Gardner, Fitzpatrick commend Problem Solvers Caucus support for conservation bill

U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) applauded the July 10 endorsement by the Problem Solvers Caucus of their sweeping bipartisan conservation legislation, the Great American Outdoors Act.

“Protecting our public lands isn’t a Republican or Democrat issue – it’s an American issue,” Sen. Gardner said. “I’m proud that my bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act has earned the endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus, and I look forward to the U.S. House of Representatives passing this bill without delay in order to provide jobs to the American people, economic stimulus to communities in need, and protections for the great American outdoors for future generations of Americans to cherish.”

Sen. Gardner on March 9 introduced S. 3422 in his chamber with lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV). An amended version of the bill passed the U.S. Senate in June and the bill was reintroduced that month in the House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Joe Cunningham (D-SC) as H.R. 7092.

If enacted, the measure would provide full, permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at a level of $900 million every year and address the approximately $20 billion maintenance backlog on federal public lands, among numerous other provisions.

“This important legislation would preserve and protect our nation’s public lands for generations,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said, “and I am happy to see the Problem Solvers endorse this bipartisan, landmark piece of legislation.”

Reps. Fitzpatrick and Cunningham brought the bill to the Problem Solvers Caucus for endorsement, where more than 75 percent of the 50-member caucus agreed to support the bill. House leadership announced it will consider the Great American Outdoors Act under a rule on the floor at the end of July and U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled he will sign the bill into law, according to the lawmakers.

“America’s public lands are some of the most beautiful and majestic places in the world and they must be protected,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY). “I’m proud to see the Problem Solvers Caucus endorse this bipartisan and bicameral bill that will help ensure public lands across the country are protected today and the years to come.”

Rep. Fitzpatrick noted that since its establishment over 50 years ago, the LWCF benefits millions of Americans in innumerable ways at the national, state and local levels.

“From promoting recreational activity to contributing to our economy, along with furthering environmental protection, treasured public lands in my community such as Nockamixon State Park, Tyler State Park, and venues such as Hatfield Community Park are all just a few of the examples of the beneficiaries of this valuable fund,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “I am encouraged by the strong bipartisan support for permanent funding of the LWCF.”