▶ 0:06:48Owens will come to order. Without objection, the chair is authorized to declare a recess of the subcommittee at any time. Subcommittee is meeting today to consider six bills h.r. 309 by representative nelson, 2196 by representative hudson, 2042 84. Representative leger fernandez, 4386. Representative wahlberg 4467. Representative thompson of mississippi and h.r. 5131 by representative begich.
▶ 0:07:17I ask unanimous consent that the following members be allowed to participate in today's hearing from the dais. The gentleman from michigan, Mr. wahlberg. The gentleman from alaska. Mr. begich, the gentleman from mississippi, Mr. thompson and the gentleman from texas. Mr. nehls without objection. So ordered. Under committee rule four f any oral opening statements at hearings are limited to the chairman and ranking minority member.
▶ 0:07:43I therefore ask unanimous consent that all other members opening statements be made part of the hearing record if they are submitted in accordance with committee rule three pair and without objection, so ordered. I'll now recognize myself for an opening statement. Today, the subcommittee will be advancing several pieces of legislation that honor our nation's military, law enforcement, and first responders.
▶ 0:08:06The topics we'll discuss today carry profound implications not only for america's military, but also for honoring our military history and the service of frontline and emergency personnel. Collectively, these measures conserve, modernize, and expand access to some of america's most significant historic sites and public lands, while also renewing military land withdrawals that sustain national security and training readiness.
▶ 0:08:35To recognize our first responders, we will consider two pieces of legislation by representative nelson hudson. Representative nelson legislation would provide grants to the national law enforcement officers memorial fund to operate programs aimed at officer safety, wellness, and community education. The legislation is endorsed by the wisconsin troopers association, who said the following in a letter.
▶ 0:08:56Uh, in a letter of support, at a time when many law enforcement agencies across the country remain understaffed and overwhelmed, there is a critical need to enhance public understanding and appreciation of law enforcement, and to improve the safety and wellness of officers who serve our communities. A sustained national effort to restore confidence and understanding in law enforcement is urgently needed now more than ever. That is precisely what the bill would do.
▶ 0:09:25I'd like to ask unanimous consent. Unanimous consent to enter this letter into the record. Without objection. So ordered. Similarly, representative hudson's legislation extends legislative authority to construct a permanent memorial to recognize emergency medical service providers who gave their lives in service to others. No such memorial exists today, and representative hudson's bill helps ensure that one can be completed in the near future.
▶ 0:09:54I'd also like to highlight the legislation of critical national security importance offered by the gentleman from alaska, representative begich. His bill extends the current use of existing military installations in alaska, california and new mexico, used by the united states army through 2051. Let me be clear. The woke agenda of the biden-harris administration is dead.
▶ 0:10:19Those years weakened confidence in our military institutions, drove down recruitment and prioritize ideology over readiness. Under president trump's leadership, we are restoring respect for our armed forces and rebuilding our military to deter america's adversaries, adversaries from aggression. That is peace through strength in action.
▶ 0:10:38And representative begich's legislation builds on that foundation by extending the military's use of these federal funds or federal lands for training and readiness, in addition to supporting our military. We are also commemorating our nation's storied military history by improving visitor experiences at hallowed sites like vicksburg national military park.
▶ 0:11:02Representative thompson's bill authorizes a key federal state land transfer at vicksburg, an iconic site of america's civil war history. This transfer will facilitate a public private partnership that will allow for the construction of a new, state of the art welcome and interpretive center.
▶ 0:11:22Finally, I'd like to commend representative walberg for leading a bill that restores fairness to motorcyclists by clarifying that two motorcycles may access our national parks and public lands under one annual pass. This legislation reverses a wrongful biden-harris administration policy that limited access for motorcyclists. As we approach our nation's super centennial, restoring affordable public lands across access for all americans is simply good policy.
▶ 0:11:54Together, the bills on this agenda directly advance five of president trump's recent executive orders, including prioritizing military excellence and readiness, strengthening and unleashing america's law enforcement to pursue criminals and protect innocent citizens, making the district of columbia safe and beautiful. Celebrating america's 250th birthday and making america beautiful again by improving our national parks.
▶ 0:12:24These proposals commemorate our nation's history while preparing for the future, advancing military readiness, conserving cultural landmarks, and ensuring that every american has access to the public lands and historic resources that define our national story. I want to once again thank our esteemed witnesses for being here today. We look forward to your testimony and working together to advance these important bills.
▶ 0:12:49With that, I yield back and recognize the ranking member of the full committee, Mr. huffman. Good to see you this morning for. >> good morning, mister chairman. Uh, before I begin, I do have a unanimous consent request. So yesterday, Mr. chairman, the national academies of sciences, engineering and medicine issued a very important report that I want to bring to the attention of the committee. It is entitled, the effects of human caused greenhouse gas emissions on U.S. climate, health and welfare.
▶ 0:13:19The part of the report, it's a long report, but the part of it I especially want to enter into the record is the robust reaffirmation by the best scientists in the united states of the 2009 epa endangerment finding, which this administration is actively unraveling. The science is clear. They are telling us in every way we're on a disastrous path. I'd like to enter that in the record. >> without objection. >> thank you, Mr. chairman. So good morning. Thanks, everyone.
▶ 0:13:47Um, I am encouraged that the bills before the committee today are all common sense, bipartisan priorities. And my democratic colleagues and I are ready and willing to work across the aisle to advance them. Uh, you know, a conversation, a hearing on bills like this would give the appearance the trappings of normalcy. Uh, but there's nothing normal about this moment that we find ourselves in.
▶ 0:14:11We need to bring up this related issue affecting our parks and public lands that for some wild and unthinkable reason, seems to have become partizan right now. The trump administration is trying to censor the history told in our national parks and historic sites. This has been happening since march, when the president first ordered the interior department to whitewash our parks of anything that might, quote unquote, inappropriately disparage americans.
▶ 0:14:40And, of course, now we find ourselves deeper and deeper into this cancel culture dystopia. Uh, officials have been applying that standard that he set broadly to historic information about racism, sexism, slavery, gay rights, and the persecution of indigenous people. And I have called this out.
▶ 0:15:03I've asked the information, um, to report back to us about the negative consequences of what they have set in motion. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle throughout this conversation just look the other way, uh, and completely silent, I would argue, completely complicit in what is happening right now. Last month, I also asked you folks to justify this ludicrousness, but there has been no response.
▶ 0:15:29And in the meantime, the administration is barreling forward with its efforts to undermine how our parks tell the story of the american experience. This is not okay. We've got enough to fight about enough to disagree with in terms of policy. We cannot allow truth to become a partizan fight where one side is trying to literally erase truth from the national discourse.
▶ 0:15:58Just this week, trump ordered the park service to remove signs and exhibits relating to slavery, including this iconic photograph which shows the atrocious violence committed against slaves. This photo was widely distributed through during the civil war. It opened people's eyes to the true devastation of chattel slavery. What the hell is going on here?
▶ 0:16:25That someone in this administration directed this photo to be removed from a display? And we know it's been reported on good information that that actually happened. Now, the interior department seems to be backpedaling. They realize that, uh, there's a backlash to this. And so they're going to have to try to put the toothpaste back in the tube on this one. So they're backpedaling. But make no mistake, this happened. This directive did go out relative to this photo and other materials.
▶ 0:16:54This administration is no stranger to lying. In order to clean up their horrible decisions. And trump's imperial edict about this that set it in motion is just horrible and unthinkable. The national park service is responsible for preserving our history in its entirety the good, the bad and the ugly.
▶ 0:17:13And that directive flies in the face of that mission, targeting exhibits on things like slavery, native american imprisonment at sites like castillo de san marcos national monument, the incarceration of japanese americans during world war two, removing these exhibits from places that teach and interpret our history is not patriotic. It is pure propaganda. It's un-american.
▶ 0:17:38Our national parks are not monuments to a single, sanitized version of american greatness. There are places for all of us to confront and learn from the full complexity of our past. True patriotism means acknowledging our nation's history in its entirety, including our mistakes, so that we can learn and grow from it. An honest reckoning with the past is the only way to build a more perfect union.
▶ 0:18:05We should all be ashamed that this administration is doing this stuff on our watch, and you folks have been complicit for too long. I yield back. >> gentleman yields. Uh, we're going to move on to our first panel, which consists of members who are sponsoring today's legislation. I will now recognize representative leger-fernandez for five minutes on h.r. 4284. >> uh, thank you, chairman tiffany. Uh. Thank you. Uh, ranking member huffman.
▶ 0:18:34Uh, and, uh, ranking member neguse for hearing my legislation today, h.r. 4284, the small cemetery conveyance act. For generations, families and communities in new mexico and across the country buried their loved ones on lands they have lived on for centuries and generations.
▶ 0:18:58Lands that they cherished long before those lands became part of our national forests or even part of the united states. These rural communities, often nestled in their beloved forests, face unique challenges, from crumbling infrastructure to extreme weather to potholed roads.
▶ 0:19:18But they shouldn't have to struggle with is caring for the cemeteries where they will bury their loved ones as they pass and where their ancestors lie in repose. We will hear today of the centuries old land grants that receive property rights from the king of spain or mexico centuries ago, and we will hear how they buried.
▶ 0:19:43And they chose cemetery plots next to their villages and places they thought were beautiful, and places they thought were appropriate to honor, respect, and pray for their dead. We will then hear how, because the land grant rights, the property rights which were so supposed to be protected under the treaty of guadalupe hidalgo, were not.
▶ 0:20:11Can you imagine a cemetery that is clearly a place that is held by a community? But instead of granting that property right to the community, to the land grant that had used it to bury and pray for their dead, it was taken into the united states forest service, to the blm, to other places, and lost to the
▶ 0:20:42People who hold it dear, who know better than anyone how to pray and revere those who are buried there. And so right now, what it is like is that if there is a cemetery in a place like trampas, this place, it's beautiful, right?
