Colorado Representatives Jeff Hurd and Joe Neguse Statement on Removal of Public Lands Sell Off from Budget Reconciliation Bill

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Jeff Hurd (CO-03) and Joe Neguse (CO-02), who together represent Colorado’s Western Slope, issued the following statement after the Senate parliamentarian ruled Monday evening to remove provisions that sell off America’s public lands from the budget reconciliation bill currently making its way through Congress. The lawmakers represent rural and mountain communities across the state and continue to urge that a proposal along these lines be excluded from the final text. Hurd and Neguse worked successfully to strip an amendment from the House-passed text that would have mandated the sale of hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands in Utah and Nevada. 

“Colorado’s public lands belong to the people and are held in trust for future generations. They don’t belong to political appointees or outside interests. Neither of our districts asked for this land sale, and any efforts to sell off these shared spaces are deeply unpopular with the hunters, ranchers, fishermen, recreationists, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts we are proud to represent in Congress. Republican or Democrat—representing red, purple, or blue districts—one sentiment continues to ring true: public lands are not for sale.”

“As consideration of the budget reconciliation bill continues, we must remain united in ensuring that its text excludes provisions that would permit the widespread sale or transfer of these treasured places. It’s time for folks on both sides of the aisle to come together for the common good and stand with us in our bipartisan effort to be good stewards of America’s prized public lands.”

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