Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
Addresses/Remarks to the House
U.S. House Representative William Thomas (R-CA) stating "in the spirit of bipartisan cooperation," he'll refrain from speaking about former President Jimmy Carter, proceeds to level multiple criticisms against him, ending with negative mention of brother, Billy Carter. Rep. William Ratchford (D-CT), Speaker Pro Tempore, recognizes Rep. Frank Horton (R-NY). Horton provides remarks on recent tribute to leaders of the Hungarian Revolution, joining with U.S. Senator Robert Dole in hosting reception to recognize 25th Anniversary of execution of the leaders of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, celebrating the freedom fighters. Ratchford recognizes Rep. William Dannemeyer (R-CA).
Addresses to the House
U.S. House Representative William Dannemeyer (R-CA) introduces Public Holiday Bill, which would place future public holidays on a Saturday or Sunday, avoiding costly federal paid holidays; adult Caucasian female in BG receives his remarks. Rep. William Ratchford (D-CT), Speaker Pro Tempore, recognizes Rep. Jim Bates (D-CA); adult Caucasian, predominantly males, seated around tiers of House Rostrum. Rep. Bates addresses House on the MX missile, urges every Congressperson to examine the facts and vote their conscience. He doesn't believe there is any military justification for it and will only endanger arms control.
Bill H.R. 3385 Introduction
House Speaker Pro Tempore, Rep. William Ratchford (D-CT) announces postponement on further proceedings for the day on each motion to suspend rules on which a recorded vote are ordered, or on which vote is objected to under clause 4 or rule 15. Such rollcall votes, if postponed, will be taken Tuesday, July 19, 1983. He recognizes Rep. Eligio "Kika" de la Garza (D-TX). Rep. Garza moves to suspend rules, pass House Resolution Bill 3385 as amended. Elderly adult Caucasian male clerk states the title of the bill: Provide Equity to Cotton Producers Under the Payment in Kind Program. Ratchford announces a "second" is not required for this bill, recognizes Rep. de la Garza and Rep. Arlan Stangeland for twenty minutes each.
Remarks in Favor of H.R. 3385
U.S. House Representative Eligio "Kika" de la Garza (D-TX): "The key to this bill can be summed up in one word. Fairness." In dealing with cotton section of the Payment in Kind program established by the Department of Agriculture, the bill seeks to help cotton growers who do not have enough to cotton to pay in kind those people that signed up. After being told that they would not have put cotton into a loan, now many cotton farmers are being told they must do just that. Garza is seeking that the Dept. of Agriculture keep its word and be fair to those who signed up and were told no cotton would need to be put into a loan. Speaker Pro Tempore, Rep. William Ratchford (D-CT), recognizes Rep. Arlan Stangeland (R-MN), who also supports bill and urges for a swift approval of the bill. Rep. Ratchford asks if there are any other requests for time.
Remarks in Favor of H.R. 3385
U.S. House Representative Eligio "Kika" de la Garza (D-TX) yields time as needed to Rep. Thomas "Jerry" Huckaby (D-LA) who also lends his supports to the bill. Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. William Ratchford (D-CT) recognizes Rep. Arlen Stangeland (R-MN) who yields his time to Rep. William Thomas (R-CA) who lends his support to the bill. Stangeland states there are no other requests for time, allowing Garza to yield his time to William Nichols (D-AL) who lends his support to the bill. With both parties yielding back the balance of their time, Ratchford proceeds for a voice vote on the bill, but Rep. William Frenzel (R-MN) requests a recorded vote, which under the rules, postpones the vote until the next day. Rep. Ratchford recognizes Rep. Garza.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
U.S. House Representative Eligio "Kika" de la Garza (D-TX) moves to suspend the rules and move House Resolution 24 as amended. Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. William Ratchford (D-CT) clarifies a procedural move with Rep. Garza, who asks for five legislative days to “revise and extend their remarks on the Bill 3385”. Rep. Ratchford has an elderly adult Caucasian male clerk report the title of the bill up for consideration which would make certain lands owned by the U.S. and the state of New York part of the Green Mountain National Forest. Rep. Ratchford asks for a “second”, which is provided by Rep. Sydney Morrison (R-WA). Rep. Ratchford recognizes Reps. Garza and Morrison for twenty minutes a piece; middle aged adult Caucasian male speaks briefly into the ear of Rep. Ratchford. Rep. Garza explains the land, known as the Hector Project, is already administered like a National Forest, so making it part of the Green Mountain National Forest would simply confirm its status.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