▶ 0:21:04But in order to take the care that you see here, these communities must go and ask permission from the forest service. They must get permission to do anything to protect the road. They must get permission to do anything to improve this area. Move a fence. Think of all the things that must be done to protect a cemetery. And so we have the chance here to fix that.
▶ 0:21:33Uh, under the small tract act of 1983, the forest service is authorized to exchange up to 40 acres of land in the public interest, including parcels used as cemeteries. But this means that communities must purchase the land that once was theirs at market rate or exchange land of equal value. And there are a lot of costs associated with this.
▶ 0:21:58As you can imagine, many of the communities who have chosen to stay in these rural areas do not have a lot of money or resources. And we know, because we have heard so often how complex and expensive these conveyances can be.
▶ 0:22:13So my bill, the small cemetery conveyance act, would amend the small tract act to allow the forest service to convey small parcels of land that contain historic cemeteries directly to state, local government, federally recognized tribes and, importantly, land grant mercedes, now in new mexico. Land grant mercedes are public entities. They are recognized as public entities by the state of new mexico.
▶ 0:22:42You'd be able to convey them without requiring purchase or exchange of land, and the forest service upon a review could also raise the associated costs, such as surveys, appraisals. If the community can demonstrate that is appropriate. So we've worked very closely with the forest service, and I don't want to say that the forest service has been awful about allowing. It's just you don't have a choice, right? You're supposed to follow your laws. And so what we can do here is change the law.
▶ 0:23:11Now, I have personally visited many of these cemeteries. I've seen the prayers, but I've also traveled across the country and I'm now paying attention. It's like, oh my god, look, here's another cemetery in a forest that isn't with land grants. So this is not something new. This is something that, while we see it a lot in the southwest and new mexico, I do recognize that it is an issue that can be faced across this country.
▶ 0:23:39So I look forward to gaining bipartisan support for this legislation. I'm very grateful to the committee for including it in today's hearing. And with that, I yield back. >> thank you. Thank you, representative leger fernandez. Now, I recognize representative nehls for five minutes on h.r. 309. >> thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 0:24:01I think it would be appropriate at this time to just do a quick moment of silence for the three officers that were brutally murdered yesterday. Uh, in, in pennsylvania. >> so ordered. >> thank you, Mr. chairman. Chairman. Tiffany. Ranking member neguse, distinguished members of the committee. Thank you for having me here today.
▶ 0:24:29I come before you to speak in support of my bill, h.r. 309, the national law enforcement officers remembrance, support and community outreach act, which has been referred to this committee and to the 13 members of the committee who have cosponsored the legislation. I thank you. Thank you for your support.
▶ 0:24:48Congress created both the national law enforcement officers memorial fund and the national law enforcement museum to honor and support the law enforcement community and educate the public about the vital importance of law enforcement in a democratic society. The national law enforcement officers memorial fund is the only national law enforcement organization created by congress, created by us at. Both the memorial and the museum were built with private dollars.
▶ 0:25:13Unlike other museums created by congress, the national law enforcement museum receives zero federal dollars for its programing. The life saving and educational programs of the national law enforcement museum are just as crucial to the nation as other museums that receive federal support from the department of interior.
▶ 0:25:34My bill would provide the support that support by establishing a formal program within the department of interior to support and enhance the community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness programs of the national law enforcement museum. Through grants to the national law enforcement officers memorial fund. These programs are memorialized in honor law enforcement memorialize, and honor law enforcement. We have too many of them. We have too many of them that are that we need to memorialize.
▶ 0:26:04It's got to stop. The violence has to stop. It's going to compile data on law enforcement fatalities and injuries, increase public understanding of and support for law enforcement, enhance and improve law enforcement officer safety and wellness, and bring law enforcement closer to the communities they serve. Mr. chairman, I truly look forward to working with the committee on a path forward on this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time. Thank you sir.
▶ 0:26:35>> thank you, representative nehls. And I will now recognize representative begich for five minutes on h.r. 5131 if you're prepared, sir. Thank you, Mr. chair. I appreciate the opportunity to speak today in support of my bill, h.r. 5131, the alaska military lands withdrawal extension act. This legislation is simple, but it is essential.
▶ 0:27:04It ensures that our military maintains access to over 850,000 acres of critical training lands, and at fort wainwright and fort greely, two of the most strategically important installations in the arctic. These lands have been withdrawn from military use since 2001, and the withdrawal is set to expire in 2026.
▶ 0:27:23If we do not act, the army's ability to train in alaska's unique high latitude conditions will be disrupted at a time when arctic competition is increasing and readiness has never been more important. Fort wainwright and fort greely are home to the 11th airborne division, the only arctic designated division in the us army.
▶ 0:27:46These soldiers need realistic, large scale training environments to prepare for combat and cold, remote and mountainous terrain, and there is simply no substitute for the training conditions that these lands provide. This bill extends the current withdrawal for another 20 years. It does not expand the army's footprint, does not reduce public access, and it does not circumvent environmental review.
▶ 0:28:07In fact, the army has worked closely with alaskans, tribes, local governments, hunters and conservation groups through an extensive legislative environmental impact statement process. We're hearing today from military leaders and department of interior officials alike. This extension is necessary, appropriate and well supported. In short, h.r. 5001 31 helps our armed forces remain ready. It respects alaska's public lands, and it reflects strong community input. I urge my colleagues to support it.
▶ 0:28:37And I thank you, other witnesses, for your thoughtful testimony today. And with that, I yield back. Thank you, representative begich. And now we are going to move on to our second panel. Let me remind our witnesses that under committee rules, you must limit your oral statement to five minutes, but your entire statement will appear in the hearing record. To begin your testimony, please press the on button on the microphone.
▶ 0:29:06We use timing lights. When you begin, the light will turn green. At the end of five minutes, the light will turn red and I'll ask you to please complete your statement. Um, Mr. walberg, are you prepared to give your testimony in regards to your bill? >> Mr. chair, if you're prepared to hear it, I'm prepared. >> yeah. Um, if you two gentlemen will bear with us, I'm going to recognize Mr.
▶ 0:29:36Walberg for his testimony. Um, what number? Bill. Are you, Mr. walberg? >> uh, 43, 86, number 4386. >> you have five minutes. >> thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to testify on behalf of my bill. 4386, the america the beautiful motorcycle fairness act.
▶ 0:29:56Uh, as a lifelong motorcycle rider and enthusiast and, in fact, cochairman of the congressional motorcycle caucus, it's a privilege to be here today and speak in support of my legislation, which would ensure fair access to our nation's national parks and public lands for motorcyclists.
▶ 0:30:14My wife and I have had the privilege of getting on some amazing bikes and riding through many of our nation's great parks, including glacier and yellowstone, shenandoah, blue ridge parkway, all of the rest. Uh, and there there are amazing places and have been, uh, incredible experiences that we'll never forget.
▶ 0:30:36And that's something that many of my fellow riders share a similar experience in, and can tell you about their favorite ride of their favorite park. They have a chance to visit on two wheels. Like many fellow bikers, I have appreciated the opportunity to buy one annual pass and gain access to our parks.
▶ 0:30:59Historically, the america the beautiful pass has permitted entry for one noncommercial passenger vehicle with multiple passengers, two motorcycles, or a group of bicyclists accompanying one passholder. However, in the 2024 uh term, the biden administration changed this policy, I believe, to unfairly restrict access for motorcyclists to just one bike per pass instead of two.
▶ 0:31:26By returning to the prior policy, we can encourage motorcycle tourism and help the millions visit our great parks without unnecessary financial burdens. Uh, this also supports president trump's executive order celebrating america's 250th birthday by encouraging visitors to our nation's most magnificent places and ensuring american citizens have affordable access to our parks.
▶ 0:31:56By ensuring parity for motorcycle riders, we can expand recreational access, strengthen tourism, economics, and, uh, and all of that depends on visitors. And we need those. And it'll also allow our fellow americans to connect with our historic landmarks and places of unique significance in the american story. I thank the committee for considering this legislation and urge my colleagues to support it. And with that, I yield back.
▶ 0:32:26>> the gentleman from michigan yields, and we are going to move on to our second panel. First, I'm going to introduce Mr. david j. Zinn, brigadier general of in the united states army and director of training at the g. 357 training directorate. Brigadier general zinn, you are recognized for five minutes. >> thank you. >> chairman tiffany, ranking member neguse and distinguished members of this subcommittee.
▶ 0:32:53My name is brigadier general dave zinn, and I serve as the director of training on the army staff. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today regarding a matter of significant importance to our nation's security. This subcommittee is considering legislation to extend land withdrawals at three key locations fort wainwright, alaska, fort bliss, texas, and fort irwin, california.
▶ 0:33:17These land withdrawals provide the army with 1.6 million acres of training land, which are critical to maintain the readiness of army forces both today and in the future. Let me briefly elaborate on the specific importance of each location.
▶ 0:33:35The army's land withdrawal in alaska includes approximately 870,000 acres of vital training space, located in the vicinity of fort wainwright and fort greely, this area provides an austere training environment. Live fire ranges in restricted airspace necessary to conduct realistic training in extreme cold weather conditions. This land is the only location where the army can conduct large scale training in arctic conditions.
▶ 0:34:05If this land withdrawal is not extended, the army's ability to prepare soldiers and units for arctic and airborne operations will be severely degraded. Mcgregor range at fort bliss, texas, consists of approximately 600,000 acres of critical training area. It includes live fire ranges and training facilities necessary to maintain the readiness of armored and mechanized units, helicopter units and artillery. In the first armored division.
▶ 0:34:36It is the only location in the united states in the continental united states, where the army and our coalition partners can conduct live fire exercises with the patriot missile system. Additionally, fort bliss serves as a major mobilization site for national guard and reserve units, which require training areas throughout mcgregor range.
▶ 0:34:59If this land withdrawal is not extended, the army's ability to maintain a ready mechanized division support large scale reserve component mobilization, and conduct air and missile defense training will be significantly degraded. The national training center at fort irwin, california, in the mojave desert, is the army's premier training site for armored and mechanized forces.
