We all know House Republicans are in the mood to cut spending on as many federal programs as possible as the clock ticks towards the deadline on coming to an agreement on raising the debt ceiling.
But were you aware that there is a proposal floating among GOP lawmakers to outright abolish the Antiquities Act? That act, passed over 100 years ago, has been used as a critical tool to protect historic, cultural, and scenic national treasures across the country going back to Teddy Roosevelt to grant National Monument status to our public lands.
As early as Tuesday, a proposal included in a budget rider will be voted on in the House Appropriations Committee, and environmental advocates are calling on Pinellas Congressman C.W. Bill Young, a key member on the committee, to oppose any bill or amendment that would weaken the Act.
This article appears in Jul 7-13, 2011.