Walnut Grove Land Exchange Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5923) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to exchange certain public lands in Ouachita National Forest, and for other purposes, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

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Mr. Speaker, for over 20 years, the Walnut Grove Community Church in Jessieville, Arkansas, has sought to gain title to the 4 acres of land on which their church and historic cemetery are located. They have offered 6 acres of land within the Ouachita National Forest to the U.S. Forest Service in exchange. The cemetery and congregation both predate the Forest Service.

Since 1938, the church has operated under special-use permits and has had to renew its permit annually since 2002. This situation has left the congregation uncertain about their future on the land they have worshipped on for decades.

Furthermore, like any structure built 80 years ago, the church requires maintenance. Unfortunately, its operation under a permit limits the congregation's ability to maintain and improve their church building.

Congressman Westerman has introduced a commonsense land exchange that will greatly benefit the community of Jessieville at no cost to the American taxpayer. He should be commended for his work.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered.

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