McMorris Rodgers: Eastern Washington Property Owners Deserve Input in National Monument Designation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Chair of the House Republican Conference, voted today for theEnsuring Public Involvement in the Creation of National Monuments Act, which would amend the 1906 Antiquities Act and ensure that privately owned land will no longer come under the threat of being federally allocated. 

“While National Monuments offer tribute to our history, we must guarantee Eastern Washington the opportunity to participate in decisions that impact our community. Private property should not be unjustly allocated for federal purposes without a property owner’s approval, and by supporting the Ensuring Public Involvement in the Creation of National Monuments Act, we are respecting the rights of property owners throughout Eastern Washington.”

Under the century-old Antiquities Act, the President can single-handedly designate a national monument without taking input from local citizens. By limiting National Monument declarations in Washington State to no more than one per presidential term, the land will not be subject to unwarranted use.”