▶ 0:35:23The approximately 117,000 acres of withdrawn land provides vitally important extended operating distances for training soldiers and units. Losing access to this land prevents the army from practicing logistics, resupply, communications, and integrating helicopters at extended distances, degrading the challenging, realistic training environment that our soldiers need at the national training center.
▶ 0:35:50In conclusion, the lands currently withdrawn for army use at fort wainwright, fort bliss and fort irwin are indispensable to army training and readiness. Each location provides unique training capabilities and challenging environments that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
▶ 0:36:08Failure to extend these land withdrawals would harm the army's ability to prepare soldiers to operate and fight effectively in all conditions, jeopardizing our readiness and eroding critical advantages over our adversaries. I look forward to working with this subcommittee to ensure the army continues to have access to these critical training lands. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. I look forward to your questions.
▶ 0:36:38>> thank you, brigadier general zinni, I'll now recognize Mr. mike caldwell, associate director at the national park service in the us department of the interior. Mr. caldwell, you are recognized for five minutes. >> chairman. Tiffany. Ranking member neguse, ranking member huffman and members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to present the department of the interior's views on four of the bills on today's agenda.
▶ 0:37:04I would like to submit our full statements for the record and summarize the department's views. H.r. 309 would require the department to award a grant to the national law enforcement officers memorial fund for expenses associated with operating and enhancing the community outreach and officer safety and wellness programs of the national law enforcement museum.
▶ 0:37:30The grant would be awarded for each of the seven fiscal years following enactment. In addition, the bill authorizes appropriations of $6 million each year and establishes a reporting requirement for the department to document expenditures and progress in delivering outreach through the memorial fund. If less than 6 million is provided in a fiscal year, the secretary can transfer other national park service funds as necessary.
▶ 0:37:58The department recognizes the important work of the national law enforcement museum and appreciates the value of its community outreach and public education efforts. We defer to congress on the creation of a grant program to support these efforts. H.r.
▶ 0:38:162196 extends the legislative authority of the national emergency medical services ems memorial foundation to establish a commemorative work in the district of columbia and its environs until november 3rd, 2032. The department supports this legislation.
▶ 0:38:37The foundation received its initial seven year authority from congress to establish a commemorative work that honors the commitment and sacrifice of ems professionals in 2018. Since then, the foundation has made significant progress navigating the complex site selection process and advancing preliminary design concepts. However, additional time is needed to bring this worthwhile national tribute to completion.
▶ 0:39:06Ems professionals serve on the front lines of emergencies, often at great personal risk, providing life saving care in times of crisis. Extending this legislative authority will give the foundation the certainty it needs to complete its mission and ensure that our nation properly recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of these public servants. H.r.
▶ 0:39:314386 would amend the federal lands recreation enhancement act to specify that an interagency annual pass will cover the entrance fee and standard amenity recreation fee for the pass holder and the occupants of up to two motorcycles. The department supports this legislation.
▶ 0:39:49In 2023, the interagency pass program updated its policy to create uniform rules for pass usage among the participating agencies, which took effect in 2024. This change was part of the department's ongoing efforts to develop a digital version of the pass.
▶ 0:40:07While the standardization was important, it unintentionally reduced the number of motorcycle riders covered by a single pass from 2 to 1, as each pass is now linked to one per vehicle. H.r. 4386 aims to restore the previous motorcycle policy, requiring the secretary of the interior to apply this policy to all america the beautiful pass options, including the annual pass reversing to the old policy, would help lower costs for visitors while
▶ 0:40:38Maintaining consistency within the passed program. H.r. 4467 would convey approximately ten acres from the vicksburg national military park to the state of mississippi to be used for a welcome center, interpretive center, museum, or other public use. The department supports the goals of this legislation and the intent to enhance visitor orientation and interpretation.
▶ 0:41:02However, we would welcome the opportunity to work with the bill sponsor and the subcommittee on amendments that would ensure the bill's purposes are achieved in a manner that protects the long term integrity of vicksburg national military park. Specifically, we recommend the use of the two most recent legislative maps dated september 2024, which provide a precise description of the acreage.
▶ 0:41:26We further recommend clarifying that any development on the conveyed land be consistent with the interpretive mission of the park. This will ensure that the visitor experience is enhanced, and that the land remains in service of the park's commemorative and educational purposes. Mr. chairman, this concludes my statement. I'm happy to answer any questions that you or other members of the subcommittee may have. >> thank you, Mr. caldwell.
▶ 0:41:53We're now going to take members questions, uh, for the panelists. Mr. begich, you are recognized for five minutes. Thank you, Mr. chair. My first question, uh, general zen, there's a growing concern about strategic competition in the arctic, especially among adversaries, as they increase their military presence in that region. Fort greely and fort wainwright offer unique operational advantages for our national defense posture.
▶ 0:42:20Could you elaborate on how continued access to these lands contributes to our broader arctic strategy and our ability to deter aggression from adversaries in high latitude environments? >> congressman, thank you for the question. I agree completely with your statement on the importance of these training areas to to regional security. These training areas are absolutely critical to the training and readiness of the army.
▶ 0:42:47Uh, in fact, we validate the readiness of airborne infantry brigade combat teams in the withdrawn land. A brigade combat team is 3000 plus soldiers. Large number of soldiers requires a large amount of land. And then the soldiers in that brigade then move out into the asia pacific region and participate in a series of exercises.
▶ 0:43:05And so that contributes to the security, uh, above and beyond just the readiness of army forces, which is absolutely critical, but it enhances security of the region, the capability to train in arctic conditions and build that capability in the army also contributes to regional security and deterrence. Thank you. >> thank you.
▶ 0:43:25Uh, follow up question in your testimony, you mentioned that the army has maintained close coordination with local communities and public stakeholders throughout the environmental review process. Obviously, that's important in alaska, where residents often rely on public lands for hunting and recreation and subsistence use. Could you speak to how the army has incorporated community input, particularly from alaskans, into the development of the lease and the withdrawal extension process?
▶ 0:43:55>> congressman, the primary means that we received input from the public was through our nepa analysis, and we conducted a nepa analysis in in the withdrawn lands in alaska. And then we received feedback from the public. And I think that was very important in part of our request for an extension. I would also add, uh, that the army works very diligently to make training lands available to the public for recreational use when we're not using those lands for training and when it's safe to do so.
▶ 0:44:23Every installation is different, but in most cases it's it's hunting and fishing. >> that's great. Thank you for that. Uh, Mr. caldwell, uh, the department noted a minor naming discrepancy in the bill regarding the fort greely and fort wainwright training ranges. Can you clarify whether this issue would in any way affect the army's operational use of the lands or the department's administrative role, or is it simply a matter of updating nomenclature for consistency purposes?
▶ 0:44:53>> thank you for the question. It's my understanding it's a nomenclature issue, but we'd be happy to follow up with you on that. >> um, the lands uh, at at issue in this bill, especially in alaska, are dual purpose, uh, when not in active military use. They're available for recreation, research and other public uses.
▶ 0:45:11How does the department coordinate with the department of defense to manage these lands in a way that represents, uh, public access, that respects environmental stewardship while still fulfilling national defense priorities? >> I think that was directed to me. But certainly in my conversations with the general beforehand, uh, he's a great, uh, user of national park lands as well, which I appreciate.
▶ 0:45:39Um, the department of the interior, all of our lands under the administration of the department, um, certainly from the national park service perspective, we work very collaboratively with the department of defense. Um, whether it's providing recreation opportunities for current or previous, um, servicemen and women, um, but also ensuring that any use that occurs on those lands is not contradictory to the mission of that land.
▶ 0:46:06And so we're confident in our ability to continue to do that with the department of the defense. >> outstanding. And I so appreciate the the longstanding partnership that exists between the national park service and and our, uh, department of defense. And, um, we've seen that in alaska for many years, and we expect to see that in the years to come. Thank you for your testimony. And with that, I yield back gentleman yields. I now recognize the ranking member of the full committee, Mr.
▶ 0:46:36Huffman, for his questioning. >> thank you, Mr. chairman. Uh, associate director caldwell, um, mentioned in my opening statement my concerns about the secretarial order that went out from secretary burgum directing the screening of historical content, including signage and exhibits, to make sure that it is, quote, uplifting and doesn't, quote, inappropriately disparage americans, past or living or another, uh, quote, fail to emphasize the beauty, grandeur, and abundance of the
▶ 0:47:06Landscape. All of this stems, of course, from president trump's imperial edict number 14 253, which, um, is entitled, uh, absurdly restoring truth and sanity to american history. And if that title doesn't give you some chills, you might be in a cult. Uh, but, Mr. associate director, I want to ask you about this process that is now underway of screening and removing, um, censoring history.
▶ 0:47:36Uh, I have great admiration for your agency and for the dedicated folks, yourself included, that have spent so many years, um, telling the american story to millions of people. It's an incredibly important thing. And, of course, the historians and curators and other professionals who have dedicated their careers to the accurate retelling of our nation's history, um, do incredibly important work.
▶ 0:48:00But, um, I'm concerned that their professionalism may not matter anymore. Uh, we have it on good information from park service personnel that at fort pulaski national monument, this iconic photo, uh, of the reality, the cruelty of slavery was ordered removed. And I suspect that if it happened at that national monument monument, it's happened elsewhere. So I guess I want to start, Mr.
▶ 0:48:28Caldwell, by asking you why someone at the park service would direct the removal of a photo like this. >> thank you for your question. Um, first, I would just emphasize that the implementation of the secretary order is still underway, as you recall. And the important element of that secretarial order is public input and public participation.
▶ 0:48:55And so signage is available, um, that have visitors let us know about what they see. What might mean. >> is that what led to this? >> and I. Think in terms of specifics, in terms of what's being asked or what has been turned in, I think what I would recommend is follow up with specific questions related to specific. >> I'm going to be very specific. Who issued that order. >> um, I have not been involved in issuing any secretarial orders related to this one. Um.