Speaker Pro Tempore, U.S. House Representative William Ratchford (D-CT) recognizes Rep. Sydney Morrison (R-WA) who proceeds to give a history of the the Hector Land Area, which is under consideration, by way of House Resolution 24, to become part of the Green Mountain National Forest. Rep. Morrison provides history and the reason behind Congress’ current action with H.R. 24, which seeks to codify the land into the nation’s U.S. Forest Service, preventing its sale to any entity without the approval of both Houses of Congress.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
U.S. House Representative Sydney Morrison (R-WA) continues explaining the legislative procedures taken in committee to further strengthen House Resolution 24 and make the Hector Land Area in New York a part of the Green Mountain National Forest. He notes that this would be the only National Forest in all of New York and urges his colleagues to support the bill before yielding time to Rep. Frank Horton (R-NY). Rep. Horton uses his time to explain how Congressional action started with regards to the Hector Land Area, noting that he has no problem with selling off land that has no recreation, legal, or ecological protection, but this land is different. Rep. Horton also remarks upon the history of the Hector Land Area, its importance to the state of New York and how it has been already administered by the U.S. Forest Service as though it were already a National Forest.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
U.S. House Representative Frank Horton (R-NY) continues voicing his support for the Hector Land Area to be incorporated into the Green Mountain National Forest under House Resolution 24, citing political support for the bill in the U.S. Senate, the New York State Legislature, as well as support from various other organizations such as “The Sierra Club, the American Forestry Association, the Wildlife Management Institute, the Wilderness Society, and others.”
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
Speaker Pro Tempore, U.S. House Representative William Ratchford (D-CT) recognizes Rep. Eligio "Kika" de la Garza (D-TX), who yields time to Rep. Stanley Lundine (D-NY). Rep. Lundine rises in support of House Resolution 24, which would make the Hector Land Area a part of the Green Mountain National Forest, and commends “colleague from New York for his leadership on behalf of this legislation and extend my sincere thanks to the distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee on Forestry, Family Farms and Energy for the very courteous and expeditious manner in which he has handled the legislation, and Chairman de la Garza for his management of the bill.”
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
U.S. House Representative Stanley Lundine (D-NY) continues delivering remarks in support of House Resolution 24, making the Hector Land Area a part of the Green Mountain National Forest. He provides background on the land and the need to pass the legislation so that only with the approval of both Houses of Congress can the land be sold off. Lundine: “I applaud the administration's willingness to drop its opposition to this legislation and am pleased with the belated recognition by the Agriculture Department that there may indeed be greater value in continued public management of the Hector Land Use Area than in any short-term gain from its sale…. The Hector Area is a valuable asset to the people of New York and a model of good land stewardship. It should be viewed as a credit to the Forest Service rather than a liability to be put up for liquidation.”
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
Speaker Pro Tempore, U.S. House Representative William Ratchford (D-CT) asks whether Rep. Sydney Morrison (R-WA) has any other requests for time and Rep. Morrison yields time to Rep. James Jeffords (R-VT). Rep. Jeffords rises in support of House Resolution 24, making the Hector Land Area an official part of the Green Mountain National Forest. Rep. Jeffords notes that he represents the state where the Green Mountains originate, but that this bill corrects one of the many wrongs the state of New York has committed upon the state of Vermont.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
U.S. House Representative James Jeffords (R-VT) continues speaking on the origins of the state of Vermont: “Meeting in Bennington in 1791, the legislature of the republic voted to pay New York roughly $90,000 to silence its squawking...Since the legislature was sworn to uphold the republic's constitution, it took a separate body to vote to join the Union and recognize the U.S. Constitution. It is a bitter legacy, but one that is sweetened somewhat by the noble gesture of the New York delegation here today. I thank them for this, a tardy but magnanimous reparation for the wrongs of the past and urge all true patriots to vote for this legislation.” Speaker Pro Tempore, Rep. William Ratchford (D-CT) recognizes Rep. Sydney Morrison (R-WA) who yields back the balance of his time, but not before expressing satisfaction that a positive step has been taken between two states. Rep. Eligio "Kika" de la Garza (D-TX) is also happy Vermont entered the Union, strengthening its bond with New York.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
