Fully endorses “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”
Today, after unrelenting effort from Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-01), a provision selling more than 450,000 acres of public land has been stripped from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” also known as the House budget reconciliation. The provision passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee on May 6th, and after continual negotiations led by Zinke, was removed by the Rules Committee this afternoon. The Rules Committee is the last step before the bill goes to the House floor for a vote. The change was supported by Representatives Tory Downing (MT-02), Mike Simpson (ID-02) and hundreds of other members on both sides of the aisle.
Congressman Zinke has been clear on his opposition to selling public lands, especially by lowering the threshold for scrutiny by including it as part of the reconciliation process:
- “The idea that you’re going to sell public land to get out of debt is folly.”
- “I have told leadership before, I have told leadership since, that … I strongly don’t believe [land sales] should be in the reconciliation bill.”
- “As written, I’m a hard no. It’s a red line to me.”
“This was my San Juan Hill; I do not support the widespread sale or transfer of public lands. Once the land is sold, we will never get it back. God isn’t creating more land,” said Zinke. “Public access, sportsmanship, grazing, tourism… our entire Montanan way of life is connected to our public lands. I don’t yield to pressure; I only yield to higher principle. There is a process to making sure that our lands are being used for the best benefit of the people.”
Zinke continued: “I’d like to thank Speaker Johnson for his leadership and listening to the concerns of the people of Montana and all Americans who love our public lands. I appreciate him working with me to get this done. I look forward to voting for the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ which delivers historic tax cuts for every American, makes Medicaid and SNAP stronger for American Citizens while removing illegal aliens from the rolls, and provides needed regulatory relief to get our economy back on track.”
“The TRCP is encouraged to see provisions removed from the House budget reconciliation bill that would sell off public lands. Hunters and anglers stepped into the arena to make their voices heard, and members of Congress listened—thank you,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Missoula based Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “In particular, we thank Congressman Zinke for his strident advocacy on behalf of America’s hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationists. We look forward to working with lawmakers to resolve challenges with public lands management, including housing affordability.”
“Hunters and anglers across America appreciate the efforts of Congressman Zinke and members of the House leadership to keep public lands in public hands,” said Chris Wood, President and CEO of Trout Unlimited. “Public lands are the backyard of the little guy, and we appreciate the House keeping it that way.”
“As a Montanan, a lifelong outdoorsman, NA board chair for BHA, and director of conservation for MeatEater, a business that was founded on the virtues of public lands, I’m proud and grateful that Congressman Zinke has the gumption to stand up for his constituents,” said Ryan Callaghan, Director of Conservation at MeatEater. “The Congressman is showing the type of leadership we need right now, huge thank you from all of us public landowners.”
“Congressman Zinke’s leadership was instrumental in removing a public lands sell-off proposal from the budget reconciliation process,” said Jessica Turner, President, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “At a time when gateway communities and outdoor recreation businesses need certainty and access, Congressman Zinke stood up for the economic, health, and cultural value of keeping our public lands public. Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation industry applaud his work to safeguard these shared spaces, and we look forward to continuing to work with him to ensure public lands remain a cornerstone of America’s economy and way of life.”
Source: Office of Ryan Zinke press release 5/22
Photo: Pixabay