▶ 0:49:26>> I think. >> our committee, our committee can certainly get back or we. >> know anything about the order that led to the removal of this. >> other than just in general, what I have read, um, both in the media as well as in the. >> how do you feel about it as a career park service person? Should a photo like this ever be censored and removed from american history? >> well, I'm certainly proud of my 30 plus years in the national park service. >> how do you feel about it? >> having served in many sites across the country?
▶ 0:49:51Um, we're implementing the secretarial order and the department, to my knowledge, has not ordered instructed anyone to remove content about slavery. >> yeah, you're wrong about that. Uh, because this really did happen, so I urge you to look into it. But let me ask you about the process.
▶ 0:50:12Who is making this determination of which exhibits, uh, which photographs, which documents, you know, somehow fail to uplift america in a way that makes stephen miller and donald trump happy. There's a park service. >> there's a separate process involved and a separate team that's working throughout the national park service. And I think our our team there could get back to the committee and your staff, in terms of any specific requests you have on that process. >> I would welcome that.
▶ 0:50:41Are there guidelines about how they are making this this inherently subjective determination? >> the only deadlines that I have seen are might be related to the secretarial order, but once again, I'm not involved in the implementation of the secretarial order. So if those have changed, I'm unaware. But we can get back to you. >> on and you will give us the standards and guidelines that whoever is doing this scrub of history is using. We I mean, that seems like something that congress should know about.
▶ 0:51:08>> I certainly can relay your concerns to the folks that are implementing the secretarial order, and we will get back to you and your staff. >> I would hope so. And of course, it's going to take some resources to do all of this sanitizing of american history. So where is that funding coming from? >> I think it's, um, while certainly not a budget hearing, um, we follow the administration's priorities on our budget.
▶ 0:51:34We trust the judgment and the, uh, job that our field staff are doing. >> and we. >> we adjust those priorities. >> is this coming from other programs and mission critical activities that we fund? >> I'm not aware. >> of any I'm not aware that you may answer that question. The gentleman's time has expired, but go ahead and answer the question. >> okay.
▶ 0:51:56Um, I'm not aware of any programmatic shifts of of money, uh, to specifically address this secretarial order, but once again, we can get back to you with specifics. >> thank you. Thank you back. >> gentleman yields. I'll recognize myself for five minutes for questioning. Uh, first of all, I'll start out by asking for unanimous consent. Uh, from the hill interior says it has not been asked to remove scourged back photo. Enter that. Without objection. I would just add.
▶ 0:52:26Um, uh, I would be careful on the other side in regards to talking about erasing history after watching the four years of the biden administration, and with statues and monuments that could be deemed controversial that were removed. But that is history. As the ranking member said, it is controversial at times and we should not whitewash it.
▶ 0:52:49Um, but what we saw in the previous four years to the trump administration was an erasing of history. And second thing I would add, the party that I belong to and the president belongs to, was formed in 1854 to end slavery. It was the original single issue party that was, um, put in place to end slavery. And we accomplished that in the united states of america.
▶ 0:53:18And we still stand by that as republicans, believing that we should be a colorblind society. I know it is one of the fundamental tenets that I believe, Mr. >> chairman. >> and, Mr. chairman. >> does that. Include president trump suggesting retroactively that lincoln should have cut a deal? I mean. >> Mr. zinn, in. >> your party now is not the party of 1854. >> point of. >> order, Mr. chairman. Is that part of your testimony, your statement, or is this a you see request?
▶ 0:53:47That's why I just want to make sure the clock is this is your time. This is my time. Okay, I yield back. >> yeah. Clock's run. >> it was not initially. So that's why I was I wasn't sure if I should give up. No no, no. It's fine. You can proceed. I just want to make sure that we weren't, because. >> I'm happy to give up. And without objection, in regards to the unanimous consent, we will enter that into the record, Mr. zinn. Yeah. Mr. zinn, um, you said you had to conduct a nepa analysis that you referenced, I believe it.
▶ 0:54:17Was it under questioning or in your testimony? >> yes, sir. We conducted a nepa analysis at each of the three locations as part of our request for an extension for the land withdrawals. >> how long did it take to do those analyzes, chairman? >> it took roughly two years to finish that nepa analysis at three separate locations. It did occur during covid, so there were some delays from from covid. >> are those analyzes completed? >> yes, sir.
▶ 0:54:45Those are complete and were part of the request. >> uh, Mr. caldwell, uh, so in regards to the vicksburg national military park boundary modification bill, it seems like a really good example of an innovative approach for a public private partnership. Um, can this help, can this model that you're using at vicksburg? First of all, if you want to talk a little bit more in detail about how this is being done in vicksburg, you're welcome to.
▶ 0:55:14But could this be the model for future partnerships? >> I think thank you for the question. First, I think vicksburg, the key to its success, which I understand you'll be hearing from the friends group after, is to have a good collaborative relationship with the key partner there. And in that place. At vicksburg, we have partnerships with the state, with our nonprofit friends, and that's critical to any park being successful.
▶ 0:55:42And so I think in terms of models for other park service units, um, I think this could serve as a model for how we collaborate. We ensure access to, um, to the communities we work with, communities to really achieve shared missions and the preservation of these important places, whether they're cultural resources, historical resources, or natural resources.
▶ 0:56:08So I think this is the type of partnership that certainly when I was a superintendent, I would look forward to executing and using as a model to really get things done and to rely on the strengths of each of the partners to deliver for the public. >> as we reauthorize, go through the reauthorization process for the great american outdoors act. Um, are there other places that you think that this could be used? I don't know if there's any specifically that you want to mention.
▶ 0:56:37Uh, you don't have to do that if you want to, but are there other projects that could use this model for. >> certainly. Um, we appreciate congress's role in the authorization of the great american outdoors act. It is making fundamental generation changing investments in the assets that are needed to preserve these special places and provide for public enjoyment.
▶ 0:57:03I think certainly we have made reference to america 250 uh, in this hearing, and certainly it comes up a lot. I think the type of partnerships that you see at vicksburg could be emulated, um, and are emulated to some varying degrees at different historic sites across the country.
▶ 0:57:20I know certainly some of our larger western sites have great partnerships with state local governments, visitor bureaus, um, all types of groups that really combine together and make for a more, more, more memorable experiences for the public.
▶ 0:57:40So I think not only just the the way the partnerships coming together, but the collaborative spirit that you see at vicksburg, I think is something that could be emulated across the system. >> as a veteran of the park service, I hope you and other people in leadership will follow through on that, because I know there are people that have significant wealth that they've, um, generated, um, living in the greatest country in the history of mankind.
▶ 0:58:07And they would really like to give back to america before they leave this earth. And I think there's great opportunities to, um, improve some of these outdated sites, visitor centers, things like that. And I think there's people that would do that with no strings attached. And I hope that, um, all of you at the park service will take a look at that model and help us, um, achieve that to make our national parks. Um.
▶ 0:58:36The updated crown jewels that they are here in the united states of america. Thank you. Um, I will yield and now recognize the ranking member of the federal lands subcommittee. Mr. neguse, for five minutes. >> thank you, Mr. chairman. Thank you to both the witnesses for being here. Thank you for your testimony. Thank you for your service.
▶ 0:58:58Uh, assistant director caldwell, I'm going to circle back here with respect to the comments that were made by the ranking member of the full committee, because I share his outrage. And I think this committee and the country deserves an honest answer from the national park service. You are the assistant director. You have served for over 30 years in a variety of different capacities.
▶ 0:59:24Are you telling us that this photo was not taken down at fort pulaski? Because I've seen nothing from your department that says that the photo was not taken down. I've read the article that Mr. tiffany just offered to the record, which purports to say that nps, or rather administrative individuals at nps, did not ask park staff to take it down, doesn't say that it wasn't taken down.
▶ 0:59:51And there are anonymous sources, individuals at least there's some reporting that suggests from nps park staff that they were told to take it down and that it was taken down. So we deserve an answer. >> I'm not aware of those anonymous sources or any instructions that have been provided to fort pulaski or anywhere else. >> I'm not asking you about orders that were given.
▶ 1:00:14I'm asking, do you know, eventually this is just important for I think for all the administration witnesses, the email communications that you all are having within the agencies elsewhere, eventually those will become public. So if you know, if this photo was taken down, whether intentionally or by mistake, then you have an obligation to tell the committee, do you know if the photo was taken down or are you saying that it was not? >> I am unaware of the photo being taken down.
▶ 1:00:45>> so you don't know whether it was taken down or not. >> I, I understand that there have been no instructions for any removal of, uh, any, uh, as the chairman said. >> that's not an answer. Referencing that is not an answer to a very simple question. It sounds like you're saying either you know, that it was taken down, but you don't want to say that publicly, or you don't know that it was taken down. And if you don't know, then you can say, you don't know. >> I'm not involved in the implementation of this secretarial order.
▶ 1:01:13I understand, I am certainly, um, will reference your questions to those that are and I think your answers can come back certainly to your staff and the. >> so so it sounds like you're saying you do not know whether or not it was taken down. >> I'm not involved in the implementation. >> sure. But this is I mean, very evasive. And again, I, I'm trying to understand why you wouldn't just say on the record if you don't know if the photo was taken down.
▶ 1:01:40I don't understand you keep answering the question the exact same way. I'm not involved in the implementation of this order. I understand you're not involved in the implementation of the order, so it should be pretty easy to say. I don't know if the photo was taken down or not, and I don't. I'm not understanding the evasiveness. I help me understand this. >> I am I'm unaware of the status of that photo as it pertains to any exhibits within the national park system.
▶ 1:02:04>> okay, so what I would suggest and, and and this goes, you know, to the chairman's remarks previously, you know, the chairman made much of the article that he entered into the record regarding the interior department, claiming. Now in response, after the outrage, justifiably regarding this photo, that the department now claims it never issued that order.