Speaker Pro Tempore, U.S. House Representative William Ratchford (D-CT) asks whether the House, through a voice vote, should suspend the rules and pass House Resolution 24 as amended. Rep. Ratchford judges that by a two-thirds vote, the resolution passes. Rep. Ratchford proceeds to confirm that Rep. William Frenzel (R-MN) wants a recorded vote on House Resolution 3385, which Rep. Frenzel confirms. Rep. Ratchford then asks those in agreement to stand (o/s), and judges that enough are standing to carry the motion, confirming that the vote will be postponed until tomorrow. Ratchford recognizes Rep. Eligio "Kika" de la Garza (D-TX) who asks for unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the bill, H.R. 24 and for unanimous consent to be permitted to include extraneous matter in his remarks on H.R. 3385. There is no objection. Rep. Ratchford recognizes Rep. John Seiberling Jr. (D-OH), off screen.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
Adult, predominantly Caucasian, males and females seated at the House Rostrum with Speaker Pro Tempore, U.S. House Representative William Ratchford (D-CT) standing at the Speakers Platform. Rep. John Seiberling Jr. (D-OH) seeks to suspend the rules and pass House Resolution 1341 as amended. Elderly adult Caucasian male clerk reads the bill title out: Establish the Mono Lake National Monument in the State of California. Speaker Pro Tempore, Rep. William Ratchford (D-CT) asks whether a “second” is demanded, and Rep. Donald Young (R-AK) requests one. Rep. Ratchford allots twenty minutes a piece to Reps. Seiberling Jr. and Young.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
U.S. House Representative John Seiberling Jr. (D-OH) provides his remarks on passing House Resolution 1341 which would establish the “Mono Lake Basin National Forest Scenic Area in the State of California. It would be managed as a separate unit of the Inyo National Forest.” Before continuing, Rep. Seiberling Jr. commends the local representative whose district is represented within this area, Rep. Richard Lehman (D-CA) for his work in putting together the legislation which first had issues within the city of Los Angeles, specifically the water district. The bill now comes with bipartisan support that includes the entire California delegation. Rep. Seiberling Jr. provides a verbal description of the landscape and terrain. He adds that he has personally visited the area, calling it a “photographer’s paradise”. He mentions unique geological features of the area, including volcanic craters, and notes “large concentrations of both nesting and migratory waterfowl.”
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
U.S. House Representative John Seiberling Jr. (D-OH) delves into the details of the proposed bill, House Resolution 1341, noting that this bill would establish the Mono Lake National Monument and still protect the water rights granted by California to Los Angeles. California is also to maintain strict neutrality in any pending litigation involving water rights. Other amendments have been agreed to which address issues raised in subcommittee hearings. Rep. Seiberling Jr. goes on to detail the size of the proposed boundaries, some of it being under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management. Under the bill, the boundaries would all come under jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service, exempting land owned by the state, city, and individuals. He then explains how private lands within the boundaries can be acquired, but only after certain specific requirements are met, thus protecting the rights of current private landowners in the area.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
U.S. House Representative John Seiberling Jr. (D-OH) continues speaking on the legal specifics of House Resolution 1341, the establishment of Mono Lake National Monument. Rep. Seiberling Jr.: “Any state-owned lands can only be acquired by donation or exchange. The bill also prohibits disposal of federal land in the area and withdraws the federal land from mineral or geothermal entry or leasing...It provides guidance to the Forest Service for management of the scenic area to protect the natural and cultural resources in the area, and also provides for a study of the ecology of the scenic area by the National Academy of Sciences. Finally, it establishes a Scenic Area Advisory Board and provides for the protection of traditional uses of the area by Indian people.” Rep. Seiberling Jr. goes on to thank all those who helped steer the bill through controversy and worked to find compromise through negotiation. He urges his colleagues to vote for the bill's passage.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
Speaker Pro Tempore, U.S. House Representative William Ratchford (D-CT) recognizes Rep. Donald Young (R-AK) who lends his support for House Resolution 1341, the establishment of Mono Lake National Monument, but wishes to single out a specific Congressman, Rep. Norman Shumway (R-CA), who no longer represents the district. Rep. Young credits Rep. Shumway for being the leader in the solution of a problem that faced California, and states that he has done so well in explaining the bill and leading in finding solutions along with Rep. Richard Lehman (D-CA) to solve the problem. Rep. Young yields time to Rep. Shumway.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
