url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-statement-budget-vote,Tipton Statement on Budget Vote,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Chart courtesy of the House Budget Committee)
WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued the following statement after passage of the Budget Act of 2013 today in the House.
“Our ability to reduce federal spending will have tremendous impacts on future generation’s ability to realize the American Dream.  We must chart a responsible and sustainable budget course that works to pay down our $17 trillion debt, strengthens our economy, and allows the government to continue to provide essential functions for future generations. To do this, over the long term we need to balance the budget and pay down the debt.
“While previous House-passed budgets have included larger reforms, today’s budget resolution includes reforms to mandatory spending and makes modest progress toward reducing overall spending by staying true to the caps set under the Budget Control Act. It achieves $85 billion in mandatory savings and $23 billion in deficit reduction, without raising taxes. It also puts a stop to budgeting from crisis to crisis, preventing future government shutdowns that create economic uncertainty.
“We have a long way to go to address our nation’s budget crisis that has been decades in the making. The House has passed numerous budgets that would balance and pay off the debt, but it’s become clear that Senate Democrats and the President are unwilling to even consider those plans. That doesn’t mean we can’t achieve some progress toward spending reform, as we have today. I am committed to continuing to fight to reduce federal spending and responsibly pay down the national debt. Our nation’s future depends on it.”
Budget Act of 2013 highlights courtesy of the House Budget Committee:
 Sets overall discretionary spending for the current fiscal year at $1.012 trillion—about halfway between the Senate budget level of $1.058 trillion and the House budget level of $967 billion.
	Provides $63 billion in sequester relief over two years, split evenly between defense and non-defense programs.
	In fiscal year 2014, defense discretionary spending would be set at $520.5 billion, and non-defense discretionary spending would be set at $491.8 billion.
	The sequester relief is fully offset by savings elsewhere in the budget.
	The agreement includes dozens of specific deficit-reduction provisions, with mandatory savings and non-tax revenue totaling approximately $85 billion.
	The agreement would reduce the deficit by between $20 and $23 billion.
 Learn more about the budget and find additional charts here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/co-biologist-tells-tipton-committee-blm-sage-grouse-approach-simplistic-damaging,"CO Biologist Tells Tipton, Committee that BLM Sage Grouse Approach Is Simplistic, Damaging",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, during a House Natural Resources Committee hearing on the Endangered Species Act (ESA) decision-making process, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) shined light on numerous concerns with the proposed ESA listing of the sage grouse.
Tipton questioned Megan Maxwell, a biologist from Broomfield, Colorado, on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) National Technical Team Report (NTT) which makes recommendations for stringent sage grouse habitat protections on millions of square miles in parts of Colorado and ten other Western states. Maxwell told Tipton and the Committee of numerous problems with the NTT report, including the one-size-fits-all approach to preserve the grouse, which fails to take into account diverse regional ecological factors vital to successfully preserve the species, or take into account the local efforts already underway.
Watch video of Tipton’s Q&A during the hearing.
“The NTT Report provides habitat management recommendations for sage-grouse across its entire range including specific habitat prescriptions or goals which would apply to all sage-grouse seasonal habitats. Although this “one-size-fits-all” management approach may be convenient for BLM to administer, it is completely inappropriate for sage-grouse because of their broad ecological range, variations in population traits and characteristics across their range, and the variability in habitat conditions and threats within the range. These variations make managing sage-grouse and their habitat a complex task that must consider site-specific conditions and variables. Simplifying sage-grouse management by creating range-wide habitat prescriptions or percent disturbance thresholds fails to target the specific sub-regional and population scale factors, as well as seasonal habitat preferences,” testified Maxwell. “The simplistic “one-size-fits-all” approach advanced in the NTT Report completely fails to recognize this variation and complexity which is a critical flaw. Consequently, the habitat management recommendations in the NTT Report will likely fail to protect sage-grouse and sage-grouse habitat range-wide and could even result in unintended adverse consequences, like increased risk of catastrophic fire and habitat destruction in areas already under extreme threat of wildfire.”
Read Maxwell’s full testimony here.
“If the goal is truly species preservation, it would make sense for the Interior Department to work with state and local officials to maximize the impact of effective efforts already underway. However, that’s not the case,” Tipton said. “As we heard today, the Administration is disregarding efforts underway in my district that take into account the diverse topography and ecology of the regions to preserve the grouse, and instead is pushing for a one-size-fits-all approach. Furthermore, despite numerous requests, administration officials have yet to provide measurable preservation goals for the species to give state and local officials in Colorado the chance to meet them.”
Tipton questioned Maxwell about the BLM’s blanket approach to preserve the grouse that fails to take into account regional factors and threatens multiple use development critical to local economies for eleven different Western States, including Colorado, on over 40 million acres of land.  
“The conservation measures and the one-size-fits-all approach they’re taking is what’s going to really be damaging,” said Maxwell.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/column-colorados-water-rights-risk,Column: Colorado's Water Rights at Risk,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Scott Tipton
With great foresight, the founders of this nation endeavored to protect private property from the federal government.  In the West, we know that this protection extends to privately-held water rights. Unfortunately, recent history has shown that the federal government is more than willing to overreach its authority to try and acquire private water rights, through coercion if necessary. I was somewhat encouraged that the Forest Service recently acknowledged their flawed and unnecessary policy, and indicated that its future water rights clause may no longer require the transfer of privately-owned water rights. However, it needs to be noted that this clause has yet to be seen and the agency’s comments indicate that we will only see a temporary fix for one group of water users in a single region.  The Forest Service’s latest policy shift doesn’t provide the same level of protection as the bipartisan Water Rights Protection Act—which is supported by more than 30 state, local and national stakeholder groups, including the National Cattlemen’s Association, and numerous Colorado counties, river districts and conservation groups. The policy shift also falls far short of giving private water users much certainty, and is the fourth change in Forest Service water policy for ski areas in the last ten years.  According to the National Ski Areas Association, “These changes are disruptive, create uncertainty and adversely impact our operations, planning and future growth. The ski industry can’t afford to be subjected to a different water policy with each Administration. Only federal legislation can give us the long term protection we need of an outright statutory prohibition on the taking of our water rights by the federal government.” Federal attempts to seize private water rights aren’t limited to ski areas. The same tactics have been used by both the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service in attempts to take or interfere with private water rights associated with agricultural production in the heart of rural America where farmers and ranchers rely on their rights to secure loans and irrigate crops and livestock. In an October Natural Resources Committee hearing, Tim Lowry, an Oregon rancher, testified that from almost the moment his family purchased their ranch, the BLM began attempts to inhibit their ability to utilize their water rights. After a decade-long legal battle that has racked up more than $800,000 in legal fees for Lowry, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled in his favor and against federal attempts to hijack his privately-held livestock water rights. We’ve heard similar stories out of Utah where the Forest Service denied ranchers access to rangelands for grazing until they transferred their private water rights, and in Nevada where Forest Service and BLM employees attempted to violate state law by eliminating livestock watering rights. It is unforgivable that the federal government would put people in a position of choosing between their lawfully acquired property and financial ruin.  I know for certain that many of the ranchers I represent can’t afford drawn-out and costly legal battles with the Forest Service and BLM to protect what is rightfully theirs under state law. Nor should they have to. That is why I joined with my colleagues Reps. Mark Amodei (R-NV) and Jared Polis (D-CO) to introduce the Water Rights Protection Act. This commonsense bill would protect communities, businesses, recreation opportunities, farmers and ranchers as well as other individuals that rely on privately-held water rights for their livelihood from federal takings. It would do so by prohibiting federal agencies from confiscating water rights through the use of permits, leases, and other land management arrangements. It would provide these vital protections for private property owners without affecting water allocations for non-federal parties or allocations that protect the environment.  In order to permanently protect private water rights from federal takings and provide certainty for all water users, Congress must act and pass this bipartisan legislation. Water is the lifeblood of the West, and is vital for Colorado’s economic health. I will continue to work to advance this needed legislation to protect all water users and ensure that our most precious resource is not subject to the control of Washington bureaucrats.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-pressures-jewell-sage-grouse,Tipton Pressures Jewell on Sage Grouse,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) spoke on the House floor to urge Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to provide measurable goals for the preservation of the Greater Sage Grouse and the Gunnison Sage Grouse. Tipton also renewed his invitation for Jewell to come to Colorado to see firsthand the effective local preservation efforts underway. He emphasized that the proposed Endangered Species Act designations for the sage grouse, “would kill jobs, devastate communities, and disrupt effective species preservation efforts currently underway.”
	“The proposed Endangered Species Act designations for the Gunnison Sage Grouse and Greater Sage Grouse would impact millions of acres in Colorado and hinder existing conservation efforts. It would put private lands off limits to most use and development, including agriculture production, without providing any compensation.
	It would kill jobs, devastate communities, and disrupt effective species preservation efforts currently underway. It won’t, however, more effectively preserve the grouse.
	In my district, plans at the local level are underway to effectively preserve the species. Because they take into account the unique geography and environment of the region, these efforts are seeing success.
	Interior Department bureaucrats have yet to provide measurable species preservation goals so that state and local officials can meet them. Local conservation efforts are all too often disrupted by heavy-handed federal attempts to implement blanket plans that neglect local environmental and geographic factors. These one-size-fits-all plans create endless litigation and tie up resources that could be used for preservation.
	If the true goal is species preservation then I hope Secretary Jewell will come to Colorado and see firsthand the effective work being done to preserve the sage grouse, as well as provide measurable species preservation goals.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-votes-protect-communities-costly-epa-burden-and-public-safety-risk,Tipton Votes to Protect Communities from Costly EPA Burden and Public Safety Risk,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) voted to pass bipartisan legislation in the House of Representatives to clarify the intent of the Safe Drinking Water Act and stop an unnecessary Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-created mandate that would prevent the installation of commercially-available fire hydrants, and jeopardize public safety.
Hydrants, like shower valves—which are already exempt under the law—are not intended to be a sustained source of drinking water, and as such do not pose health risks associated with long-term lead exposure. The EPA’s interpretation of the law would stop the installation of hydrants that contain lead after January 4, 2014, creating a threat to public safety by leaving communities with no option to replace broken hydrants, even in the event of an emergency, since virtually all commercially-available hydrants contain lead.
 