▶ 1:02:32So I would ask the chairman, and I'm happy to yield to him. Does he agree that this photo shouldn't be taken down? You spent a great deal of time talking about reconstruction and the republican party and its role during the civil war and so on and so forth. So it should be pretty easy for all of us to say photos like these should not be taken down. It's offensive. What the department of interior is doing right now. I find it deeply offensive. Your answer, sir. Mr.
▶ 1:03:00Assistant director, previously, in response to the ranking members questions that somehow public feedback will be used essentially as the barometer as to whether or not photos like these should be taken down. I think is ridiculous. Where will we land? What's the logical extension of that? Someone writes in and says there should be no photos regarding slavery.
▶ 1:03:26There should be no photos like this of a former enslaved man who escaped slavery and enlisted in the union army. I think it's deeply offensive. And I have, uh, we've heard a lot from a lot of witnesses in the last eight months from the trump administration, but it should be pretty easy to just say, you know what? This has gone too far. Yeah. I didn't sign up for this kind of rewriting of history. I certainly didn't.
▶ 1:03:56And I don't think the people in the national park service did either. I yield back. >> Mr. chairman, I have a unanimous consent request. Uh, thank you, Mr. chairman. So I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a september 15th article from the washington post, uh, stating that following president trump's order, interior department officials began implementing this, began scrubbing signage and that specifically and this is a quote from the article.
▶ 1:04:26Separately, park service officials have ordered the removal of a photograph illustrating violence against slaves known as the scourged, back at one national park. The article goes on to talk about 30 signs being flagged for removal at harpers ferry. And, Mr. chairman, uh, it's important that this go into the record because, uh, during your unanimous consent request, you, uh, spoke about the origins of your party, the grand old party.
▶ 1:04:55And I'm glad there's still some pride in the anti-slavery origin story of the republican party. But you are led today by a man that is ordering things like this. A man who said lincoln should have cut a deal. And I think the record needs to be fair and accurate and truthful, just like the signage at our national parks should be. >> the unanimous consent request is from washington post article. Is that correct? Okay. Thank you.
▶ 1:05:21Without objection, I now recognize representative molloy for her questioning. >> thank you, Mr. chairman. Uh, thank you to both of the witnesses for being here. One of you is getting a lot more questions than the other, and I apologize about that. Um, I am Mr. caldwell. I'm looking at the mission statement of the national park service.
▶ 1:05:42And according to google, the mission statement is to preserve the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system, ensuring that they're available for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of current and future generations is the park service following this mission statement? >> yes. >> okay. Thank you. I have no further questions and I yield back. >> the gentlelady yields.
▶ 1:06:10We are going to move on to our third panel. Thank you to the witnesses for your testimony. And while the clerk resets our witness table, I will remind the witnesses that under committee rules, they must limit their oral statements to five minutes. But their entire statement will appear in the hearing record.
▶ 1:06:31I'd also like to remind our witnesses of the timing lights, which will turn red at the end of your five minute statement, and to please remember to turn on your microphone. As with the second panel, I will allow all witnesses to testify before member questioning.
▶ 1:07:47Okay, first I will recognize Mr. james robinson, chief of the thompson valley ems. Chief robinson, you are recognized for five minutes. >> thank you, Mr. chairman. Chairman tiffany and ranking members neguse and huffman and esteemed members of the subcommittee on federal lands. I'm humbled to be here before you today to ask you in person for your support of house resolution 2196.
▶ 1:08:15We thank representatives hudson and lynch for introducing the resolution in the house and for this opportunity. My name is james robinson. I'm an ems guy from colorado. I've spent my entire adult life in public service as a paramedic and ems leader, in addition to my current role as the chief of thompson valley ems, I'm also a board member of the national ems memorial foundation and have been since 2011.
▶ 1:08:44In my ems career, I've found that we, the helpers, are not very good at being on the opposite end of that relationship. We don't like to ask for help, but that's exactly why I'm here today. To ask for your help on behalf of the helpers, the men and women of ems, I'm here to ask you to support this resolution to extend the foundation's authorization, to build a permanent memorial to honor their commitment, service and sacrifice.
▶ 1:09:13Founded in 2007, our volunteer board comprises past and current ems providers and family members of ems providers who have our own stories of loss, of the honor of serving others, and of the miracles of life. The spark of our foundation was ignited by somber reflections on loss, not unlike those we all experienced last week, as we remember those we lost 24 years ago during nine over 11.
▶ 1:09:42Every year, the ems community holds a weekend of remembrance events hosted in different locations, honoring ems providers who pay the ultimate sacrifice in the service of others. While beautiful, these events are held for one weekend a year, and it was our somber reflections from these events that sparked our recognition of an undeniable truth that what is missing, what was missing, and still is missing is a
▶ 1:10:13Permanent place for hosting these events for private reflections, not just for one weekend, but throughout the year, and a place for the nation to recognize publicly and proudly the the commitment, service and sacrifice of those in ems. We respond to calls for help without hesitation. 24 over seven 365 in all weather, all conditions, and at risk of our own personal safety.
▶ 1:10:37Our rewards are intrinsic, foremost among them being upholding the trust our communities put in us to care for them in their times of need. This was evident throughout the covid pandemic. We showed up and we kept showing up despite losing many of our own. Let me share another example this sacred trust with you.
▶ 1:11:00We respond to calls for help in the middle of the night, and are often met by people in sleepwear and bathrobes who hurry us complete strangers into their homes. They don't know us. They never ask us if we are certified, if we're competent, or if we've undergone criminal background checks. They hand us their babies.
▶ 1:11:23They answer highly personal questions that they wouldn't answer for their own family members or closest confidants, and they allow us to expose and examine their bodies. And they do all these things because they trust that we are going to help them. We never underestimate the significance of this trust. It is mother, mother, child kind of trust.
▶ 1:11:48It's why we're committed, why we serve and why we sacrifice, and why our work isn't simply a job. It's a calling. As director caldwell mentioned, our initial authorization came through public law 115 275 that was passed unanimously in both chambers in the 117th congress and was signed into law during president trump's first term on november 3rd, 2018, the commemorative works act authorization last seven years
▶ 1:12:20And in our case is due to expire on november 3rd. Like many other recent memorials and commemorative works, we require more time to complete the project. To that end, h.r. 2196 and the companion senate bill, senate bill 2546, to extend our authorization are necessary for us to continue our efforts. We presented to the national capital memorial advisory commission regarding h.r. 2196, in may, gaining unanimous support from the commissioners.
▶ 1:12:51And, as you heard, um, the national park service also supports extending our authorization. We have broad support in the ems community and among our partners in public safety. We've narrowed the sites from 312 to 3 and are awaiting final approval for our preferred location, which is very close to here at third and independence southwest. And one of the reasons for that site was a thematic connection.
▶ 1:13:16Uh, we're poised to enter the next phase with this reauthorization and appreciate your support. Thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to your questions. >> yeah. Thank you for your testimony, chief robinson. Next, I want to introduce Mr. william alexander, chief executive officer at the national law enforcement officers memorial fund. Mr. alexander, you have five minutes. >> good morning. Chairman tiffany, ranking member and members of the distinguished members of this committee. My name is william alexander.
▶ 1:13:46I'm the chief executive officer of the national law enforcement officers memorial fund. I would like to thank you this morning for the opportunity to present this statement in support of h.r. 309, the national law enforcement officers remembrance, support and community outreach act.
▶ 1:14:01This bill establishes within the us department of the interior, a formal program whereby the secretary of the interior would provide $6 million a year to the national law enforcement officers memorial fund to support and enhance the memorial fund's community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness programs. As brief. Background.
▶ 1:14:25The memorial fund was established by an act of congress in 1984, when congress authorized the fund to raise private money to build the national law enforcement officers memorial. The memorial fund is a nonpartizan nonprofit organization which represents all major law enforcement organizations in the country, including federal, state, and local agencies, management and rank and file personnel, and survivor support and research organizations.
▶ 1:14:51Our mission is to honor the fallen, tell the story of american law enforcement, and make it safer for those who serve. In 1991, the memorial fund successfully raised private funds to complete the construction of that memorial and dedicated the memorial and again in 1991. It is located in washington, dc's judiciary square.
▶ 1:15:11It is our nation's monument to all the law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and service to our communities and our country. Engraved on the memorial walls are the names of 24,412 heroic men and women who, throughout our nation's history, risked their lives for the safety and protection of others. Unlike many other memorials here in our nation's capitol, our monument is not static.
▶ 1:15:39Each may during national police week, we have the somber responsibility of adding more names of fallen heroes to our memorial. This past may, we added the names of 345 officers who have died in the line of duty in calendar year 2024 and years prior, while the us department of the interior, through the national park service, was initially responsible for maintaining the memorial in its grounds, in 2006, the secretary of the
▶ 1:16:09Interior entered into a cooperative agreement with the memorial fund, under which the memorial fund largely took over the cost and responsibility of maintaining the memorial and memorial grounds, saving us taxpayers millions of dollars. In 2018, also using private funds, the national law enforcement museum, whose construction was also authorized by act of congress, was dedicated and opened.
▶ 1:16:31The mission of the museum is to tell the rich and fascinating story of law enforcement in america and its role in our free and democratic society, both in national law enforcement. Officers. Memorial and museum represent the only national law enforcement memorial and museum honoring all of american law enforcement.
▶ 1:16:54The museum has become the portal through which we deliver our programs, focusing on our three pillars honoring and remembering the fallen, educating the public about american law enforcement and advancing officer safety and wellness. These programs are as vital as those of any national memorial or museum which already receive federal support. With federal funding, we will be able to open the museum free to the public.
▶ 1:17:19Free access will expand public knowledge of law enforcement history, increase awareness of officer sacrifices, and help bring officers in the communities they serve closer together. That is the motivation behind h.r. 309, and part of the reason that the bill has garnered such strong bipartisan support.
