Today, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) appointed Committee members to serve on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017 (H.R.4909) conference committee, including Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT), Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA) and Rep. Cresent Hardy (R-NV).

“Through this conference process we have an opportunity to address a range of existing regulatory and land-use failures that currently undermine military readiness,” stated Bishop.

“I’m proud to serve as a Natural Resources Committee conferee for this year’s NDAA, and I’m honored by Chairman Bishop’s trust and confidence. This presidential administration, along with special interest groups, are attempting to impede military training and limit public use of public lands through false claims of negative impacts to the Sage Grouse bird. The fact is the Sage Grouse is not endangered, but our national security would be endangered if we allow a chicken-like bird to override the security needs of our nation. This year’s NDAA contains language protecting military training and maintaining access. My primary goal as a member of this committee is to ensure this language stays in the House NDAA as it moves through negotiations,” Rep. Paul Cook said.