	“The EPA’s determination would do nothing to protect our drinking water supply as the Safe Drinking Water Act intends, but would create an unnecessary, onerous burden for many communities already on tight budgets, and pose a risk to public safety. In Pueblo, Colorado alone, the Board of Water Works estimates that the cost for achieving compliance with a lead free requirement for all fire hydrants would exceed $14 million,” said Tipton. “The EPA attempt to create this new mandate is not the intent of the original law. Today’s commonsense legislation clarifies Congress’s intent, stops this overreach, and addresses the threat to public safety by allowing communities to continue to use readily available hydrants.”
 
In a November letter to Tipton, the Pueblo Board of Water Works wrote:
 
	“Health concerns associated with lead are generally a matter of long-term exposure, and hydrants used during emergencies or at special events as potable water sources typically serve this purpose for only a few hours or days. Applying this act to fire hydrants represents a massive investment of time and resources for little if any discernible public health benefit. We do not believe that this interpretation of the law is what Congress intended.
	“In addition, existing inventories of hydrants across the country will be rendered obsolete if not installed before January 4. Again, the timing alone should give Congress grave concerns. The act was written to provide a three-year transition period for compliance. However, EPA’s new interpretation gives manufacturers, distributors and public and private utilities only two months to use or lose their hydrant inventories.”
 
H.R. 3588, which the House passed today, amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to include fire hydrants in the list of items that are exempted from the prohibition on lead plumbing supplies, equipment, and fixtures.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-leads-charge-keep-pilt-intact,Tipton Leads Charge to Keep PILT Intact,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Stressing that many rural county budgets are already stretched thin as they strive to deliver vital services, Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO), today, led a bipartisan group of 46 of his House colleagues in urging Budget Conferees to provide certainty for counties and prioritize funding for the Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILT) program. PILT reimburses local governments for losses in tax revenues due to the presence of large expanses of un-taxable federal lands, ensuring vital funding for infrastructure, law enforcement, education and other essential operations.
Matt Chase, executive director, National Association of Counties (NACo), said counties nationwide applaud the leadership of Rep. Tipton for his attention to PILT, and thanked the group of 47 members of Congress for their strong bipartisan support.
“Congress must keep its promise to counties and ensure that these federal payments are not disrupted,” Chase said. “The PILT program is a critical source of revenue for counties with large areas of tax-exempt federal land within their boundaries. Without the revenue, many counties would be forced to cut services, delay infrastructure maintenance and improvement and eliminate local jobs.”
The text of the letter to Budget Conferees from Tipton and his colleagues follows:
 
