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COVID-19 has exposed many Americans to important aspects of our supply chain that, during normal times, usually go unnoticed. Forest products are a perfect example. When the virus struck, grocery store shelves quickly ran out of toilet paper and paper towels, and everyone became aware of just how important a role forestry plays in our daily life. From shipping boxes on your doorstep, to pallets that make shipping possible, to the wooden desk at which you sit, forest products are instrumental to our way of life.
Many businesses are still operating at limited capacity, with fewer staff or entirely remote work. In my offices, we've taken every precaution to ensure staff members' safety, but we are all still ready and able to help you with any issues you may be having with the federal government.
Arkansas is home to 2 million acres of national forest, a national park, America's very first national river and several national wildlife refuges. I've made countless memories in these and other parks across the country, which is why I was glad to see President Trump sign the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law on Aug. 4. This bill marks the single greatest investment into U.S. public lands since President Theodore Roosevelt.
No picture can capture what it feels like to watch a sunrise on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, gaze up at a redwood tree, camp in the Ouachita National Forest, or hear the waves crash against the rocky coastline of Acadia National Park. All of these and more are opportunities on American public lands. As a lifelong resident of Hot Springs, Arkansas, some of my earliest memories involve exploring Hot Springs National Park, and when I'd ask my children what they wanted to do for fun, they would often choose floating on the Buffalo National River.
You'll be hard pressed to read many headlines on American infrastructure, and I doubt most of us think about it on a regular basis. Yet our infrastructure is what keeps us moving, from the roads we drive to the waterways that transport goods. Without it, our economy would immediately cease to function. As we rebuild after COVID-19, a reliable infrastructure is absolutely necessary.
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act:
As a father of four and a former school board member, I understand the importance of education and its value to the community. I also understand the severity of COVID-19 and how we must take every precaution to slow its spread and keep Americans safe. With another school year quickly approaching, we are faced with a difficult question: should we reopen schools? I believe we should, and focus all our efforts on providing teachers and students with protective gear, shrinking class sizes, spreading desks apart or finding other ways to limit contact and prevent contagion.
These days, we could all use some good news coming out of Washington, D.C. I'm excited to report that on July 15, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed the 2020 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis. The bill now heads to the House floor for a vote later this month.
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) gave an opening statement at the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020. His full remarks, as prepared:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." These opening words of the First Amendment are foundational to American law and society. As a congressman, it's my constitutional duty to oppose any law that would infringe on an American's right to practice their religion. For this reason, I was pleased to see the Supreme Court rule in favor of religious liberty in the case of Little Sisters of the Poor vs. Pennsylvania.