroy crucial wildlife habitat and disrupt migration
corridors, and devastate the local tourism-based economy." [The
Wilderness Society,
10/30/19]
Rep. Raúl Grijalva: The Trump Administrations Pushing To Open
Federal Lands "To Exploitation On Behalf Of A Few Wealthy Mining
Interests." According to The Hill, "'These critical protections
are under threat from the Trump administration under the guise of
energy dominance and fabricated arguments of national security
they've continued to push for these lands to be opened to
exploitation on behalf of a few wealthy mining interests,' [Rep.
Raúl Grijalva] said Tuesday during House floor debate." [The Hill,
10/30/19]
Republicans Argued The Bill Would Stifle Economic Opportunities
And Called It A "Federal Land Grab". According to The Hill,
"Democrats see the bill as a vital step toward protecting sensitive
habitat near the Grand Canyon from the 'imminent threat' of mining.
But Republicans argued the bill would stifle economic opportunities
for the rural areas of the state [...] 'This bill is very cleverly
named to make it sound like it's safeguarding the Grand Canyon,
something I believe we all support,' [Rep. Bruce] Westerman said
on the House floor Tuesday. 'But when we look at what it does, we
quickly see it has very little to do with the Grand Canyon. Instead,
it's a federal land grab that would lock up approximately 1 million
acres of land in northern Arizona and permanently ban mineral
development.'" [The Hill,
10/30/19]
NRDC: This Legislation Was "Critical" To Protecting Public
Lands. According to the NRDC, "At a time when the Trump
administration is carving up our public lands and auctioning them
off to corporate interests who'd destroy them for profit, this
legislation is critical. These special places in the American west
reflect our country's cultural roots, offer a place for recreation
and reflection, and include huge swaths of wilderness that help us
fight climate change." [NRDC,
10/30/19]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For Effectively Prohibiting New Mining Or
Mineral Production Activities On Federal Lands Near The Chaco Culture
Natural Historical Park In New Mexico. In October 2019, Fitzpatrick
voted for a bill that would, according to Congressional Quarterly,
"effectively prohibit any new mining or mineral production activities on
federal lands within 10 miles of the Chaco Culture National Historical
Park in New Mexico. Specifically, it would withdraw the lands from
eligibility for activities permitted under federal laws governing public
lands, mining, and mineral and geothermal leasing. The withdrawal would
not prohibit the conveyance or exchange of such federal lands to or with
Indian tribes. The bill would also require the termination of existing
oil and gas leases on federal lands where extraction has not begun by
the end of the initial lease." The vote was on passage. The House passed
the bill by a vote of 245-174. [House Vote 597,
10/30/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 10/30/19;
Congressional Actions,
H.R.2181]
The Bill Would Made A Temporary Ban On Mining Near The Chaco
Canyon Permanent. According to The Wilderness Society, "In the
case of Chaco Canyon, an ancient tribal historical and
archaeological site, earlier this year the Interior Department
granted a temporary reprieve on harmful extractive activity on and
near this ancient tribal historical and archaeological site [...]
However permanent protection [required] congressional approval
[...] 'Chaco Canyon's irreplaceable treasures need more than
temporary protections. The House's passage of proactive legislation
will help ensure future generations inherit a place that has not
been permanently scarred by unchecked energy development,' said
Michael Casaus, New Mexico state director of The Wilderness
Society." [The Wilderness Society,
10/30/19]
NRDC: This Legislation Was "Critical" To Protecting Public
Lands. According to the NRDC, "At a time when the Trump
administration is carving up our public lands and auctioning them
off to corporate interests who'd destroy them for profit, this
legislation is critical. These special places in the American west
reflect our country's cultural roots, offer a place for recreation
and reflection, and include huge swaths of wilderness that help us
fight climate change." [NRDC,
10/30/19]
The Bill Was Supported By All Members Of The New Mexico Delegation
And The Navajo Nation. According to The Wilderness Society,
"The Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act would protect
federal lands surrounding Chaco Canyon from oil and gas development
permanently. The bill is supported by every member of the New Mexico
congressional delegation, the All Pueblo Council of Governors, and
the Navajo Nation." [The Wilderness Society,
10/30/19]
2017: Fitzpatrick Voted Against The FY 2018 Republican Study Committee
Budget Resolution Which In Part Called For Requiring National Monuments
Receive Congressional Approval. In October 2017, Fitzpatrick voted
against a budget resolution that would in part, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "provide for $2.9 trillion in new budget
authority in fiscal 2018. It would balance the budget by fiscal 2023 by
reducing spending by $10.1 trillion over 10 years. It would cap total
discretionary spending at $1.06 trillion for fiscal 2018 and would
assume no separate Overseas Contingency Operations funding for fiscal
2018 or subsequent years and would incorporate funding related to war or
terror into the base defense account. It would assume repeal of the 2010
health care overhaul and would convert Medicaid and the Children's
Health Insurance Program into a single block grant program. It would
require that off budget programs, such as Social Security, the U.S.
