Rep. Veasey Votes to Pass Historic Public Lands Package

Washington, D.C. – Today Rep.Veasey voted to pass the historic Natural Resources Management Act, a bipartisan conservation and public lands package that includes permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

"Passing this bill today is a huge win for Texas and our country," Rep. Veasey said. "Texas' $52.6 billion dollar outdoor recreation industry is an economic powerhouse supporting 411,000 jobs and generating $15.8 billion in wages and salaries and $3.5 billion annually in state and local tax revenue. The American people believe in protecting our public lands and natural resources, and this bill moves us away from short-term environmental thinking and towards the modern conservation system we all deserve."

The bill's conservation measures are expected to generate significant economic activity, expand two national parks, and protect others from new mining activity.

LWCF has invested over $577 million to protect Texas' wildlife refuges, historic sites, trails, and forests, and to increase recreation access. LWCF has protected places like Big Thicket National Preserve, Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge, Sabine National Forest, Lyndon Johnson National Historical Park, McKinney Falls State Park, and Bastrop State Park.

LWCF – which has funded 42,000 projects across the country, bringing tremendous economic benefits and returns on investment since it was established in 1965 – has expired twice in recent years. Today's bill reauthorizing the law removes it from future political consideration and prevents any future expiration