Floor SpeechNeutral2026-06-24

Text of Senate Amendment 6042

EnvironmentDefenseCrime & JusticeAgriculture

Context

On 2026-06-24, Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) delivered a floor speech titled "Text Of Senate Amendment 6042" in the Senate.

Full Text

Text of Senate Amendment 6042

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3247-S3257] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6042. Mr. PADILLA submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end, add the following: DIVISION E--PROTECTION OF AND INVESTMENT IN CERTAIN FEDERAL LAND IN CALIFORNIA SEC. 5001. SHORT TITLE. This division may be cited as the ``Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California Lands Act'' or the ``PUBLIC Lands Act''. SEC. 5002. DEFINITIONS. In this division: (1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means-- (A) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Agriculture; and (B) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of the Interior. (2) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of California. TITLE I--FOREST RESTORATION SEC. 5101. SOUTH FORK TRINITY-MAD RIVER RESTORATION AREA. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Ecological integrity.--The term ``ecological integrity'' has the meaning given the term in section 219.19 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). (2) Restoration.--The term ``restoration'' has the meaning given the term in section 219.19 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). (3) Restoration area.--The term ``restoration area'' means the South Fork Trinity-Mad River Restoration Area established by subsection (b). (4) Shaded fuel break.--The term ``shaded fuel break'' means a vegetation treatment that-- (A) reduces fuel characteristics in order to affect fire behavior such that a fire can be more readily controlled; and (B) retains, to the maximum extent practicable-- (i) adequate canopy cover to suppress plant regrowth in the forest understory following treatment; and (ii) the largest and most vigorous trees in order to provide the most shade per tree over the longest period of time. (b) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there is established the South Fork Trinity-Mad River Restoration Area, comprising approximately 871,414 acres of Federal land administered by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``South Fork Trinity-Mad River Restoration Area'' and dated May 15, 2020. (c) Purposes.--The purposes of the Restoration Area are-- (1) to establish, restore, and maintain fire-resilient mature and late successional forests, as ecologically appropriate; (2) to protect and restore aquatic habitat and anadromous fisheries; (3) to protect the quality of water; (4) to reduce the threat posed by wildfires to neighboring communities; and (5) to allow visitors to enjoy the scenic, recreational, natural, cultural, and wildlife values of the Restoration Area. (d) Collaborative Restoration and Fire Management Plans.-- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of the Interior shall jointly submit to Congress-- (1) a plan to conduct restoration activities and improve the ecological integrity of the restoration area; and (2) an updated fire management plan for the land that includes the restoration area. (e) Collaboration Requirement.--In developing the plans required under subsection (d), the Secretary shall solicit input from a collaborative group that-- (1) includes-- (A) appropriate representatives of State and local governments; and (B) multiple interested persons representing diverse interests; and (2) is transparent and inclusive. (f) Fire Management Plan Components.--The updated fire management plan required under subsection (d)(2) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, include-- (1) the use of prescribed fire; and (2) the use of shaded fuel breaks. (g) Management.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct restoration activities in a manner consistent with the plans required under subsection (d). (2) Conflict of laws.-- (A) In general.--The establishment of the restoration area shall not modify the management status of any land or water that is designated as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System or the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, including land or water designated as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System or the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System by this division (including an amendment made by this division). (B) Resolution of conflict.