Vasquez: “Our Public Lands Are Not For Sale”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02)issued the following statement in response to reports that House Republican leadership is considering proposals to sell public lands as part of a budget reconciliation package:

"Let me be absolutely clear-our public lands are not for sale. New Mexicans cherish our open spaces, our national parks, and the public lands that fuel our outdoor economy and define us as Americans. Any attempt to sell these lands to the highest bidder is an attack on our way of life, our communities, and our future generations.

"Republican leaders in Congress are pushing a reckless and short-sighted plan to auction off public lands to pay for tax breaks and corporate giveaways. Time and time again, Americans of all political stripes have defended access to our natural heritage, and they will do so again.

"I've worked across the aisle with Republicans to protect our public lands, including the Public Lands in Public Hands Act, because across the West, public lands are the great equalizer. And while some Republicans understand that, others in their party are putting our shared lands and access to the outdoors at risk to line the pockets of billionaires.

"I'll keep fighting to ensure that our lands stay in public hands-accessible, protected, and conserved. Selling off public lands does little, if anything, to address our serious housing or budget challenges-it's a betrayal of the people we serve to put this proposal on the table."

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