A legislative proposal sponsored by Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) has passed in the House with an absolutely massive majority despite the current control by the GOP of the chamber. It’s a notable contrast for some Democratic ambitions to succeed while big-ticket right-wing plans, like the proposals to cancel various presidential declarations of emergency, fail dramatically.
Huffman’s proposal concerns marina operations in a national forest in California. Public lands in that state or any other have often, no matter the potential for bipartisan cooperation on something as foundational as this public interest, become a point of partisan contention. Huffman’s successful initiative “extends through FY2029 the authority of the Department of Agriculture to collect and spend fees for a marina in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in California,” per a summary by the Congressional Research Service, supporting the preservation of public use opportunities for some of these areas. A full 415 members of the House voted in favor, and there was actually no recorded opposition — though 18 members didn’t vote.
Those not voting included both Republicans and Democrats, suggesting some may have possibly been making a political stand but making it unlikely the entire group staked out such a position. Infamous figures like GOP Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.), Matt Gaetz (Fla.), and Lauren Boebert (Colo.) all voted in favor of Huffman’s proposal. Observers might expect they weren’t thrilled to be voting in favor of an initiative sponsored by a Democrat considering what’s basically the entirety of that group’s public persona inside and outside Congress.
Huffman spoke back in May about his perspective on the underlying push. “The Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is not only a fundamental part of our region’s identity, it’s a critical economic driver in my district,” the California Democrat said. “The ability to retain marina fees is necessary to support the growing outdoor recreation sector. I’ve worked to make sure the Recreation Area has this authority through the yearly funding bills, but it’s time for a more permanent solution. This bill is an important piece of legislation for Trinity County, its residents, economy, and the many visitors it welcomes every year.” Huffman’s initiative was also co-sponsored by Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.).