--If there is a conflict between a law applicable to a component described in subparagraph (A) and this section, the more restrictive provision shall control. (h) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the restoration area is withdrawn from-- (1) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials. SEC. 5102. CALIFORNIA PUBLIC LAND REMEDIATION PARTNERSHIP. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Partnership.--The term ``partnership'' means the California Public Land Remediation Partnership established by subsection (b). (2) Priority land.--The term ``priority land'' means Federal land in the State that is determined by the partnership to be a high priority for remediation. (3) Remediation.-- (A) In general.--The term ``remediation'' means to facilitate the recovery of land or water that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed by illegal marijuana cultivation or another illegal activity. (B) Inclusions.--The term ``remediation'' includes-- (i) the removal of trash, debris, or other material; and (ii) establishing the composition, structure, pattern, and ecological processes necessary to facilitate terrestrial or aquatic ecosystem sustainability, resilience, or health under current and future conditions. (b) Establishment.--There is established the California Public Land Remediation Partnership. (c) Purposes.--The purposes of the partnership are to support coordination of activities among Federal, State, Tribal, and local authorities and the private sector in the remediation of priority land in the State affected by illegal marijuana cultivation or another illegal activity. (d) Membership.--The members of the partnership shall include the following: (1) The Secretary of Agriculture (or a designee) to represent the Forest Service. (2) The Secretary of the Interior (or a designee) to represent-- (A) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; (B) the Bureau of Land Management; and (C) the National Park Service. (3) The Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (or a designee). (4) The Secretary of the State Natural Resources Agency (or a designee) to represent the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. (5) A designee of the California State Water Resources Control Board. (6) A designee of the California State Sheriffs' Association. (7) 1 member to represent federally recognized Indian Tribes, to be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. (8) 1 member to represent nongovernmental organizations with an interest in Federal land remediation, to be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. (9) 1 member to represent local governmental interests, to be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. (10) A law enforcement official from each of the following: (A) The Department of the Interior. (B) The Department of Agriculture. (11) A subject matter expert to provide expertise and advice on methods needed for remediation efforts, to be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. (12) A designee of the National Guard Counterdrug Program. (13) Any other members that are determined to be appropriate by the partnership. (e) Duties.--To further the purposes of this section and subject to subsection (f), the partnership shall-- (1) identify priority land for remediation in the State; (2) secure voluntary contributions of resources from Federal sources and non-Federal sources for remediation of priority land in the State; (3) support efforts by Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies and nongovernmental organizations in carrying out remediation of priority land in the State; (4) support research and education on the impacts of, and solutions to, illegal marijuana cultivation and other illegal activities on priority land in the State; (5) involve other Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and the public in remediation efforts [[Page S3248]] on priority land in the State, to the maximum extent practicable; and (6) carry out any other administrative or advisory activities necessary to address remediation of priority land in the State. (f) Limitation.--Nothing in this section limits the authorities of the Federal, State, Tribal, and local entities that comprise the partnership. (g) Authorities.--Subject to the prior approval of the Secretary of Agriculture and consistent with applicable law (including regulations), the partnership may-- (1) provide grants to the State, political subdivisions of the State, nonprofit organizations, and other persons; (2) enter into cooperative agreements with or provide technical assistance to Federal agencies, the State, political subdivisions of the State, nonprofit organizations, and other interested persons; (3) identify opportunities for collaborative efforts among members of the partnership; (4) hire and compensate staff; (5) obtain funds or services from any source, including-- (A) Fed