▶ 1:17:36To date, the bill has 114 co-sponsors, including ranking member neguse and three other members of the subcommittee representatives amodei, hunt, and stauber, as well as ten additional members of the full committee. We are incredibly proud of the support this bill has garnered and believe strongly that it will enable the memorial fund, really, for the first time, to have a truly national impact in both saving police lives nationwide and fostering closer ties between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
▶ 1:18:08I'm convinced that this bill would significantly advance our ability to facilitate life saving training programs and best practices. It would further enable us to significantly expand educating the public, especially young people, about law enforcement, and hopefully inspiring them to consider a career in the law enforcement field. It is not hyperbole to say that the programs of the memorial fund are as important and impactful as the programs of any national memorial, museum or federal landmark currently receiving federal support.
▶ 1:18:38I'd like to thank you again for your time and consideration. And while, of course I've submitted much more in my written testimony, I'm very humbly stand ready to answer any questions. >> thank you, Mr. alexander. I now recognize miss leger-fernandez for an introduction. >> thank you so very much. It is wonderful to be able to introduce a fellow nuevo mexicano. Uh, and, uh, Mr.
▶ 1:19:07Archuleta is the newest attorney at the land grant council. The new mexico land grant council was established by the new mexico state legislature to look at all the issues with regards to the many land grants we have in new mexico, and we are pleased that he is here to testify on the, uh, the cemetery bill that we'll be hearing shortly. Thank you very much. >> Mr. archuleta. You are recognized for five minutes. >> thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 1:19:38Ranking member neguse and members of this committee. Again, my name is archuleta. I am with the new mexico land grant council, uh, here today to testify in support of house resolution 4284, the small cemeteries conveyance act. Uh, the council is tasked with providing support and assistance to land grant mercedes in the state of new mexico. Land grant mercedes are local governments established through grants of land from the spanish crown and the mexican government.
▶ 1:20:07Between 1693 and 1854, for the purpose of recognizing and encouraging community settlements and what is now the united states southwest. Um. These lands included both private lands for use for establishing homes, as well as local businesses within the community, as well as common lands that were held in common by all and used by all members of the community for beneficial use, uh, of supporting those communities.
▶ 1:20:32These uses included personal uses such as hunting and fishing, um, grazing and watering of livestock, gathering of fuelwood to heat homes, as well as building materials for home construction. In addition to this, the uh common lands also were utilized for public purposes, such as placement of uh community buildings and infrastructure, uh establishment of uh town plazas or town squares, as well as for use in placing community
▶ 1:21:04Cemeteries. Uh, in 1848, uh, at the close of the mexican-american war with the signing of the treaty of guadalupe hidalgo, uh, the united states had an obligation to recognize, uh, the titles that had been deeded under the prior sovereigns, uh, and that instituted a land confirmation adjudication process that lasted about 50 years. That process, um, was long.
▶ 1:21:25It was cumbersome, and it was also fraught with corruption, as land speculators took advantage of that process to try and defraud, uh, communities of their common lands. Uh, as a result of the adjudication process, uh, millions of acres of those former common lands are now under the management of the federal government in new mexico, uh, as a byproduct of that process, uh, today, there are at least 20 known community
▶ 1:21:56Cemeteries that are located on federal lands in new mexico. Uh, the majority of these are on forest service lands, and a handful are on public lands managed by the blm. There's three ways that these cemeteries came into control. The federal government. The first is that these former common lands, uh, that were not properly adjudicated, automatically became part of the public domain, uh, at the close of the adjudication process, uh, or during that process.
▶ 1:22:20The second is that the federal government acquired these federal lands with the cemeteries subsequent to the adjudication, oftentimes from land speculators, or as a result of the communities losing those lands to back taxes when these land rich but cash poor communities were, uh, assessed taxes by the state of new mexico. Cemeteries in these first two categories were established decades, if not centuries, before they came into the ownership of the federal government.
▶ 1:22:47The third way community cemeteries ended up in the federal government is that local communities, local land grant communities that were surrounded by federal lands because of the loss of the commons, uh petitioned the forest service for a special use permit for a cemetery in the 1940s and 50. There's only a couple of those instances. Uh, and this was as a result of their local original cemeteries becoming full and not having adequate lands for those.
▶ 1:23:12This bill provides a mechanism for returning those cemeteries currently under the management and control of the forest service, to the ownership and management of the local communities, uh, via transfer to a qualifying government entity. We see this as a good thing, because who better to manage and protect these sacred places than those communities that have a vested spiritual interest in their protection? As you know, the bill defines qualifying government entities as states, indian tribes and local governments, which include land grant.
▶ 1:23:41Mercedes, uh, the state of new mexico currently recognizes 28 land grants as political subdivisions of the state, meaning they are local governments. And we have a legislative process for doing that. Um, one last important aspect of the bill is that it provides the secretary, the department of agriculture, with the discretion and authority to waive any costs typically associated with the conveyance of federal lands to to another government entity.
▶ 1:24:04Um, this is important because there's something unsettling about charging for the return of sacred community cemeteries, uh, that in most cases were inadvertently or unintentionally placed under the control of the us forest service. Uh, in conclusion, uh, the council would ask support of this committee, uh, in moving this bill forward. And with that, Mr. chairman, I'll yield and stand ready for questions. >> yeah. Thank you, Mr. archuleta.
▶ 1:24:28I will now recognize miss bess mitchell everett, executive director at the friends of vicksburg national military park and campaign. Miss everett, you are recognized for five minutes. >> um, chairman tiffany, ranking member neguse and members of the committee, thank you for this opportunity to present today. My name is bess everett. I serve as the executive director of the friends of vicksburg national military park and campaign. I'm here in strong support of h.r.
▶ 1:24:574467, the vicksburg national military park boundary modification act, the friends of vicksburg national military park and campaign is the official nonprofit philanthropic partner to the park. We're a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the vicksburg national military park while ensuring that its stories and its are shared with the future generations.
▶ 1:25:19Our members, supporters, and partners are united in the belief that this place is a cornerstone of america's story and a vital educational, cultural, and economic resource for mississippi and for the nation. This legislation is crucial to a project centered around the construction of a new visitor center for the vicksburg national military park, the existing visitor center, built in the 1960s, was designed for a different era.
▶ 1:25:47While it has served faithfully, it now is far too small, outdated, and inadequate to meet the needs of the nearly half a million visitors who come each year to vicksburg. The current center, situated on core battlefield land, not only disrupts historic landscapes but also poses an ongoing maintenance burden for the national park service. Our visitors deserve more than what the current facility can provide. They deserve a gateway to fully understand the vicksburg campaign and its enduring significance.
▶ 1:26:15The new partner visitor center will be a state of the art facility, telling a more complete story of the civil war from pre-war era through reconstruction. It will provide immersive museum experiences, highlight unique art, unique artifacts and connect visitors to the larger region of the vicksburg campaign while also offering classroom and event space, archival and research facilities, and an event lawn designed for living history programs for mississippi's most visited cultural site.
▶ 1:26:45This project is not just a want, it's a necessity. The friends organization is proud to be a part of this unique public private partnership, leading this effort alongside the state of mississippi and the national park service.
▶ 1:26:58The funding for this project is being provided primarily by the state of mississippi and private donations therefore there, thereby relieving the national park service of significant operational burdens and enabling the agency to allocate its resources more effectively toward the stewardship of this important park. Together, we are working to ensure that the new facility will both honor the past and serve as the cultural and economic engine for the future. The vicksburg national military park includes approximately 2500 acres. H.r.
▶ 1:27:324467 makes two practical boundary modifications, affecting approximately ten acres and two parcels that are essential to the success of this project. This legislation is truly about access. The first track provides for a vital connector road and pedestrian bridge across a ravine, linking the new visitor center directly to the park tour road.
▶ 1:27:54Importantly the state of mississippi, and this project has committed to assume all expenses for the construction and long term maintenance of the road and bridge, ensuring that the operational burden does not fall to the national park service. The second modification addresses the existing mississippi welcome center, which sits on the bluff overlooking the mississippi river adjacent to park property and to interstate 20. A portion of that existing facility currently lies within park boundaries.
▶ 1:28:21This legislation clarifies ownership by transferring the track to the state, thereby ensuring that mississippi will assume all maintenance responsibilities for the building and the bluff on which it sits. This legislation has broader has broad bipartisan support with the full mississippi congressional delegation, the state of mississippi, local leadership and private partners, including our organization and the american battlefield trust, united in their commitment for its passage.
▶ 1:28:48Battlefields are a living classroom and vital to local economics and vicksburg heritage. Tourism is a major economic driver, and the new visitor center will only strengthen that role. It will attract visitors who stay longer, explore more and invest in local business. In conclusion, h.r. 467 is a critical step toward making this vision a reality.
▶ 1:29:11It will allow the necessary land adjustments and for the new visitor center and strengthen the long term preservation interpretation of the vicksburg national military park on behalf of the friends of vicksburg national military park and campaign, I urge you to support this legislation, and together we can ensure that the story of vicksburg is told with the depth, dignity and national importance it deserves. Thank you for this opportunity to testify and for your commitment to protecting america's historic treasures. >> thank you, miss everett.
▶ 1:29:39I will now recognize Mr. tom humphreys, board member at the american motorcycle association. Mr. humphreys, you are recognized for five minutes. Thank you. Chairman tiffany, ranking member and members of the subcommittee, thank you for inviting me to. >> testify today in support of h.r. 4386 and on behalf of motorcyclists across the united states. My name is tom humphreys, and I serve as vice chair of the board of directors for the american motorcyclist association, where I also chair the rights and advocacy committee.
▶ 1:30:09And I am proud to represent over 215,000 ama members nationwide. In addition, I serve as the government relations officer for the amateur riders motorcycle association, ama district 23, in minnesota. Founded in 1924, the ama is the largest national organization representing motorcyclists in north america. The ama is dedicated to protecting motorcyclists rights, promoting the motorcycle lifestyle, and supporting responsible use of public lands.
▶ 1:30:35Our members have a proud history of volunteer work, trail maintenance and stewardship of national parks and other public recreation areas. Today, there are nearly 9 million motorcycles on the road in america, double the number of riders from 20 years ago. Motorcycling is a fundamental part of our culture, symbolizing independence, self-reliance and the spirit of american freedom. Motorcycling is a major contributor to local and regional economies. The motorcycle and powersports industry generates an estimated 50.9 billion in economic impact.