Postal Service, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, be included in the
budget." The underlying legislation was an FY 2018 House GOP budget
resolution. The House rejected the RSC budget by a vote of 139 to 281.
[House Vote 555,
10/5/17; Congressional
Quarterly, 10/5/17; Congressional
Actions, H. Amdt.
455;
Congressional Actions, H. Con. Res.
71]
2023: Fitzpatrick Voted To Designate For San Geronimo Del Boqueron As
An Affiliated Area Of The National Parks. In November 2023, according
to Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the "motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill that would designate Fort San Geronimo del
Boqueron in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as an affiliated area of the National
Park System." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a
vote of 359 to 24. [House Vote 600,
11/6/23; Congressional
Quarterly, 11/6/23;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
359]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted To Reauthorize The National Park Foundation
With $15 Million Annually Through FY 2030. In July 2022, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the National Park
Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2022, which would "reauthorize the
National Park Foundation for seven years and triple the annual
authorization amount, authorizing $15 million annually through fiscal
2030." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote
397-22, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. The Senate did not take
substantive action on the bill. [House Vote 378,
7/19/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 7/19/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
7693]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For The FY 2020 Minibus Appropriations Bill,
Which Provided $3.4 Billion For The National Park Service. In
December 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for the FY 2020 minibus spending bill,
which represented 8 of the 12 appropriations bills. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "The bill provides $3.4 billion for the
National Park Service --- $155 million more than FY 2019 and $636
million more than the request. The vast majority, $2.4 billion, is for
operation and maintenance of national parks, $66 million (3%) more than
FY 2019 and $151 million (7%) more than requested." The vote was a
motion to concur in the Senate amendment. The House agreed to the motion
by a vote of 297-120. The Senate later passed the bill and the President
signed the bill into law. [House Vote 689,
12/17/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/17/19;
Congressional Actions,
H.R.1865]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Omnibus Spending Proposal Preventing
Another Government Shutdown And Providing $3.2 Billion For The NPS.
In February 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for the FY 2019 consolidated
appropriations bill. According to Congressional Quarterly, "This
Conference Summary describes the agreement on H J Res 31, Consolidated
Appropriations Act for FY 2019, which provides detailed, full-year
funding for all seven remaining FY 2019 spending bills ---thereby
completing the FY 2019 appropriations process. The centerpiece, Homeland
Security, provides $1.375 billion for new and replacement barriers
along the U.S. border with Mexico, including 55 miles of new fencing,
along with an increase of $1.5 billion in other border security funding
--- such as for new technology at ports of entry and additional Customs
officers. Outside of the Homeland bill, it includes another $1.6
billion for border security, as well as a 1.9% pay increase for federal
civilian employees." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill
by a vote of 300 to 128. The bill was later signed into law by the
president. [House Vote 87,
2/14/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/14/19; Congressional
Actions, H. J. Res.