	Dear Chairman Ryan, Chairwoman Murray, Ranking Member Van Hollen and Ranking Member Sessions:
		 
		As you continue to conference on a budget for Fiscal Year 2014, we write to urge you to prioritize funding for the Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILT) program. PILT was first signed into law in October, 1976 and was created to bridge budget shortfalls that many counties face as the result of having large expanses of un-taxable federal lands. As you know, local property and sales taxes typically fund county governments allowing them to provide essential services such as law enforcement, infrastructure and education needs for communities. The inability for counties to collect these local taxes on the extensive acreage of federal lands in their jurisdictions poses a significant burden, and a fully-funded PILT program helps to offset the loss of these critical revenues. Almost 2,000 counties in 49 states depend on some form of PILT disbursement.
	The PILT program has been historically underfunded in the past which has been detrimental for Western counties and rural communities. In 2008, legislation was signed into law to correct this and prevent PILT from being subject to annual appropriations, thus providing mandatory funding. Unfortunately, the mandatory requirement to fund the PILT program recently sunset and counties received their last disbursement in June 2013.
	We all recognize the current fiscal challenges our nation faces, but prudent, economical uses of our resources can have significant benefits for our economy and local communities. Counties have already begun budgeting for Fiscal Year 2014 and without action from Congress, many will be forced to cut important services and implement budget contingency plans. As you all move toward an agreement on a budget resolution, we urge you to end this uncertainty and prevent further disruption to critical local government operations by providing full-funding for the PILT program. We pledge to work with you to identify the necessary offsets to ensure this program is fully paid for and does not increase direct spending, should mandatory spending for this program not be extended. Thank you for taking the time to consider our comments. 
	Sincerely,  
 
Signed (47): Scott Tipton (R-CO), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Steve Pearce (R-NM), Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-CA), Rob Bishop (R-UT), Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Jim Matheson (D-UT), Greg Walden (R-OR), Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Derek Kilmer (R-WA), Joe Heck (R-NV), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Mark Amodei (R-NV), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Rick Nolan (D-MN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Jason Smith (R-MO), Ben Lujan (D-NM), Chris Stewart (R-UT), Dan Benishek (R-MI), Trent Franks (R-AZ), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), Don Young (R-AK), Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Stephen Fincher (R-TN), Paul Cook (R-CA), David Reichert (R-WA), Robert Hurt (R-VA), Mark Meadows (R-NC), Sean Duffy (R-WI), Tim Bishop (D-NY), Ron Barber (D-AZ), Walter Jones (R-NC), John Garamendi (D-CA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), and Jared Huffman (D-CA).
View a pdf of the letter here.
 