▶ 1:31:04Rider tourism supports small businesses throughout road trips, competitive racing, and participation in national events. Gatherings such as sturgis in south dakota, the northwoods rally in wisconsin, and the four corners rally in colorado, attract tens of thousands of riders each year and generate hundreds of millions for the local communities. These events and other scenic motorcycle routes like the backcountry discovery routes, bring motorcyclists through rural towns and public lands.
▶ 1:31:29National parks and other federal public lands are some of the most desirable destinations for riders. These areas provide the backdrop for unmatched scenic riding and many times, once in a lifetime trips. Congress and federal agencies should encourage access to these areas and provide a uniform standard for admittance. Unfortunately, a recent policy change has created confusion and frustration amongst the motorcycling community.
▶ 1:31:52In 2000 or in 2024, the department of interior announced that the america the beautiful annual pass will move to a single signature line, eliminating the options for two motorcyclists to share a pass. While the pass will still allow admission for a driver and up to three passengers in a car, for bicyclists and for pedestrians, and now only admits one motorcycle with up to two riders. This change penalizes penalizes motorcyclists traveling together on separate motorcycles, requiring each to purchase an annual pass.
▶ 1:32:21This disparity places an unnecessary burden on motorcyclists who travel together and support our public lands. Further, this discourages riders who travel responsibly from visiting and fails to provide parity amongst visitors based on mode of transportation. Beyond restoring parity, this bill also supports the broader goals of modernizing and improving access to america's public lands motorcycles are fuel efficient, space saving, and environmentally friendly vehicles.
▶ 1:32:49With the stewardship goals of federal land managers, they also provide a unique way to experience federal lands. Unlike a passenger car, a motorcycle allows riders to be immersed in the environment with better views, unobstructed sights, and more direct connection to the landscape sounds and experiences that make our federal lands so special.
▶ 1:33:05In this way, motorcycling is not only efficient, but also one of the best ways to see and enjoy the amazing federal lands and recreation areas as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, we should ensure that the america the beautiful pass lives up to its name by truly welcoming all forms of travel that allow citizens to enjoy our parks, forests and recreation areas.
▶ 1:33:27This bill helps us celebrate that milestone by expanding opportunity and impartiality for the millions of americans who choose to experience the outdoors from the seat of a motorcycle, h.r. 4386 will address this issue by restoring responsible access for motorcyclists. Reasonable sorry access for motorcyclists without overturning the policy change enacted by the department of interior.
▶ 1:33:49This legislation provides a simple solution by updating guidance from the secretary to parks and local staff to allow two motorcycles per pass by explicitly allowing one additional motorcycle, including its passenger, to enter with a pass holder. H.r. 4386 restores a vehicle access parity for motorcyclists.
▶ 1:34:09It recognizes that two riders, one motorcycle, should have the same access as a couple in a car or a small group of bicyclists. The benefits of this legislation extends beyond recreation to local towns and communities, promoting sustainable outdoor recreation and responsible stewardship. As we look ahead to the america 252 of the america 250 celebration, we should work together to expand opportunities for motorcyclists and highlight our nation's beautiful landscapes.
▶ 1:34:39Motorcycling is a vital part of american culture and important contributor to tourism and recreation. By passing h.r. 4386, congress can ensure that motorcyclists continue to have reasonable and responsible on and off highway access. Thanks for the opportunity to testify, and I appreciate your time. >> thank you. >> very much, Mr. humphries. We will now go to members questions, and we're going to first recognize my good colleague and friend and friend, representative leger fernandez, for five minutes. >> thank you.
▶ 1:35:08Uh, chairman, uh, have always appreciated our conversations and our debate. Chief robinson, um, I just want to thank you for your words. The expressions of the tender care and trust of the people that you and your officers and the ems serve were very moving.
▶ 1:35:33Uh, and I look forward to seeing, uh, the manner of honoring that trust and the people who display it here in washington, D.C. Mr. the heart breaks realizing that we had to include so many names. 345 officers last year alone. And, uh, we must honor those who protect us.
▶ 1:36:01Uh, I often say that service is an act of love. The people who work for both of the entities that you are here representing law enforcement, first responders, emergency responders are engaging in an act of love when they serve and protect us. So thank you very much. I want to now turn to Mr. archuleta.
▶ 1:36:23You know, the love that a community has for those who have passed on, uh, I think is there's nothing controversial about that. It is universal. And so the bill that we are speaking in favor of today does exactly that. One of the comments you made kind of struck me, um, which is that for some of these cemeteries, there's no more room, right?
▶ 1:36:50So that if somebody dies in that community, they would have to leave and be buried somewhere far away if they're away from, you know, families often want to have their whole families buried next to each other so that they can go visit them. And and that is a real problem. Um, is is this something that how we the bill would allow an additional acre to be added?
▶ 1:37:21And I think that that addresses part of that concern. Can you talk a little bit about that heartache that happens? >> Mr. chairman, ranking member and congresswoman leger-fernandez? Um, that's correct. These these cemeteries provide, um, a place for the final resting place for our loved ones. And in new mexico was land based communities. Um, everything we do is tied, um, culturally, uh, and significantly, um, to the land.
▶ 1:37:50Uh, it's it's what's helps our communities survive. Um, our communities still, uh, live off those lands and sustain themselves throughout life. And then in death, they're laid to rest in those lands. Uh, and so having the opportunity to be buried, um, with generations of ancestors who have lived in those communities for centuries, uh, is definitely, uh, significant, um, both, uh, culturally and spiritually to our communities. And that is a potential problem when, um, our community cemeteries that for these communities that are centuries old run.
▶ 1:38:21>> out of. >> space, um, and there's not adequate lands for, for them to be buried. Uh, this bill provides that opportunity for that transfer, not only of those lands, um, for local management, for uses, uh, but also for continued use. Um, some of the cemeteries that I mentioned earlier are historic cemeteries. And under the current management regime of the federal land management, particularly the forest service, um, you know, those cemeteries can be respected as a place, but they're not, uh, allowed for active use.
▶ 1:38:50Uh, being able to transfer those would provide an opportunity for community members to again, be able to be buried with their ancestors and those communities. Uh, and so, um, that aspect of the bill is very important for us. >> thank you very much. And then the other piece I think is really important is the cost, uh, the ability to waive waive the cost. Now, many of these communities, there's some of the poorest live in the some of the poorest counties.
▶ 1:39:15Uh, and because they've chosen to stay on the land and we want our rural communities to stay on the land that they have tended and cared for and live off of. Um, but, uh, it would be cost prohibitive. Some of these, like, how much would it cost, um, to try to get these lands transferred, just the conveyance costs alone. >> Mr. chairman, ranking member and congresswoman leger-fernandez, um, that's a good question.
▶ 1:39:40Um, you know, every time that the federal government conveys lands, they have to do an analysis and it goes at fair market value. Um, we don't know the exact inputs that go into how those valuations are determined. Um, but we know that it can be cost prohibitive. Um, and it places a burden on these communities that are really just trying to honor their loved ones. And, and, and, um, be able to utilize these sacred places. Uh, and so it's something that's a little bit unsettling for communities to think that they'd have to purchase back, um, where their loved ones are buried. >> uh, thank you very much.
▶ 1:40:10And my time expired, and I yield back. >> gentlelady's. Time has expired. And I now recognize the gentleman from minnesota for his question. >> thank you very much. It's great to hear you all being great advocates for what you believe in. And, um, to Mr. alexander and, um, chief robinson, uh, chief robinson, for you first, uh, as a former, uh, registered, nationally registered paramedic, I will say this phrase and you will understand it.
▶ 1:40:39Shock shock shock, everybody. Shock. Little shock, big shock. Right. Cardiac arrest algorithm. Way back when, uh, you had you had shared a, uh, you know, a story of of what you go through, um, and what you see, I will say police officers, firefighters, ems and social workers, they see the very darkness of our
▶ 1:41:09Society and have to deal with it. I think by recognizing, uh, ems, uh, is critically important. And I am looking forward to supporting this. And I want to thank you and all the other workers at save lives and have to go through that grief. It's not easy taking a baby from a mother. Right? Car crash. You know, they passed. You did what you can do, Mr. alexander.
▶ 1:41:39I spent 23 years in the police uniform. And unfortunately, we're going to add three more because of an incident yesterday. It's tragic. Just tragic that the police week for me. And there's only a few of us that have worn the uniform in law enforcement. That police week for me is a week of sadness, grieving, and in some respects, anger.
▶ 1:42:05Because it was a criminal that took the life mr sisters forever. We have to honor them. We must never forget them. You know, many say it's it's not how they died. It's how they lived, who they were. They were partners, companions, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts.
▶ 1:42:33I was lucky when I was shot off duty. I survived some of these didn't. It is personal. It's real. And I want to thank you for standing up for the men and women in law enforcement and requesting this.
▶ 1:42:53I want to thank, uh, representative nehls, another law enforcement officer who brings this forward to honor the men and women who put their life on the line, just like those officers did yesterday, serving the warrant. When they served that warrant, they had no idea. That's the last search warrant they're going on.
▶ 1:43:18Having been on our tactical team for nine years and the entry team, I been there.
▶ 1:46:42I. Know what it feels like. It's not a good feeling, but somebody has to do it. And it's the men and women in law enforcement that do that every single day across this great nation. That's why this member of congress and so many other members of congress were furious during the defund the police movement. I mean, furious that affected our profession in a negative and profound way. We lost good men and women because of that. So what you're advocating for, and I can't wait to support it, is to honor these men and women who gave their lives in defense of us and the safety we measure our community by how safe it is. If our communities aren't safe, there's no activity, there's no economic activity. Schools are going to close. Hospitals are going to close. Safety in the community is the number one priority. And the men and women in the blue and brow give us tht opportunity.
