Granger on Interior and Environment FY22 Subcommittee Markup

I want to congratulate the chair on presenting this Interior and Environment bill today, her first as subcommittee chair.    

I also want to thank the ranking member, Mr. Joyce, for his continued leadership on this subcommittee. 

As a result of the chair and ranking member’s efforts together, this bill addresses priorities for Members on both sides of the aisle and does many good things for the conservation of our natural resources.

The bill prioritizes funding to maintain our national parks and supports efforts to stop the trafficking of endangered species.

In addition, the bill helps local communities across the country with education, health, and safety needs, particularly in Indian Country.

Even though the bill funds many shared priorities, I have concerns about our path forward.

The bill eliminates several long-standing, common-sense provisions that have had bipartisan support for many years.

Instead, the bill includes controversial provisions that would limit domestic energy, timber, and mineral production. 

I am also concerned about the level of spending proposed. Numerous agencies in this bill would receive double-digit percentage increases.

The Environmental Protection Agency is one example, and it is funded at an unprecedented level.    

We must find ways to rein in Federal spending while addressing our nation’s most pressing needs.

If we want to avoid a continuing resolution, we must resolve our policy differences and reach a bipartisan agreement on spending.

In closing, I want to recognize all of the subcommittee members for their dedication to the important programs in the bill.