#  #  #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-tipton%E2%80%99s-all-above-energy-plan,House Passes Tiptons All-of-the-Above Energy Plan | Congressman Scott Tipton (R - CO),2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON– Today, the House of Representatives passed with bipartisan support Congressman Scott Tipton’s (R-CO) Planning for American Energy Act (H.R. 1394), which would increase responsible American energy production by establishing a true all-of-the-above energy strategy. Tipton’s bill passed as part of the Federal Lands and Energy Security Act of 2013 (H.R. 1965—listed as Title II), a legislative package that also seeks to eliminate bureaucratic red tape that is hampering responsible energy development on federal lands.
Watch Tipton speak on the Planning for American Energy Act
H.R. 1394 (Tipton) would establish a true all-of-the-above domestic energy plan, putting into place common sense steps to create a framework for using federal lands to responsibly meet America’s energy needs without repealing a single environmental regulation or review process. Under the legislation, the non-partisan Energy Information Administration provides the projected energy needs of the United States for the next 30 years to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture on which they then base four year production plans. The bill requires that all energy resources including wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, oil, natural gas, coal, oil shale and minerals needed for energy development be included in the plan.  H.R. 1965 (Lamborn) expands energy production on federal lands by eliminating red tape and streamlining the leasing and permitting process. View the full bill here.
“Colorado, along with our neighboring Western states, is in a unique position to contribute to our nation’s energy security and ensure that the United States remains competitive in the world market.  By promoting a common-sense regulatory framework, embracing domestic energy research and development, and applying environmental and safety standards already on the books, rather than adding costly new mandates, we can help meet America’s energy needs right here at home, providing energy and economic security that will benefit American families,” said Tipton. “An all-of-the-above domestic energy plan that responsibly increases production on federal lands is needed to ensure the future prosperity of our nation. That is exactly what H.R. 1965 will accomplish. It creates a framework to responsibly meet America’s energy needs, lowers energy costs for consumers, and creates much needed jobs.”
Read Tipton’s full floor statement here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-testifies-hermosa-creek-legislation-senate,Tipton Testifies on Hermosa Creek Legislation in Senate,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO), today, testified in support of the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act of 2013 in the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee. Tipton and Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) have introduced companion bills in the House (H.R. 1839) and Senate (S.841) to protect the Hermosa Creek Watershed--an area in the San Juan National Forest north of Durango--as well as protect multiple use of the land.
In his testimony, Tipton spoke on the community effort behind the legislation that is endorsed by a broad coalition of stakeholders including: the City of Durango, the La Plata County Commission, the Southwestern Water Conservation District, the San Juan County Commission, Region 9, the Colorado Snowmobilers Association, Jo Grant Mining Company, Inc., in addition to numerous business and sportsmen groups, among others.
Watch Tipton’s statement in the Senate here.
“This legislation has truly been locally-driven and has broad community support,” said Tipton. “Because the bill has been carefully crafted to preserve the Hermosa Creek watershed and the multiple use recreation opportunities it provides, it has received the endorsement of numerous local stakeholders including snowmobilers, anglers, hunters, mountain bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts, elected officials, grazing permit holders, miners, water users and Southwest Colorado residents.”
Read Tipton’s full statement here.
Under the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act of 2013, much of the land will remain open to historic uses, including mountain biking, motorized recreation, hunting, fishing and selective timber harvesting. Grazing will be permitted in the entire watershed. This legislation ensures that areas currently open to snowmobiling on Molas Pass will remain open for future use.  This will benefit outdoor recreation enthusiasts and continue to provide an important source of economic activity for the area.  If this bill is not passed, then snowmobiling will cease in this region following the 2013/2014 winter season.
This legislation also contains important provisions that allow for active land management in areas designated by the bill as necessary to control wildfires, insect infestations and disease outbreaks.
Tipton has requested a legislative hearing on H.R. 1839 in the House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-statement-ouray-mine-accident,Tipton Statement on Ouray Mine Accident,2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement on Sunday’s mining accident in Ouray that claimed two lives.
“We were deeply saddened to hear that two men lost their lives and 20 others were injured during a mining accident in Ouray on Sunday. Our prayers continue to be with the community and all of those impacted, especially with the families of the two miners who were tragically killed.”
Congressman Tipton’s office is in contact with officials and intently monitoring the investigation being conducted by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-udall-bennet-press-usda-maintain-funding-snow-data-water-supply-monitoring,"Tipton, Udall, Bennet Press USDA to Maintain Funding for Snow Data, Water Supply Monitoring Program",2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton and U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet are urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service to prioritize funding for its Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program. The program, which monitors snowpack in Colorado's mountains and helps water managers forecast supply issues before they occur, is in danger of losing funding due to looming budget cuts.
""In the face of prolonged drought, significant population growth and climate change, NRCS' snow program data provides vital information on precipitation and future water supplies essential for Colorado and the entire American West,"" the lawmakers wrote in the letter. ""Our state contains nine major watersheds, each with its own distinct snowfall patterns and obligations to downstream states. For example, current water supplies across the state range from 100 percent of normal in some areas to 40 percent in others. The ability to accurately measure snowpack in each basin, using both SNOTEL and manual snow course data, is essential for water districts and municipalities to meet the demands of competing users.""
To read the bipartisan letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, click HERE or scroll below:
Undersecretary Robert Bonnie  
	Undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture  
	U.S. Department of Agriculture  
	1400 Independence Ave., S.W.  
	Washington, DC 20250
Dear Undersecretary Bonnie:
We have been informed that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is contemplating a reduction in funding for the agency’s Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program, specifically the number of manual snow course measurement sites in Colorado and other western states, as one option to meet increasing budgetary constraints. As the congressional delegation from the headwaters state, we view this program as essential for the forecasting and management of our most precious resource.
In the face of prolonged drought, significant population growth and climate change, NRCS' snow program data provides vital information on precipitation and future water supplies essential for Colorado and the entire American West. Our state contains nine major watersheds, each with its own distinct snowfall patterns and obligations to downstream states. For example, current water supplies across the state range from 100 percent of normal in some areas to 40 percent in others. The ability to accurately measure snowpack in each basin, using both SNOTEL and manual snow course data, is essential for water districts and municipalities to meet the demands of competing users. Further, we know from the statewide water community that protecting both tools must be a priority, as automatic SNOTEL sites can often face mechanical failure mid-winter, leaving the manual snow courses as the only sources of reliable data to meet local demands and interstate compact deliveries.
