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Property-rights proponents tell committee LASSO Act would boost multiple-use productivity and local economies
Summary
Margaret Byfield of American Stewards of Liberty and others told the subcommittee the LASSO Act would incentivize productive uses of federal multiple‑use lands and tie some benefits to citizens, while Republican members argued it would restore revenue and local stewardship; critics and technical questions were raised about revenue mechanics.
Margaret Byfield, executive director of American Stewards of Liberty, testified in favor of the LASSO Act, saying the bill would highlight federal mismanagement of multiple‑use lands and incentivize stewardship by creating direct economic links between land productivity and citizen benefits. Byfield argued the measure would correct what she described as agency attempts to substitute conservation permits for multiple‑use permits and would return revenue generation and local productivity to communities.
Committee members pressed Byfield for details about the LASSO Act’s revenue mechanics and whether it would materially bolster Social Security funding. Rep. Gosar and others asked how revenues would be defined and whether the measure could meaningfully change long‑term federal receipts; Byfield and panel supporters argued that tying citizen benefits to productivity would encourage improved stewardship and local economic activity, but acknowledged CBO estimates and the precise fiscal impact would depend on implementation details.
Forest Service witnesses repeatedly emphasized the agency’s multiple priorities — timber, recreation, grazing, mineral development and fire mitigation — and said they were focused on delivering those for the American public. Dr. Lytle said the Forest Service is committed to working with Congress and local partners to clarify technical questions and funding mechanics.
Next steps: Members asked for follow‑up conversations about funding sources and revenue definitions; the Forest Service agreed to engage further with sponsors to identify eligible funding sources and technical mechanics.
