U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall speaks at a rally May 16, 2006, in Washington to push for mine safety legislation.
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Breaking News - Resources Committee Democrats - November 9, 2006
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Rahall Offers Glimpse into Future of Resources Committee
Committee to focus on preserving our nation’s heritage

November 9, 2006
Full Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. On the day following Democrats’ electoral victory in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), Ranking Democrat on the House Resources Committee, released the following statement regarding the vision for the Committee, which has jurisdiction over programs administered by the Department of the Interior, among other agencies, in the 110th Congress,:

"Today, I thank the American people, who have demonstrated their will that it is time to lead our nation in a new direction. For too long now, this Congress has pursued policies that are out of touch with American expectations for conserving our unique natural and cultural heritage – and my colleagues and I are looking forward to working together to restore the balance that has been lost along the way.

"Nowhere will this be more true than for the House Resources Committee, if my colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus so choose to select me as its next Chairman. I have always been a believer in the "two E’s" – endowment and empowerment – which together will go a long way toward realizing the potential of our nation’s most precious resources and preserving our country’s heritage for future generations."

Full Press Release


American Public Wins in Roadless Ruling
Federal Court Overturns Bush Administration Forest Policy

September 20, 2006
Full Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. A great swath of America’s natural heritage has been granted a pardon from destructive developments due to a landmark court ruling overturning the Bush Administration’s policy to set aside the popular Clinton-era “roadless rule” for National Forests, U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) said in commending a ruling handed down today by the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. 

“The policies of the Bush Administration not only ignored public opinion,  placing at risk the future of our cherished heritage, but also undoubtedly would have exacerbated the approximate $10 billion maintenance backlog on existing National Forest roads,” said Rahall, the Ranking Democrat on the House Resources Committee, which has jurisdiction over National Forest issues. “To recklessly pile an added infrastructure burden onto the existing maintenance backlog was nothing more than bad management policy.”

Full Press Release


House Floor Remarks of U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall, II
H. Res. 175: September 11th National Memorial

September 12, 2006
Full Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. Mr. Speaker, we are not here today to determine whether the events of September 11, 2001, should be memorialized.  That process  began immediately after that tragic day in truly American fashion, as spontaneous free expressions of grief and unity.  Ribbons were pinned on chests. Old glory was hung from every post.  Shared moments of silence, neighbors gathering on front stoops by candlelight, families and friends and total strangers joining hands, churches and football fields ringing of spacious skies and amber waves of grain.    

Over the last five years, states and cities, organizations and individuals throughout our Nation have chosen to commemorate that day – the sorrow and the heroism – in different tangible ways, with art and statues and structures that will long stand as reminders of our shared experience. 

Now national efforts are underway, with Congressional support, in Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon. The specific purpose of House Resolution 175 is to place the Congress on record supporting a memorial in New York City that will also be a memorial conceived, designed, and interpreted for our Nation as a whole.             

It is appropriate that we do this. 

 

Full Press Release

 


Rahall: Report Confirms the Endangered Species Act Is Working

September 8, 2006
Full Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. A new independent federal report confirms the success of the landmark Endangered Species Act (ESA), which has an almost 100 percent effectiveness rate of preventing the demise of plants and animals that are so vital to human society.

According to the General Accountability Office (GAO) report, requested by U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), Ranking Democrat on the House Resources Committee, along with several Members of the House and Senate, the conservation tools provided by the ESA have been successful. 

“This report reiterates what we have already known for some time – the Endangered Species Act  works.  Only nine of the approximately 1,300 domestic species listed have gone extinct.  Clearly, species have been, and continue to be, recovering under the Act,” said Rep. Rahall. 

Full Press Release


HOUSE APPROVES LEGISLATION BANNING HORSE SLAUGHTER

September 7, 2006
Full Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) hailed today’s passage of H.R. 503, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, legislation which will put a stop to the commercial slaughter of American horses for foreign consumption. 

“It is a sad state of affairs when we have to fight to prevent the slaughter of more than 90,000 American horses a year to appease the dieting habits of foreigners.  Horses are an integral part of the tapestry of this country – an American icon.  Yet the merchants of slaughter will have us believe that it is fine and dandy to slaughter our horses for the sole purpose of sending their flesh overseas to support some warped demand among foreign diners for horse meat on their menus,” said Rahall, the Ranking Member on the House Resources Committee.

He continued, “Most importantly, the horse is a companion for many Americans, and a treasured childhood memory.  Horses are part of our identity and heritage, and in America they are not for human consumption.”

Full Press Release

 

 

 

 

Historic Preservation
Energy and Mineral Resources Energy Bill Giveaways
Fisheries and Oceans Indian Health Care
Forests and Forest Health U.S. Territories
National Parks Water Recycling
Indian & Insular Affairs Wild Horses
National Park Service
Maintenance Backlog
Fisheries Science and Management Enhancement Act
HR 3824: House-passed ESA legislation
Land and Water Conservation Fund
Club Fed: Closed to the Public
Photo Album
Quote of the Day

Today, I thank the American people, who have demonstrated their will that it is time to lead our nation in a new direction. For too long now, this Congress has pursued policies that are out of touch with American expectations for conserving our unique natural and cultural heritage,” said Rep. Rahall.  

 

 

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