Intelligent and thoughtful water supply planning is critical to ensure a prosperous future for Colorado and the West. We hope that USDA and NRCS will prioritize manual snow course measurement sites as they manage their budget for FY14 and prepare their budget for future years. We call on the USDA and NRCS to ensure that the voices of Coloradans are heard as budget priorities are determined and to thoroughly assess the impacts of proposed changes the Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program.
*Note: This release was sent jointly with the offices of Sens. Udall and Bennet.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/column-coloradans-deserve-affordable-accessible-health-care,"Column: Coloradans deserve affordable, accessible health care",2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Coloradans deserve affordable, accessible health care
By Rep. Scott Tipton (CO-03)
Over the last month, there have been lots of changed attitudes in Washington about the President’s health care law. With new issues arising almost daily from the disastrous rollout, the President and Congressional Democrats can’t escape the fact that the law is broken.
Because of this, the conversation is beginning to shift toward finding alternative solutions to the President’s law that would truly bring about accessible and affordable health care for all Americans. This is an opportunity to get health care right in this country by replacing what’s broken.
I’ve heard many stories from Coloradans who are running up against barriers to obtaining health insurance, including everything from website and Medicaid issues, to losing their existing plans that the President promised they could keep, and not being able to afford the increased costs under plans in the President’s health care law. 
For many of those who have been able to get through the barriers to enroll in the exchanges, they have found that premiums are going up and deductibles and copays are sky-rocketing, especially for those in rural areas.
A small church in Durango that has a group policy for their employees told me that under the President’s health care law their premium is increasing nearly 50 percent—an additional $22,000 per year for their five employees. Like many businesses, families and individuals, they simply can’t afford it.
Jenifer from Monte Vista wrote my office: “Last evening I went on my insurance company’s website to see what my premium will be under the Affordable Health Care Act. I am in total shock. My husband and I are in very good health, we are in our late 50's, and our premiums are going from $498.00 per month to over $1100.00 per month with less coverage. What part of this is affordable?”
Jenifer is exactly right—this law isn’t affordable nor is it making health care accessible.
To add insult to injury, residents in Colorado’s 3rd District have noticed that the costs of their premiums can be nearly double the price of someone living in an urban area.  Steve, a 3rd District constituent, sent us an email saying that the lowest bronze plan premium when quoted for his Cortez zip code was $1,023. When he entered a Denver zip code for the exact same plan the premium was $652. This amounts to a penalty on rural America and is blatantly unfair.
Bottom line—the President’s health care law was sold to Americans on false promises by the President, and by Senate and House Democrats who didn’t even know what was in it before they passed it.
Now we are seeing what’s in it—we’re living what’s in it—and it is a mess.
We’re seeing issues with accessibility—especially in rural areas where the expansion of Medicaid is drastically increasing the strain on providers’ limited resources, forcing them to stop seeing additional patients and effectively bringing about a rural health care crisis.
With premiums and deductibles sky-rocketing under the President’s health care law, rural Americans being penalized with higher premium costs than those in urban areas, providers forced to turn away patients because of the colossal expansion of Medicaid, and dismal enrollment numbers falling far short of the Administration’s goals, it’s clear that the President’s health care law is neither accessible nor affordable.
We have an opportunity to work together to pass an alternative solution that truly expands affordability and accessibility—a patient-centered approach that allows for portability and pooling of coverage and ensures coverage of pre-existing conditions. This can be achieved through a market-driven solution that incentivizes enrollment with affordable access to quality care without forcing people to buy insurance they may not want through a mandate, enacts comprehensive tort reform to protect patients while preventing frivolous lawsuits, and rewards innovation in the health care delivery system.
There are plans that have been introduced in the House of Representatives that are a good start to achieving these ends, including the Empowering Patients First Act (H.R. 2300), of which I am a co-sponsor.
The ideas in these plans deserve a closer look, and I’m hopeful they will be included in the national conversation as to how we can truly bring about affordable and accessible health care in this country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-%E2%80%98we-have-opportunity-get-health-care-right-country%E2%80%99,Tipton: ‘We have an opportunity to get health care right in this country’,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement following the vote in the House today to pass legislation (H.R. 3350) to allow insurance companies to continue to offer health care plans currently available for another year and give Americans the option to enroll in those plans.
“With millions of people feeling the pain of the President’s health care law, legislation to allow insurance companies to continue to offer Americans existing plans that would otherwise be canceled—which the House passed today—is a start, but it doesn’t address the inherent problems with the law. With premiums and deductibles sky-rocketing under the President’s health care law, rural Americans being penalized with higher premium costs than those in urban areas, providers forced to turn away patients because of the colossal expansion of Medicaid, and dismal enrollment numbers falling far short of the Administration’s goals, it’s clear that the President’s health care law is neither accessible nor affordable. With new issues arising almost daily from the disastrous rollout of the law, the President and Congressional Democrats can’t escape the fact that it is broken.
“Over the last month, there have been lots of changed attitudes in Washington about the President’s health care law—including the President’s own. The conversation is beginning to shift toward finding alternative solutions to the President’s health care law that would truly bring about accessible and affordable health care for all Americans. This is an opportunity to get health care right in this country by replacing what’s broken.
“We have an opportunity to work together to pass an alternative solution that truly expands affordability and accessibility—a patient-centered approach that allows for portability and pooling of coverage and ensures coverage of pre-existing conditions. This can be achieved through a market-driven solution that incentivizes enrollment with affordable access to quality care without forcing people to buy insurance they may not want through a mandate, enacts comprehensive tort reform to protect patients while preventing frivolous lawsuits, and rewards innovation in the health care delivery system.
“There are plans that have been introduced in the House of Representatives that are a good start to achieving these ends, including the Empowering Patients First Act (H.R. 2300), of which I am a co-sponsor.
“These ideas deserve a closer look, and I’m hopeful they will be included in the national conversation as to how we can truly bring about affordable and accessible health care in this country.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-water-rights-protection-act-clears-house-committee,Tipton Water Rights Protection Act Clears House Committee,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Narrow USFS statement fails to provide certainty for water users
WASHINGTON – Today, the House Natural Resources Committee passed Rep. Scott Tipton’s (R-CO) Water Rights Protection Act (H.R.3189) with bipartisan support, clearing the effort to protect privately-held water rights from federal takings for a vote in the House of Representatives.
Over the years, the Forest Service has engaged in numerous attempts to require the transfer of privately-held water rights as a permit condition, amounting to an outright federal taking. During an October 29 House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation hearing water users testified about their experiences with federal land management agencies interfering with their privately held water rights. Read more here.
 
