Mid-item:
The bills (S. 569/H.R. 502) would permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The bills have bipartisan authorship, cosponsorship and support. Locally, both of our U.S. senators are listed as cosponsors, along with Reps. Rick Nolan, Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison and Tim Walz.
Here is the case for why, even in an election year, Reps. Erik Paulsen, Jason Lewis, Tom Emmer and Collin Peterson should join their colleagues in supporting this effort.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was created in 1964 to safeguard natural areas, water resources and our cultural heritage; and to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans. Funded with royalties from offshore oil and gas extraction, the fund does not cost the taxpayer a dime. It has helped us preserve places like the Rocky Mountain, Grand Canyon and Great Smoky Mountain National Parks as well as smaller projects like parks and ball fields in every state. The LWCF is in need of congressional reauthorization if it is going to be able to continue its work. It expires Sept. 30, 2018.
Gridlock busting seems indirectly a part of naming names. Obstructionist names will not be voted upon prior to that expiration date.
This should not have to be anyone's election issue. It should be tied up neatly prior to the noted expiration date. We hope. We shall see.