Radanovich Encourages Democrat Leadership to Follow Regular Order with Omnibus Public Lands Bill
Individual Bills Should Come to Floor Alone and Stand on Own Merit
Washington,
Mar 11, 2009 -
Congressman George Radanovich (R-Mariposa) expressed discontent with Democrat leadership after the House failed to pass S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009.
“Unfortunatly, I was unable to participate in today’s vote on S. 22 due to a prior commitment to a family medical situation,” said Radanovich. “However, I would not have supported S. 22 if I had been able to participate.”
At a time when America desperately needs to become energy independent, S.22 blocks millions of acres from new oil and gas leasing. In Wyoming, the bill eliminates the possibility of adding 331 million barrels of recoverable oil and 8.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas to America’s domestic energy supply.
In the middle of a recession, the bill also blocks millions of acres from logging, mining and all other business activity. In addition, S. 22 designates more than 2 million acres of land as wilderness areas; permanently eliminating human access for energy exploration or recreational opportunities.
“I completely support various portions within S. 22, such as the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement, and my own pieces of legislation, the Madera Water Supply Enhancement Act, and the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Land Transfer Act,” said Radanovich. “However, I cannot support S. 22, which amounts to nothing more than a hodgepodge of bad legislation with a few meritorious measures sprinkled on top in a effort to garner support.”
“Lately, this practice of shoddy legislating has become the norm around the House of Representatives and it is truly a shame,” said Radanovich. “I encourage Democrat leadership to follow regular order and bring each of the bills contained within S. 22 to the House floor separately and allow them to stand on their own merit.”
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