We must protect the nation's most historic landscapes and wilderness areas for future generations to enjoy.  As a member of the Interior Subcommittee on Appropriations, I work closely with conservationists, the National Park Service (NPS) and the Forest Service on these areas' critical issues. 

Allowing the construction of cellular phone towers in the Great Smokey Mountains would be a mistake, detracting from the beauty of the natural surrounding and undermining the purpose of the National Park System.  Part of the experience of visiting one of the National Parks is getting away from it all.  Cell towers and cell phones take away from that experience.

I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House to carry on the tradition of protecting our national assets.