	“While I am encouraged that the Forest Service acknowledged their flawed and unnecessary policy, and has indicated that their future water rights clause may no longer require the transfer of privately-owned water rights, this clause has yet to be seen, they have aggressively pursued such takings for over two years, and their comments indicate that we will likely only see a temporary fix for one group of water users in one region,” said Tipton. “Water users need certainty that all federal land management agencies, not just the Forest Service, are prohibited from future attempts to take privately-held water rights. Additionally, H.R. 3189 would prohibit future Forest Service officials from shifting course and engaging in similar water grabs in the future.”
 
Read Tipton’s full statement here.
The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) reiterated support for H.R. 3189 in light of the Forest Service announcement.
 
	“Despite this announced change in policy, we still need Congress to pass the Water Rights Protection Act.  The policy change announced by the agency this week is the fourth change in Forest Service water policy for ski areas in ten years. These changes are disruptive, create uncertainty and adversely impact our operations, planning and future growth. The ski industry can’t afford to be subjected to a different water policy with each Administration,” wrote Michael Berry, President of NSAA. “Only federal legislation can give us the long term protection we need of an outright statutory prohibition on the taking of our water rights by the federal government. H.R. 3189 is complementary to the agency’s efforts to develop a new policy.”
 
Read the full NSAA letter here.
During today’s markup, Tipton attached an amendment to H.R. 3189 to make technical corrections and clarify the scope of the bill.
The full text of Tipton’s amendment is available here.
Tipton’s full statement on the amendment is available here.
Tipton introduced H.R. 3189, the Water Right Protection Act, in September with bipartisan support from Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO). It has received strong support from a broad coalition of local, state and national stakeholders, and a companion bill is being carried in the Senate by John Barrasso (WY).
The Water Rights Protection Act:
 Prohibits agencies from implementing a permit condition that requires the transfer of privately-held water rights to the federal government in order to receive or renew a permit for the use of land;
	Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from imposing other conditions that require the transfer of water rights without just compensation;
	Upholds longstanding federal deference to state water law;
	Has no cost to taxpayers.
 Endorsements to date: National Ski Areas Association, American Farm Bureau, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Family Farm Alliance, Public Lands Council, National Association of Conservation Districts, Pacific Northwest Ski Area Association, California Ski Industry Association, Colorado Water Congress, Colorado Ski Country USA, Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, Colorado River Water Conservation District, Southwestern Water Conservation District, Rio Grande Water Conservation District, Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District, Rio Grande Watershed Association of Conservation Districts, Montrose County Commissioners, Mesa County Commissioners, Montezuma County Commissioners, Conejos County Commissioners, Gunnison County Commissioners, Rio Grande County Commissioners, Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company, Garfield County Commissioners, Aspen Ski Company, Durango Mountain Resort, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District, Center Conservation District and Club 20.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-reintroduces-innovative-education-bill,Tipton Reintroduces Innovative Education Bill,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) has introduced legislation to help cash-strapped states fund K-12 and higher education by expanding responsible energy development and creating jobs, without removing any environmental safeguards.
The Education and Energy Act of 2013 (H.R. 3460) would dedicate 33 percent of the federal portion of new oil and gas revenues that are derived from leases for tracts located in a state, back to that state to be used for education.  The bill will also distribute 17 percent of the remaining federal portion of mineral revenues to all states.  This distribution will apply to new leases offered by the Secretary of the Interior, and to revenues which exceed the budget estimates projected by the federal government for the prior fiscal year. This will allow for a reliable source of educational funding in those states that choose to develop their domestic mineral resources under new leasing authority granted to the Secretary of the Interior.
 
