Hardy’s first bill would restrict federal land buys
WASHINGTON — Rep. Cresent Hardy introduced his first bill on Wednesday, a measure that would restrict federal land purchases until the government gets its budget in balance.
Hardy, R-Nev., said a $29 billion backlog of maintenance by federal land agencies is evidence the government “has bitten off more than it can chew. It cannot be trusted to serve as responsible stewards of even more of our land and resources.”
The measure couples Hardy’s stated distrust of federal land control with a philosophy of fiscal prudence. It declares the government can’t acquire land that results in a net increase in the holdings of the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Park Service unless the budget is balanced, which last happened in 2001.
The bill is not a new one. Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Ohio, introduced it previously, and it had a House hearing in 2012. Stivers agreed to have the freshman Hardy carry it this year, and will be a co-sponsor, according to House staff.
“We cannot continue to purchase what we can’t manage now,” Hardy said. “This is one of the few ways I can say let’s save a few bucks. All I’m doing is looking for an avenue to force a little more restraint. If I can find other departments I can pick on, I will.”
Contact Las Vegas Review-Journal Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault@stephensmedia.com or 202-783-1760. Find him on Twitter: @STetreaultDC.