31]
The Bill Appropriated $3.2 Billion For The NPS. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "The measure provides $3.2 billion for the
National Park Service --- $20 million (1%) more than FY 2018 and
$521 million (19%) more than the request. The vast majority, $2.5
billion, is for operation and maintenance of national parks, $25
million (1%) more than FY 2018 and $78 million (3%) more than
requested. Included in that amount is $822 million for facility
operations and maintenance ($12 million more than FY 2018 and $40
million more than requested), and $549 million for park support
($13 million more than FY 2018 and $42 million more than
requested)." [Congressional Quarterly,
2/14/19]
The Bill Re-Designated The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore To Be
The Indiana Dunes National Park. According to Congressional
Quarterly, "The agreement renames the Indiana Dunes National
Lakeshore as the Indiana Dunes National Park, and it designates the
rest area on the Mount Vernon Trail within the George Washington
Memorial Parkway in Fort Hunt, Va., as the Peter B. Webster III
Memorial Area." [Congressional Quarterly,
2/14/19]
2018: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Increasing Federal Funds For The
National Park Service For Maintenance By $2.4 Million. In July 2018,
Fitzpatrick voted against an amendment that would have, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "increase[d] funding for the operations and
maintenance of the National Park Service by $2.4 million and would
decrease funding for land acquisition activities by an equal amount."
The underlying bill was an FY 2019 Interior, Environment and Financial
Services appropriations bill. The House rejected the amendment by a vote
of 172 to 237. [House Vote 341,
7/18/18; Congressional
Quarterly, 7/18/18; Congressional
Actions, H. Amdt.
870;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
6174]
2018: Fitzpatrick Voted For The $1.3 Trillion FY 2018 Omnibus
Spending Deal Which Raised Spending By $138 Billion Over FY 2017
Levels, Including $3.2 Billion To The National Park Service, A Nine
Percent Increase Over FY 2017. In March 2018, Fitzpatrick voted for
the FY 2018 Omnibus spending bill. According to Congressional Quarterly,
"Combined, the spending measures would provide about $1.3 trillion in
discretionary spending, with $1.2 trillion subject to discretionary
spending caps, and $78.1 billion designated as Overseas Contingency
Operations funds. The measure's spending levels are consistent with the
increased defense and non-defense budget caps set by the two-year budget
deal agreed to last month. That agreement increased the FY 2018 defense
cap by $80 billion and the non-defense cap by $63 billion. Given that
the previous caps were set to reduce overall discretionary spending by
$5 billion, the net increase provided by the omnibus is $138 billion
over the FY 2017 level." The vote was on the motion to concur in the
Senate Amendment with an Amendment. The House agreed to the motion,
thereby passing the bill, by a vote of 256 to 167. The Senate later
agreed to the legislation, sending it to the president, who signed it
into law. [House Vote 127,
3/22/18; Congressional
Quarterly, 3/22/18; Congressional
Actions, H.R.
1625]
Legislation Appropriated $3.2 Billion For The NPS With $2.5
Billion For Operation And Maintenance. According to Congressional
Quarterly, "The measure provides $3.2 billion for the National Park
Service --- $270 million (9%) more than FY 2017. The vast majority,
$2.5 billion, is for operation and maintenance of national parks,
$53 million (2%) more than FY 2017. Included in that amount is
$810 million for facility operations and maintenance ($31 million
more than FY 2017), although the House committee report noted that
it retains $50 million targeted to park operations and maintenance
to help reduce the deferred maintenance backlog." [Congressional
Quarterly, 3/22/18]
Bill Appropriated $360 Million For Construction Projects.
According to Congressional Quarterly, "The total also includes $360
million for Park Service construction projects, $150 million (72%)
more than FY 2017. It provides $181 million for Park Service land
acquisition activities, $19 million (12%) more than FY 2017. Of
that amount, $124 million is for land acquisition grants to states
(13% more than FY 2017). The Park Service itself would have $57
million for its own land acquisition activities of which $26
million would be for the actual cost of acquiring land (23% more
than FY 2017)." [Congressional Quarterly,
3/22/18]
2023: Fitzpatrick Voted To Transfer Forest Service Land To The Salt
River Project. In November 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly,
Fitzpatrick voted for "motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as
amended, that would transfer a portion of National Forest Service land
adjacent to the Salt River Project in Arizona to be used for
development, generation and transmission of electricity as part of the
Salt River Federal Reclamation Project. It would direct the Agriculture
Department to prepare a map depicting the boundary of the land. The bill
would require new electrical energy facilities built on the land to
conform with Bureau of Reclamation standards, subject to Interior
Department review and approval. It would also specify that the covered
land would be permanently withdrawn from public land, mining, mineral
leasing, mineral materials and geothermal leasing laws." The vote was on
passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 384 to 1. [House Vote
599, 11/6/23;
Congressional Quarterly,
11/6/23; Congressional
Actions, H.R.
