Public lands are valuable resources for all Americans and should not be sold off to cover short term funding needs.  We must protect National Parks and National Forest, so that they are still around for future generations to enjoy.

The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act provides payments to counties were federal land ownership limits local tax revenue.  These funds are used to help pay for schools and roads in counties that would otherwise not able to maintain these vital public services.  I strongly support reauthorizing this legislation.

The proposal to pay for this program by selling off public lands includes 3000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest, which is an invaluable resource to the people of east Tennessee.  While I strongly support the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, I do not support selling public lands as a revenue source.