U.S. House Representative Norman Shumway (R-CA) expresses his thanks for the kind comments of Rep. Donald Young (R-AK) and voices his support for House Resolution 1341, the establishment of Mono Lake National Monument. Rep. Shumway: “In contrast with many wilderness bills that come before this body for adoption, many of which simply contain trees and therefore, are not unique or different from many other areas which have been set aside for wilderness in America, this one does have some very unusual and unique characteristics. It is one of the oldest geologically significant areas of its kind in the country. It has one of the largest inland saltwater lakes and one of the oldest lakes of its kind in the country.” Rep. Shumway cites impressive local interests combined with the natural beauty of Mono Lake as sufficient reason to establish the area as a natural preserve for the whole nation to enjoy and urges passage of the bill.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
Speaker Pro Tempore, U.S. House Representative William Ratchford (D-CT) recognizes Rep. John Seiberling, Jr. (D-OH) who yields time to Rep. Richard Lehman (D-CA), who proceeds to state as one of the original authors of House Resolution 1341, his support for the creation of Mono Lake National Monument. He specifically thanks Reps. Seiberling Jr., Norman Shumway (R-CA), and Jerry Patterson (D-CA) for their assistance and support throughout the process of the bill. Rep. Lehman describes the beauty of the Mono Lake area, calling it: “a truly beautiful and holy place with lessons for future generations of Americans.” Rep. Lehman adds: “The Congress must speak out on behalf of Mono Lake and Mono Basin. We recognize that the water issues so critical to Mono Lake properly belong to California, not the Federal Government. H.R. 1341 will set forth protective land management practices so that the area surrounding Mono Lake will retain its beauty and desert solitude."
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
U.S. House Representative Richard Lehman (D-CA) proceeds to cite a list of bipartisan support on the federal, state, local, and private level for the establishment of the Mono Lake National Monument. Rep. Lehman concludes his remarks by stating: "H.R. 1341 for the first time brings southern and northern California together in recognition that a problem exists in the Mono Basin. It is clear that we have not arrived at a perfect solution, but it is also unthinkable that we not take this first step together. I commend all my California colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, who struggled together to draft H.R. 1341 as amended, and I urge swift passage of this historic compromise.”
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
Speaker Pro Tempore, U.S. House Representative William Ratchford (D-CT) recognizes Rep. John Seiberling, Jr. (D-OH), who, in turn, yields time to Rep. Jerry Patterson (D-CA). Rep. Patterson commends the work of his colleagues, Reps. Richard Lehman (D-CA) and Seiberling Jr., for their persistence in finding a compromise which helped bring the bill to the floor, and for bringing an end to disputes that had arisen within the state of California. He is pleased to support House Resolution 1341, the creation of Mono Lake National Monument.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
Speaker Pro Tempore, U.S. House Representative William Ratchford (D-CT) recognizes Rep. Donald Young (R-AK), who yields time to Rep. Douglas Bereuter (R-NE). Rep. Bereuter stands to commend fellow Congressional members who were involved in bringing the House Resolution 1341, the establishment of Mono Lake National Monument to the floor. He appreciates all the hard work that went into finding compromise and resolving disputes, particularly when it came to water rights and jurisdictional overlap. Finally, Rep. Bereuter urges all his colleagues to pass the bill. Rep. Ratchford asks if Rep. Young has further requests for time. Rep. Young does not, which prompts Rep. Ratchford to recognize Rep. John Seiberling Jr. (D-OH), adds that he has prints available for members to view from his trip to the Mono Lake Basin Area. He then yields to Rep. Carlos Moorhead (R-CA). Rep. Moorhead walks to the well of the House; adult, predominantly Caucasian, males and females seated at the House Rostrum.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
U.S. House Representative Carlos Moorhead (R-CA) provides his remarks in the House well on the background regarding House Resolution 1341, the creation of the Mono Lake National Monument; adult African American male seated in BG. Rep. Moorhead discusses water rights and land management factors, specifically that the land area is to be managed in a manner that is “consistent with the protection of water rights of the State of California or any political subdivision thereof, including the city of Los Angeles, and that such management. under the provisions of this act, shall not affect or impair the operation of any water diversion activity in the Mono Basin or the scenic area granted under the laws of the State of California.” Rep. Moorhead explains why the freshwater streams in the Mono Lake Basin Area are important to California and Los Angeles, noting that the fresh water supply accounts for one-sixth of Los Angeles’ water supply and provides hydro-electric power for the city as well.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