	“The Education and Energy Act of 2013 provides an opportunity to make a considerable investment in our children’s future and in the future of our universities through expanded responsible development of energy resources.  This commonsense bill favors local control rather than Washington directives for education policy, allowing states to determine and pursue their own education policy and provide needed teaching resources without the need to raise taxes or impose federally based, top-down education directives,” said Tipton. “This is a win-win for our children, educators, higher education students, job seekers, and American families seeking affordable domestic energy.”
 
If the federal government receives revenues from domestic oil and gas development beyond that which was anticipated for a given year, those additional amounts will be apportioned for education funding as the states see fit.  This funding allocation system allows for state legislatures to determine how best to direct the funds so they can address the unique educational issues faced by their state.  By allocating mineral development royalties for education, we can provide a much-needed investment in the future of our country without the need to raise taxes or cut funding to other necessary services or programs, while having the added benefit of creating new jobs.
H.R. 3460:
 Provides increased autonomy for states to develop their own education policy;
	Offers increased access to education resources for states without raising taxes or imposing one-size-fits-all Washington, D.C. directives;
	Directs 17 percent of the federal portion of new energy revenues to all states for education; and
	Where applicable, allocates 33 percent of the federal portion of new energy revenues back to states that produce domestic energy for education.
 View the bill text here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/icymi-congressman-scott-tipton-discusses-obamacare-concerns-fox-news,ICYMI: Congressman Scott Tipton Discusses Obamacare Concerns on FOX News,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) appeared on FOX News to discuss concerns with the Affordable Care Act. Tipton spoke about the stories he’s hearing from constituents who are experiencing challenges signing up for insurance through the exchanges, have lost their existing coverage, and are facing increased health care costs.
Watch the interview here
  
	On Friday, the House will vote on H.R. 3350 to allow Americans to keep their existing health insurance plans if they wish. Tipton is supportive of patient-driven health care solutions like the Empowering Patient’s First Act (H.R. 2300), of which he is a co-sponsor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-takes-main-street-promote-small-businesses,Tipton Takes to Main Street to Promote Small Businesses,2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Rep. Scott Tipton talks with Mike Hartkop, co-owner of Solar Roast Coffee in Pueblo)
PUEBLO, CO—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) visited Main Street to encourage local small businesses to participate in Small Business Saturday, the first Saturday after Thanksgiving when Holiday shoppers turn out to support businesses in their communities.
Tipton, a House Small Business Subcommittee Chairman and founder of the Congressional Small Business Caucus, visited with members of the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation (PEDCO) and toured Solar Roast Coffee to discuss ways to encourage business growth and job creation in Pueblo, hear about what’s working locally, and share information about resources and tools available free to small businesses for Small Business Saturday.
 
	“Getting feedback from job-creators and those engaged on the frontlines of economic development is invaluable as we work in Washington to ensure that government is helping, not hurting small business growth. Main Street Pueblo is a prime example of how small businesses play a vital role in the health of the local economy and strength of the community. Businesses like Solar Roast Coffee have found innovative ways to bring their communities unique, high quality products and services not found anywhere else, and have created jobs and economic growth in the process. That’s something to be proud of,” said Tipton. “Small Business Saturday is a great way for the community to show support for local job-creators while getting a jump on Holiday shopping.  There are many resources, including marketing tools and tips, available through the Small Business Administration free to businesses that wish to participate.”
 
For more information including a list of participating local retailers, and free promotional materials available to businesses, visit: https://www.sba.gov/saturday.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-udall-bennet-announce-naming-committee-southeast-colorado-va-clinic,"Tipton, Udall, Bennet Announce Naming Committee for Southeast Colorado VA Clinic",2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"PUEBLO, CO—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) and Senators Mark Udall (D-CO) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) announced today the formation of a committee to recommend a name for the Veterans Affairs Pueblo Outpatient Clinic. The committee’s eight members include a strong representation of the veteran community and have served in all branches of the Armed Forces in conflicts ranging from WWII to Afghanistan. The committee will conduct outreach to the community, including veterans’ organizations, to gather local input on a name for the clinic. 
 
	“This state-of-the-art clinic is a vital resource for helping provide veterans in our community with the quality health care they deserve.  Because of the significance of this clinic to the community it makes sense that the naming process is locally-driven,” said Tipton. “The naming committee provides the opportunity for residents to choose a name that they feel best exemplifies the values of their community. With so many military heroes hailing from Southeast Colorado, the community is fortunate to have many worthy options to consider.”
 
 
	""Our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our freedom, deserve the best care available. Pueblo's outpatient clinic is serving veterans throughout the region, so it is fitting that it should bear the name of a southern Coloradan,"" Udall said. ""I urge veterans from throughout Pueblo and the region to participate in this community-driven process to honor one of the many heroes who have called southern Colorado home.”
 
 
	“Pueblo is the Home of Heroes and it is fitting that this is a community-led process to name this clinic, which has cared for so many of our veterans in southern Colorado,” said Bennet.  “I have no doubt the large veteran and military community in this region will work together to choose a name that best represents their unique principles and experiences. We all look forward to their decision.”
 
The committee, which will be chaired by Colorado State Representative Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo), is expected to announce a schedule of meetings, as well as a timeline for a recommendation, in the coming days.
Congressional guidelines for naming a VA clinic require that the person the clinic is named after must be deceased and one of the following:
 A recipient of the Medal of Honor or otherwise performed military service of an extraordinarily distinguished character;
	A member of Congress associated with the facility to be named;
	A veteran instrumental in the construction or the operation of the facility to be named;
	A top military or civilian official in a service branch, the U.S. Defense Department or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs;
	An individual who performed outstanding service for veterans.
 Additionally, the name must have the unanimous approval of the Colorado Congressional Delegation and of the pertinent state department or chapter of each Congressionally chartered veterans' organization having a national membership of at least 500,000.
Once the committee agrees on a name for the clinic, it will submit a recommendation to Tipton, Udall and Bennet to draft legislation.
*This release was sent in unison with the offices of Sens. Udall and Bennet.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/congress-classroom-tipton-speaks-center-high-school-students,Congress in the Classroom: Tipton Speaks to Center High School Students,2013-11-05,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Congressman Tipton presenting Superintendent Welsh with a Congressional Tribute at Center High School)
Center, CO – Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) visited Center High School to speak to students about the legislative process, civic engagement, and the United States Constitution. Tipton also presented a Congressional Tribute to Superintendent George Welsh recognizing his dedicated work on behalf of the students and teachers of the Center Consolidated School District.
 