Referenced legislation: HR5487, HR2570

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Text of Senate Amendment 6042 Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3247-S3257] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6042. Mr. PADILLA submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end, add the following: DIVISION E--PROTECTION OF AND INVESTMENT IN CERTAIN FEDERAL LAND IN CALIFORNIA SEC. 5001. SHORT TITLE. This division may be cited as the ``Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California Lands Act'' or the ``PUBLIC Lands Act''. SEC. 5002. DEFINITIONS. In this division: (1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means-- (A) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Agriculture; and (B) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of the Interior. (2) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of California. TITLE I--FOREST RESTORATION SEC. 5101. SOUTH FORK TRINITY-MAD RIVER RESTORATION AREA. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Ecological integrity.--The term ``ecological integrity'' has the meaning given the term in section 219.19 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). (2) Restoration.--The term ``restoration'' has the meaning given the term in section 219.19 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). (3) Restoration area.--The term ``restoration area'' means the South Fork Trinity-Mad River Restoration Area established by subsection (b). (4) Shaded fuel break.--The term ``shaded fuel break'' means a vegetation treatment that-- (A) reduces fuel characteristics in order to affect fire behavior such that a fire can be more readily controlled; and (B) retains, to the maximum extent practicable-- (i) adequate canopy cover to suppress plant regrowth in the forest understory following treatment; and (ii) the largest and most vigorous trees in order to provide the most shade per tree over the longest period of time. (b) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there is established the South Fork Trinity-Mad River Restoration Area, comprising approximately 871,414 acres of Federal land administered by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``South Fork Trinity-Mad River Restoration Area'' and dated May 15, 2020. (c) Purposes.--The purposes of the Restoration Area are-- (1) to establish, restore, and maintain fire-resilient mature and late successional forests, as ecologically appropriate; (2) to protect and restore aquatic habitat and anadromous fisheries; (3) to protect the quality of water; (4) to reduce the threat posed by wildfires to neighboring communities; and (5) to allow visitors to enjoy the scenic, recreational, natural, cultural, and wildlife values of the Restoration Area. (d) Collaborative Restoration and Fire Management Plans.-- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of the Interior shall jointly submit to Congress-- (1) a plan to conduct restoration activities and improve the ecological integrity of the restoration area; and (2) an updated fire management plan for the land that includes the restoration area. (e) Collaboration Requirement.--In developing the plans required under subsection (d), the Secretary shall solicit input from a collaborative group that-- (1) includes-- (A) appropriate representatives of State and local governments; and (B) multiple interested persons representing diverse interests; and (2) is transparent and inclusive. (f) Fire Management Plan Components.--The updated fire management plan required under subsection (d)(2) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, include-- (1) the use of prescribed fire; and (2) the use of shaded fuel breaks. (g) Management.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct restoration activities in a manner consistent with the plans required under subsection (d). (2) Conflict of laws.-- (A) In general.--The establishment of the restoration area shall not modify the management status of any land or water that is designated as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System or the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, including land or water designated as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System or the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System by this division (including an amendment made by this division). (B) Resolution of conflict.--If there is a conflict between a law applicable to a component described in subparagraph (A) and this section, the more restrictive provision shall control. (h) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the restoration area is withdrawn from-- (1) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials. SEC. 5102. CALIFORNIA PUBLIC LAND REMEDIATION PARTNERSHIP. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Partnership.--The term ``partnership'' means the California Public Land Remediation Partnership established by subsection (b). (2) Priority land.--The term ``priority land'' means Federal land in the State that is determined by the partnership to be a high priority for remediation. (3) Remediation.-- (A) In general.--The term ``remediation'' means to facilitate the recovery of land or water that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed by illegal marijuana cultivation or another illegal activity. (B) Inclusions.--The term ``remediation'' includes-- (i) the removal of trash, debris, or other material; and (ii) establishing the composition, structure, pattern, and ecological processes necessary to facilitate terrestrial or aquatic ecosystem sustainability, resilience, or health under current and future conditions. (b) Establishment.--There is established the California Public Land Remediation Partnership. (c) Purposes.--The purposes of the partnership are to support coordination of activities among Federal, State, Tribal, and local authorities and the private sector in the remediation of priority land in the State affected by illegal marijuana cultivation or another illegal activity. (d) Membership.--The members of the partnership shall include the following: (1) The Secretary of Agriculture (or a designee) to represent the Forest Service. (2) The Secretary of the Interior (or a designee) to represent-- (A) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; (B) the Bureau of Land Management; and (C) the National Park Service. (3) The Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (or a designee). (4) The Secretary of the State Natural Resources Agency (or a designee) to represent the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. (5) A designee of the California State Water Resources Control Board. (6) A designee of the California State Sheriffs' Association. (7) 1 member to represent federally recognized Indian Tribes, to be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. (8) 1 member to represent nongovernmental organizations with an interest in Federal land remediation, to be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. (9) 1 member to represent local governmental interests, to be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. (10) A law enforcement official from each of the following: (A) The Department of the Interior. (B) The Department of Agriculture. (11) A subject matter expert to provide expertise and advice on methods needed for remediation efforts, to be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. (12) A designee of the National Guard Counterdrug Program. (13) Any other members that are determined to be appropriate by the partnership. (e) Duties.--To further the purposes of this section and subject to subsection (f), the partnership shall-- (1) identify priority land for remediation in the State; (2) secure voluntary contributions of resources from Federal sources and non-Federal sources for remediation of priority land in the State; (3) support efforts by Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies and nongovernmental organizations in carrying out remediation of priority land in the State; (4) support research and education on the impacts of, and solutions to, illegal marijuana cultivation and other illegal activities on priority land in the State; (5) involve other Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and the public in remediation efforts [[Page S3248]] on priority land in the State, to the maximum extent practicable; and (6) carry out any other administrative or advisory activities necessary to address remediation of priority land in the State. (f) Limitation.--Nothing in this section limits the authorities of the Federal, State, Tribal, and local entities that comprise the partnership. (g) Authorities.--Subject to the prior approval of the Secretary of Agriculture and consistent with applicable law (including regulations), the partnership may-- (1) provide grants to the State, political subdivisions of the State, nonprofit organizations, and other persons; (2) enter into cooperative agreements with or provide technical assistance to Federal agencies, the State, political subdivisions of the State, nonprofit organizations, and other interested persons; (3) identify opportunities for collaborative efforts among members of the partnership; (4) hire and compensate staff; (5) obtain funds or services from any source, including-- (A) Fed Referenced legislation: HR5487, HR2570