Remembering 2011 Milestones
November 3rd: Lee’s Land Conveyance Bills Pass Senate
WASHINGTON – Last night, the Senate approved legislation introduced by Senator Mike Lee to authorize the transfer of vacant and virtually unused federal land in Utah to the growing cities of Mantua and Alta. The bills were approved by unanimous consent and represent the first pieces of legislation authored by Senator Lee to pass the full Senate.
Under the passed legislation, Mantua will gain control of nearly 32 acres of land in Box Elder County that was originally owned by Hans Rasmussen, an early settler of Mantua. His family eventually deeded the land to the U.S. Forest Service in 1941 for $1.00. Mantua will not be required to pay for the land.
If passed by the House and signed by President Obama, Senator Lee’s bill will allow Alta to assume control over Forest Service land that will be used for a community center and fire station.
“It is a testament to the success of our state and cities like Mantua and Alta that these bills are necessary,” said Senator Lee, who sits on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “These cities can use the land productively and the federal government has no pressing need for it. I hope that the House will move quickly on Congressman Rob Bishop’s version of this legislation.”
On Twitter
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@youtah Have you read my latest statement on #PIPA: ow.ly/8sTx0
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Reminder: We will resume our Utah Press Tele-Conference next week. Let me know if you need anything in the meantime!
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The president also insists that today is Monday, LSU won Nat. Championship, and Howard Taft leading in S. Carolina #recessgate #tcot #tlot
Around the Water Cooler
Obama requests $1.2T hike in nation’s debt limit
President Barack Obama asked Congress Thursday for another $1.2 trillion increase in the nation’s debt limit, a request that is largely a formality but which carries election-year implications.
It was the third and final such request the president was allowed under a deal the White House reached with lawmakers in August to prevent a government default.
The captain of a capsized cruise ship made repeated excuses as an Italian coast guard official repeatedly ordered him to get back on the vessel potentially still packed with thousands of frightened passengers and crew, a recording released Tuesday reveals.
Capt. Francesco Schettino can be heard on the recorded telephone conversation with Italian Coast Guard Capt. Gregorio De Falco telling the official that he does not want to return to the ship despite ongoing evacuations after it struck a rock late Friday and capsized.