Shaheen Decries Republican Obstruction of Last-Minute Effort to Prevent Midnight Expiration of Land and Water Conservation Fund

(Washington, DC) – This evening, despite insistent calls to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Republicans in the Senate blocked last-minute legislation that would extend the authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund by 60 days, preventing a lapse in the program. This short-term extension was proposed in an expedited procedural process and would have allowed for additional time to find an agreement on a long-term authorization of LWCF.

“Not only have Republican leadership made no effort to rescue the Land and Water Conservation Fund, tonight we saw a concerted effort from several Republican Senators to ensure this program shutters at midnight,” said Shaheen. “It’s disgraceful that within a matter of hours this important conservation program will have to begin winding-down its valuable work preserving and protecting beautiful spaces across our country.”

Over the past five weeks, Senator Shaheen has been highlighting the importance of permanently reauthorizing and fully funding LWCF to New Hampshire’s economic growth and environmental stewardship. Hosting events in Meredith, Concord, Nashua, and the Ossipee Pine Barrens, Senator Shaheen discussed her track record of supporting LWCF and why its impact is vital to New Hampshire communities.