U.S. House Representative Carlos Moorhead (R-CA) continues his remarks on the House floor regarding House Resolution 1341: the creation of the Mono Lake National Monument, discussing state and city water rights, and land management. Rep. Moorhead mentions the recent decision of the California Supreme Court in its ruling in the Mono Lake lawsuit. Water rights in the state of California, no matter how long they were held, will be subject to review and potential reallocation under the public trust doctrine by either the courts or the State water resource control board. Moreover, a court or appropriate administrative body, will consider the public trust values of the Mono Basin area and balance these values with the water needs of the people of the city of Los Angeles. It is absolutely necessary that Congress be as clear as possible on one single critical point, that water rights and the exercise of such water rights be fully protected.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
U.S. House Representative Carlos Moorhead (R-CA) concludes his remarks on the House floor regarding House Resolution 1341 and the creation of the Mono Lake National Monument. Rep. Moorhead: “I would like to emphasize that sections 4(b)(l) and 4(h) contain pertinent water rights language H.R. 1341 and House Report No. 98-291 together make it clear." Rep. Moorhead details the language in those sections of the bill and House Report, but is interrupted by Speaker Pro Tempore, Rep. William Ratchford (D-CT) who states he has run out of time, and, despite, Rep. Moorhead asking for one more minute, Rep. Ratchford notes the totality of time allotted to both sides has expired; adult, predominantly Caucasian, males and females seated around the tiers of the House Rostrum.
Forestry Legislation Debate : Land Use Areas
U.S. House Representative John Seiberling Jr. (D-OH) asks that all members be given five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks. Speaker Pro Tempore, Rep. William Ratchford (D-CT) proceeds to go through the motion of suspending the rules and passing House Resolution 1341, the creation of Mono Lake National Monument through a voice vote. The only change was in name of the bill, now called "Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area in the State of California and for other purposes”. Rep. Ratchford recognizes Rep. William Lehman (D-FL) who asks for unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table House Resolution 3329, making appropriations for the Department of Transportation and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1984, and for other purposes, with Senate amendments thereto, disagree to the Senate amendments, and agree to the conference asked by the Senate." Adult Caucasian female clerk reads the title of the bill, then names the conferees.
Notification of Election to Standing Committee
Speaker Pro Tempore, U.S. House Representative William Ratchford (D-CT) recognizes Rep. John Murtha Jr. (D-PA) who offers privileged House Resolution 268 for immediate consideration. Adult Caucasian female reads out the resolution: “Resolved, that Sala Burton, California, be, and is hereby elected to the Committee on Education and Labor to rank immediately following Representative [Gary] Ackerman [D-NY]; and to the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs.” Rep. William Dannemeyer (R-CA) makes a parliamentary inquiry as to how much time will be allotted for the privileged resolution and who controls the time? Rep. Ratchford responds that the time is one hour and is under the control of Rep. Murtha Jr., who at the request of Rep. Dannemeyer, states that he will grant “reasonable time” to Rep. Dannemeyer or anyone in the minority party who wishes to speak. Rep. Ratchford recognizes Rep. Murtha Jr. for one hour.
Notification of Election to Standing Committee
U.S. House Representative John Murtha Jr. (D-PA) explains that the House Caucus has recommended to the full House that Rep. Sala Burton (D-CA) be placed on the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. He explains the changes in numbers and ratios between Republicans and Democrats with regards to the Committee on Education and Labor. Rep. John Erlenborn (R-IL) asks for Rep. Murtha Jr. to yield for a question: “I would like to ask the gentleman from Pennsylvania, what consultation or notice was given to the minority concerning this proposed change?” Rep. Murtha Jr. responds: “As I understand it, the committee met the evening before it reported it out at 5:30, but, according to my understanding, in order to accommodate the Republican side, we added a member on both sides, which actually reduces the ratio of Democrats to Republicans.”