June 17, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 112 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Pages S3026-S3027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      GREAT AMERICAN OUTDOORS ACT

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, now, on another matter. Every year in 
Kentucky, nearly 350,000 people take to the great outdoors to go 
hunting--more than a third of them on public lands. Over half a million 
head to the Commonwealth's lakes and rivers to fish, and 1.3 million 
enjoy the open space and the majesty of our wildlife looking for a 
glimpse of the Bluegrass' native species. And 120,000 Kentuckians earn 
their living keeping these vibrant traditions of outdoor recreation up 
and running for everyone else. Public lands are an important part of 
life across our State. From the Cumberland Gap to the Land Between the 
Lakes, our parks, our refuges, and historic sites form the backbone of 
local economies and welcome millions of visitors from across the 
country and around the world.
  If you ask any of my colleagues, you would hear similar stories about 
the landmarks, wilderness, and history

[[Page S3027]]

that made their own States unique. America's hundreds of millions of 
acres of public lands are the result of hundreds of years of 
exploration and conservation. Today, the Senate will act to ensure this 
inheritance will stand the test of time for generations of Americans 
yet to come.
  The Great American Outdoors Act will bring much needed resources to 
the long-deferred maintenance and upkeep in parks and other public 
lands all across our country. It will secure permanent support for the 
Land and Water Conservation Fund and its mission of expanding access to 
national treasures.
  This major legislation is only before us because of the persistent 
effort on the part of several of our colleagues. So one last time, I 
thank Senator Gardner and Senator Daines for their outstanding 
leadership, and Senators Portman, Manchin, Alexander, and Warner, among 
other colleagues on both sides, for all their work to bring this 
bipartisan project to completion.
  I hope, following our action, the House will take it up and pass it 
quickly. The President has already said he is eager to sign it. We 
should not let this historic opportunity pass us by. I look forward to 
passing this monumental legislation later today.

                          ____________________