1607]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment That Included Language From
The Protecting America's Wilderness And Public Lands Act And Included
The Cerro De La Olla Wilderness Establishment Act To The FY 2023 Defense
Authorization Bill. In July 2022, according to Congressional
Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for an amendment to the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which would "add the text of
Titles I - VI of the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands
Act, and add the text of the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment
Act." The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The House adopted
the amendment by a vote 219-207. [House Vote 346,
7/14/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 7/14/22;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
285;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
7900]
The Cerro De La Olla Wilderness Establishment Act Designated
Certain Federal Land In New Mexico To Be Known As "Cerro De La Olla
Wilderness." According to the Congressional Research Service,
"This bill designates specified federal land administered by the
Bureau of Land Management in Taos County, New Mexico, comprising
13,103 acres in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, to be
known as the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness." [Congressional Research
Service,
2/2/21]
he Protecting America's Wilderness And Public Lands Act Provided
For The Preservation, Conservation And Recreational Use Of Federal
Lands In Several States. According to the Congressional Research
Service, "This bill provides for the preservation, conservation, and
recreational use of public lands, including in Arizona, California,
Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, and the U.S.
Virgin Islands." [Congressional Research Service,
2/26/21]
2020: Fitzpatrick Voted For Designating 1.4 Million Acres Of Federal
Land As Wilderness Areas. In July 2020, Fitzpatrick voted for an
amendment to the FY 2021 NDAA that would, according to Congressional
Quarterly, "designate approximately 1.4 million acres of federal lands
in California, Colorado and Washington as new, expanded or potential
wilderness areas and designate approximately 1,221 river miles in
California and Washington as wild, scenic or recreational rivers. Among
other provisions, it would establish a public-private partnership to
facilitate environmental remediation of federal lands and waters in
California damaged by illegal marijuana operations and protect a number
of existing rights and usages on designated lands, including to provide
for continued military activities such as helicopter overflights." The
vote was on adoption. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of
234-179. [House Vote 146,
7/21/20; Congressional
Quarterly, 7/21/20;
Congressional Actions,
H.Amdt.837;
Congressional Actions,
H.R.6395]
2020: Fitzpatrick Voted For Protecting 1.36 Million Acres Of Federal
Lands In California, Colorado, And Washington By Designating Them As
Wilderness Areas. In February 2020, Fitzpatrick voted for a bill that
would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "designate approximately
1.36 million acres of federal lands in California, Colorado, and
Washington as new, expanded, or potential wilderness areas and designate
approximately 1,221 river miles in California and Washington as wild,
scenic, or recreational rivers. Specifically, the bill would make such
designations for approximately 630,700 acres of federal lands and 756
river miles in California; approximately 660,000 acres of federal lands
in Colorado; and approximately 126,540 acres of federal lands and 465
river miles in and around Olympic National Park in Washington. It would
also designate approximately 1.2 million acres of additional federal
lands in California as restoration, recreation, and other protected
areas." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of
231-183. [House Vote 69,
2/12/20; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/12/20;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2546]
The Bill Prohibited Logging, Mining, And Drilling In The
Designated Areas. According to The Hill, "Under the bill,
'logging, mining and drilling' would be prohibited on the land and
no new roads or infrastructure would be able to be built in the
areas. Nearly 1,000 miles of river would also be added to the
National Wild and Scenic River System." [The Hill,
2/12/20]
Democrats Believed It Would Boost Local Economies And Help To
Combat Climate Change. According to The Hill, "'They will provide
a boost to the nearby economy and help grow our nation's
multibillion-dollar industry that directly supports thousands of
jobs across the U.S. Perhaps most importantly, in preserving these
lands, the bill will do what we need to do to further fulfill the
House's commitment to stake steps to combat the climate crisis,'
[Rep. Diana DeGette] added." [The Hill,
2/12/20]
Republicans Argued The Bill Would Limit Public Access To The Land
And Increase The Risk Of Wildfires. According to The Hill,
"critics of the measure raised concerns that the new protections
could have unintended negative consequences, arguing it could limit
public access to the land and increase the risk of wildfires in the
areas." [The Hill,
2/12/20]