▶ 1:47:12That money is going to be well spent, well spent. Because I know law enforcement, when you give them the opportunity to invest, they do it wisely and they do it well and they do it with in brother and sisterhood, just like the ems community. And I want to close these last 30s. I think mental health is so important for us. I want us all to look and recognize that we need it in a profession. Police, firefighters, ems and our social workers who see the dark side of society. They're valued and you are all valued in the communities that you serve. And I'm so glad you came to testify, and I look forward to supporting these legislations. And I yield back. >> the gentleman yields. I now recognize the ranking member, Mr. neguse, for his questions. >> t being here in washington. Uh, in particular, I want to thank chief robinson. Welcome to washington. Uh, although I no longer represent the town of loveland, the city of loveland in the second congressional district, I was proud to represent loveland and, of course, still represent much of larimer county. And very grateful to you for the work that you do each and every day. Uh, grateful for the folks that you lead.
▶ 1:47:40And I certainly concur with so many of my colleagues who I think have expressed their gratitude to the folks on the front lines, whom, you know, I often describe as kind of our forgotten first responders. Uh, and I think this memorial will be a fitting tribute to them and grateful that you've p talkd a little bit about this, of course, about the reasons why the memorial is so important. And I couldn't agree with you more. Uh, but I perhaps you can expand a bit on what the proposed design of the memorial will be and what that will mean to the ems community. >> thank you very much, ranking member neguse. It's a privilege to be here in front of you and the committee. Mr. chairman, um, the we've worked a lot, uh, through the 24 step process of the commemorative works act. Um, and the answer to your question, the short answer is, we don't know. Um, we do have some designs. We've been fortunate enough to have all the architectural design work donated to us by the massachusetts institute of technology's urban risk lab. Um, and so we do have some conc the, of the site. Um, our site selection, as I mentioned in my comments, uh, our, our preferred site is the plaza of the humphrey building, um, at third and independence southwest. And that, uh, we do have a design for that.
▶ 1:48:06Um, that is a it's sort of a not quite circular design, but sort of oblong circular design that allows people to walk in and out of that of the area with a central green space and some places for private reflection around the inside and outside of of the the memorial. Well. >> having been through that process, uh, under the commemorative works act, I can certainly attest we've had a bill for many years that was ultimately signed into law to create the first suffrage monument on the national mall, and have worked really hard over the last couple of years to help make that a reality. And so it's a very complicated process, as you know, but I have no doubt, uh, that once we get this bill across the finish line, that that's a process that you all will be able to, uh, you know, to finish in good order. So in any event, I'll stop there. Again, thank you for being here. Thank you to all the witnesses for being here today. And I yield back the balance of my time. >> gentleman yields.
▶ 1:48:36I now recognize the gentleman from michigan, Mr. walberg, for his questioning. >> thank you, Mr. chairman, and thanks to the panel. Um, and, uh, uh, coming after, uh, my colleague from minnesota's comments, uh, Mr. stolberg's, uh, poignant comments about reality.
▶ 1:48:58It almost, um, uh, causes me to reserve commenting on my legislation, but I recognize the fact that we have security in our country that individuals are willing to step up to the plate. Those of us who enjoy motorcycles and motorcycling in the great national parks have a greater freedom and opportunity. So thank you, Mr.
▶ 1:49:21It's good to see you have a fellow ama member as a as a life member, myself and the ama, uh, working for writers rights and safety education and all of that.
▶ 1:49:34Um, I think, uh, allowing cyclists in a common sense way to use their motorcycles with friends and family in national park settings, uh, which, you know, some of the greatest pictures in my mind come from times up on top of 10,000 foot, 11 foot peaks and glacier park and yellowstone and other places that that I've enjoyed.
▶ 1:50:00And your background is impressive as well, since, um, your service includes, uh, leadership in the amateur writers motorcycle association and, uh, where you're educating, helping train new riders, uh, for on road and off road usage. And your work is on recreational trail issues. Uh, question I would have how has the disparity caused by the change to the america the beautiful pass? And it's a change went away from what it was which was working.
▶ 1:50:29Uh, how is that change implemented during the previous administration? Negatively impacted motorcyclists and their enjoyment? >> uh, thank you, mister chair. And congressman, the the change is, I think, one that is limiting the use and the access to our public lands. You know, this is something that we heard from our members. It was brought to our attention that this change had come, took place from our membership.
▶ 1:50:57And basically what they're saying is they do not participate or are not using because they feel there's a they're not treated the same anymore and they'll choose to go elsewhere. And I think as we talked about earlier, you know, on mental health, that getting out on a motorcycle and enjoying these lands is a good way to help improve your mental health. So we we want to make sure that we have this access so that we can continue to. >> is there any negative impact on our national parks through motorcyclists using it?
▶ 1:51:28>> I do not think so. I think it's actually a better use. Uh, it helps simply with just parking because they're smaller. So when you do need to have parking, they take up less space. I think they're more fuel efficient. They allow people to get out and enjoy these spaces. So I do not see a negative. >> yeah. Having ridden ridden 250 miles last saturday through utah mountains, I can attest to the enjoyment. Yeah. And it's better gas mileage usage as well.
▶ 1:51:55Um, how much of an economic driver are recreational biking and motorcyclist tourism, especially for communities around our rural, uh, areas and public lands? >> thank you. It's millions of dollars that are put into the local economies through motorcycling activities. And some of the events we talked about earlier. The industry itself is about $50.9 billion.
▶ 1:52:19Um, but the recreational activities in local areas are millions. We have an event in minnesota, part of a race, uh, the local newspaper there has done economic impact. And they figured just that one weekend event, I think it was about $2.5 million of local economic impact through restaurants, hotels, local services and stuff like that. So by having motorcycling in these communities, it provides a great economic impact. >> yeah.
▶ 1:52:49And that's not discounting cycling events like sturgis, mount rushmore area and all the rest. And the impact that's there. Um, I appreciate your response. Uh, Mr. chairman, thank you for, uh, this, uh, allowing this common sense solution to be brought up. And I believe it is common sense. It worked before. I don't know why it was taken away, uh, to allow cars, motorcycles, bikes to have access to our glorious national parks ought to be encouraged.
▶ 1:53:21And this will be a simple change, and I hope there will be support I yield back. >> the gentleman yields. I will now recognize myself for a question. Yes. Um, you see, a lot of people. Their therapist is their harley. Right. And, um, I thought it should've been called harley bill. But, you know, I come from the state of wisconsin, so, uh. Um, uh, Mr.
▶ 1:53:46Humphries, the, um, was the ama noticed or given an opportunity to comment when this change was made? >> um, thank you, Mr. chairman. I'm not aware of any comment. Period. When the. I believe in our letter and our written response we received back is that there was not a public comment period required. Um, we did write a letter after it was brought to our attention that this had happened. And we did hear back from the administration on that.
▶ 1:54:14I believe that referenced that there was not a public comment period needed. >> and when did that happen? >> uh, that was. >> was it change made? >> I think in 2020 or on february that we referenced them or reached out to the secretary of interior and received that response. But the change was made in january of 2024. >> early 2024 is when that change was made. >> yep. >> okay.
▶ 1:54:44Thank you very much for that. Um, miss everett, um. You represent one of the finest national military parks in the united states. My wife and I, when we were there 20 years ago. Um, we could have spent two days there, and it was just terrific. Uh, and I want to thank you for your work that you do and all the others down in vicksburg, because it really does tell a great story about the civil war and part of american history.
▶ 1:55:13And, um, uh, if there's anything that you miss in your testimony or something you want to emphasize in regards to land conveyance and how important it is, go ahead and share your thoughts in regard to that of how this is going to benefit the visitor experience at at vicksburg. >> sure. Thank you. Um, and thank you for your comments.
▶ 1:55:35Um, I'm partial, but I agree, um, that the park in vicksburg is such a significant, um, piece of american history and, um, the park boundaries itself, um, prior to 2019, really were just the siege lines at vicksburg in 2019, legislation passed that allowed us to tell a broader story of the campaign that extends to two adjacent counties.
▶ 1:55:59And we, the state of mississippi, actually donated, um, 100, a little over 850 acres to help build out this park and and kind of increase the story of the vicksburg campaign. And that helped prompt our decision to enter in this unique partnership visitor center so we can have a better space, um, to tell, um, this more inclusive story that really broadens the scope of the, of the campaign to, to other areas in mississippi.
▶ 1:56:25So this boundary legislation, um, is critical. It's a small parcel of land. It's a joke and call it the ditch in mississippi, but it really is just a small parcel of land. But what it does is it allows this access road and this connector to what will be this new state of the art facility, um, to connect this public private venture to the tour route of the national park.
▶ 1:56:47And it's just critical to the success of the project and kind of to circle back to one of your comments from earlier, um, for, uh, for Mr. caldwell, um, we are proud of this partnership. It is exciting to see, um, people at the state and local level understand the significance of this national park, but also the private sector. I mean, this is america's story, and we're really proud to see this level of support and investment into this important site.
▶ 1:57:15>> yeah, certainly on the part of this subcommittee of federal lands. But I hope it is also the case with the full committee of natural resources. Um, this is a priority of ours to try to where people want to participate and, um, put money into these sites like this.
▶ 1:57:33National parks and, and, um, and parts of what are the national park service that we encourage that at this point, because we have so much improvement that we can make to make the visitors experience better, but just do the simple maintenance that is, um, so needed in many of these locations around the united states of america and the territory. So, um, I just want to thank you again for all the work that you've done.
▶ 1:57:59I want to thank, uh, all the witnesses for the time you've taken to come here before this committee. And, uh, members of the subcommittee may have some additional questions, uh, for you. And we'll ask that you respond to those in writing, please. Under committee rule three, members of the subcommittee must submit questions to the subcommittee clerk by 5 p.m. On tuesday, september 23rd, 2025. The hearing record will be held open for ten business days.
▶ 1:58:27For your responses. If there is no further business. Without objection, the subcommittee on federal lands stands adjourned.