	“I was honored to be able to speak to the students of Center High School today to discuss the legislative process and the Constitution, as well as answer their questions on the impact of the federal government on their daily lives. These students have learned about our government and the history of our country, so it was a real privilege for me to be able to share with them my experiences in Washington passing a bill into law, working on committees and serving in public office,” said Tipton. “These kids are incredibly bright and asked some great questions. I was impressed by their civic knowledge, and am confident that they will have a big impact on their community one day.”
 
The text of Tipton’s Congressional Tribute of Superintendent Welsh follows:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. George Welsh, current superintendent of Center School District in Colorado.  His leadership and ability to think outside of the box has greatly benefitted the Center School District and provided students with opportunities to learn and achieve beyond ordinary expectations. Leading by example, through dedication to teaching and learning, Mr. Welsh has inspired teachers and students in the San Luis Valley to reach their full potential for over a decade.
Mr. Welsh was recently named “Superintendent of the Year” by the Colorado Association of School Districts, a well-deserved honor.  Center School District has faced many challenges and headwinds, often operating with extremely limited resources. With Mr. Welsh’s leadership, innovative use of technology and ability to maximize the resources available to the District, graduation rates in the Center School District have risen up to 93 percent, from 33 percent when he began in 1997.  This is an extraordinary achievement. 
In addition to being named “Superintendent of the Year” by the Colorado Association of School Districts, Mr. Welsh was also the recipient of the Demont Award from the Colorado Association of School Boards, naming him Outstanding Rural Superintendent of the Year.  
Mr. Speaker, It is an honor to recognize Mr. George Welsh for his dedication to education and leadership that has undoubtedly transformed many lives. Superintendent George Welsh is an incredible resource for his community, and I have no doubt that he will continue to have a significant impact during his education career, helping students and teachers reach their highest goals.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/event/alamosa-town-hall-congressman-scott-tipton,Alamosa Town Hall with Congressman Scott Tipton,2013-10-31,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Constituents are invited to join Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) for a town hall meeting in Alamosa on Monday. At the meeting, Tipton will answer questions and provide an update on legislation and key issues including water rights, water storage, Farm Bill, immigration, health care, and the economy.
The meeting begins at 6:00 PM (MT) and will run approximately an hour.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-water-rights-protection-bill-gets-senate-sponsor,Tipton Water Rights Protection Bill Gets Senate Sponsor,2013-10-31,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced companion legislation to Congressman Tipton’s (R-CO) Water Rights Protection Act (H.R.3189) adding further momentum to the bipartisan effort to prevent federal agencies from requiring privately held water rights be turned over to the federal government.
Tipton introduced H.R. 3189, the Water Right Protection Act, in September with bipartisan support, and it has been endorsed by a broad coalition of local, state and national stakeholders.
“Federal attempts to undermine the long-held state water law that protects the many uses vital to Western States are creating uncertainty and jeopardizing the livelihoods of communities, individuals, and businesses responsible for thousands of jobs. It’s unacceptable that federal agencies are engaging in nefarious tactics to extort privately-held water rights,” said Rep. Tipton. “Senator Barrasso and I share a deep commitment to defending Western water rights, and I’m pleased to work with him to advance the bipartisan Water Rights Protection Act. The introduction of a Senate companion adds further momentum to our effort to protect users from federal takings and restore needed certainty by ensuring that all non-federal water rights are upheld.”
“Once again, Washington is attempting to take over Western water rights with another federal water power grab,” said Sen. Barrasso. “This time their tactics are basically extortion. The Administration is holding public land-use permits hostage in an attempt to acquire private water rights. Chicago-style politics aren’t welcome in the West and we won’t sit back and let Washington attempt to bully our farmers, ranchers and other multiple use permit holders. Congress needs to pass our bill immediately and prevent Washington from extorting Americans’ private water rights.”  
The Water Rights Protection Act:
 Prohibits agencies from implementing a permit condition that requires the transfer of privately-held water rights to the federal government in order to receive or renew a permit for the use of land;
	Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from imposing other conditions that require the transfer of water rights without just compensation;
	Upholds longstanding federal deference to state water law;
	Has no cost to taxpayers.
 Endorsements to date: National Ski Areas Association, American Farm Bureau, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Family Farm Alliance, Public Lands Council, National Association of Conservation Districts, Pacific Northwest Ski Area Association, California Ski Industry Association, Colorado Water Congress, Colorado Ski Country USA, Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, Colorado River Water Conservation District, Southwestern Water Conservation District, Rio Grande Water Conservation District, Rio Grande Watershed Association of Conservation Districts, Montrose County Commissioners, Mesa County Commissioners, Montezuma County Commissioners, Conejos County Commissioners, Gunnison County Commissioners, Rio Grande County Commissioners, Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company, Garfield County Commissioners, Aspen Ski Company, Durango Mountain Resort, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District, Center Conservation District and Club 20.
Background:
The U.S. Forest Service is attempting to require the transfer of privately-held water rights to the federal government as a permit condition on National Forest System lands. There is no compensation for the transfer of these privately-held rights despite the fact that many stakeholders have invested millions of their own capital in developing them.
The Forest Service permit condition has already hurt a number of stakeholders in Colorado including the Powderhorn Ski Area in Grand Junction and the Breckenridge Ski Resort. Despite having been excellent stewards of the environment and their water rights, the Forest Service has demanded the relinquishment of state-granted water rights from these ski areas in order to continue their operations.
The same nefarious tactics have been used in Utah, Nevada, and other Western states where agencies have required surrender of possession of water rights in exchange for approving the conditional use of grazing allotments. This federal water grab has broad implications that have begun to extend beyond recreation and the farming and ranching community, and are now threatening municipalities and other businesses.
The Forest Service claims that it is implementing the agency permit condition to prevent water rights from being sold off and used improperly, however according Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, there have never been any such cases where the rights have been used improperly. In a November 2011 hearing, Tipton asked Tidwell if there were any examples of this occurring in the past, to which Tidwell responded with a resounding, “No.” Furthermore, it was shown that the language of the water clause offers no guarantee that the Forest Service could not divert water to other locations or direct water for another purpose altogether.
During a House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation hearing on Threats, Intimidation and Bullying by Federal Land Managing Agencies, this week, witnesses testified that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has also attempted to take privately held water rights. Read more.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/blm-forest-service-attempting-take-private-water-rights,"BLM, like Forest Service, Attempting to Take Private Water Rights",2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – During today’s House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation hearing on Threats, Intimidation and Bullying by Federal Land Managing Agencies, witnesses told Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has also attempted to hijack privately held water rights. U.S. Forest Service efforts to do the same have been well-documented in previous hearings.
Tim Lowry, a rancher from Oregon, testified during the hearing that from almost the moment his family purchased their ranch, the BLM began attempts to inhibit their ability to utilize their grazing rights. Read his full testimony here.
“The federal government forced us into court and massive debt in an attempt to steal our stock water rights,” said Lowry in his opening testimony.  “The United States objected to our stock water rights claims that were filed pursuant to the Snake River Basin Adjudication and filed its own stock water rights claims to the same water.”
After a decade-long legal battle that has racked up more than $800,000 in legal fees for Lowry, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled in Lowry’s favor and against federal attempts to hijack his privately-held water rights.
“I felt intimidated walking into that room full of Justice Department attorneys, BLM personnel, who had been dedicated to trying to obtain those water rights in the adjudication. And being told that we had no legal position to hold a water right—that we were mere permitees there at the permission of the United States government, and had no right,” said Lowry.
Tipton asked Lowry if the federal government had offered any compensation for the rights the BLM was attempting to take.
“They were not willing to compensate anything.” Lowry answered.
“So the federal government can just jump in, take your private property rights, take your water rights that you paid for and you developed with no compensation. That’s their opinion?” asked Tipton.
“That was the course they were taking and what was being attempted, yes,” Lowry said.
VIDEO of Tipton and Lowry’s exchange is available here.
“It’s important to note that this is just not a Forest Service water grab, there is also BLM water grab in the West. [Water] is the lifeblood of the Western United States,” Tipton said. “The bipartisan Water Rights Protection Act seeks to protect local water rights from federal government overreach and takings by prohibiting federal agencies from pilfering water rights through the use of permits, leases, and other land management arrangements, as well as by upholding longstanding federal deference to state water law on which countless water users rely. This legislation, if passed, would prevent the abuse we heard about in today’s hearing, and save ranchers, farmers and other users from having to engage in drawn-out, expensive legal battles with federal agencies just to defend their private property rights from federal takings.”
H.R. 3189, the Water Right Protection Act, which Tipton introduced earlier this month with bipartisan support from Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), has received strong support from a broad coalition of local, state and national stakeholders concerned with recent federal attempts to hijack privately-held water rights.
During the hearing several of the witnesses spoke on the need to pass Congressman Tipton’s Water Rights Protection Act, including ranchers Tim Lowry, Wayne Hague Jr. and Lorenzo Valdez, joining the broad local, state and national support the bill has received to date.
Full witness testimony will be available on the House Natural Resources Committee website here.
The Water Rights Protection Act:
 Prohibits agencies from implementing a permit condition that requires the transfer of privately-held water rights to the federal government in order to receive or renew a permit for the use of land;
	Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from imposing other conditions that require the transfer of water rights without just compensation;
	Upholds longstanding federal deference to state water law;
	Has no cost to taxpayers.
 # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-water-storage-vital-colorado,Tipton: Water Storage Vital for Colorado,2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) stressed the importance of surface water storage in Colorado and other Western states today during a Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power hearing entitled, A Roadmap for Increasing our Water and Hydropower Supplies:  The Need for New and Expanded Multi-Purpose Surface Storage Facilities. The purpose of today’s hearing was to examine the multi-track, often conflicting and outdated regulatory framework that creates process-related hurdles inhibiting water storage projects from moving forward and making them unviable for private investment. Tipton noted that the natural cycle of rivers in the West is one of boom and bust, surplus and drought, and underscored the importance of a stable water supply for western economies, environmental protection efforts, flood mitigation, jobs and food security. The uncertainties of annual water availability (such is the case in Colorado during low snowpack years) can imperil communities which are hindered by a cumbersome and outdated regulatory framework that impedes the ability to store water for vital purposes.
“Water is one of the most important natural resources in Colorado and a main driver of economic growth,” said Tipton. “Prudent supply management and the ability to store much needed water will allow communities to support jobs that depend on the availability of water, protect food security, control flooding, ensure continued recreational opportunities, provide water for the development of hydropower, and meet environmental protection needs.”
With the exception of the Animas-La Plata project in Southwestern Colorado, the Bureau of Reclamation has not built any large multi-purpose dams or reservoirs over the last generation.
“Without the ability to store water that falls on Colorado’s slopes, the West as we know it would not exist. The Colorado Water Conservation Board has estimated that by 2050 Colorado will need an additional 1 million acre feet of water to meet projected demands.  This figure accounts for water saved through conservation.  Water conservation is something all westerners know the importance of but conservation alone is not enough,” said Tipton. “New water storage will play a role in meeting future demands.  Without new water storage and continued conservation we could see as many as 700,000 acres of agriculture land dry up in Colorado by 2050 due to urbanization and urban water transfers.  The dry up of this agricultural land has the potential to harm rural economies and the environment.”
In his questioning of Dr. Robert Shibatani, CEO & Principal Hydrologist of the SHIBATANI GROUP, Tipton asked about the various beneficial impacts of increased surface storage for flood mitigation, hydropower development, and other uses, as well as discussed the need to update the outdated and cumbersome regulatory process.
Video of their exchange is available here.
“[Water storage] facilities in my view, can serve as an effective new platform to directly meet the challenges posed by a growing population, refocus attention on retaining a larger portion of a valuable public trust resource for a wide variety of beneficial uses, encourage a broader commitment to improving the nation’s aging water infrastructure, and provide direct climate change adaptation,” said Shibatani in his testimony.  “Ensuring water security can provide a vital foundational basis for robust national economic recovery.”
Read Shibatani’s full testimony here.
All full witness testimony will be available on the House Natural Resources Committee website here.
Tipton’s full opening statement is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/event/mountain-village-town-hall-congressman-tipton,Mountain Village Town Hall with Congressman Tipton,2013-10-28,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Constituents are invited to join Congressman Scott Tipton for a town hall meeting in Mountain Village this week. At the meeting, Tipton will answer questions and provide an update on legislation and key issues including forest management, water rights, health care, the federal budget and the economy.
 
The meeting begins at 2:00 PM (MT) and will run approximately an hour.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-raises-concerns-epa%E2%80%99s-disregard-rural-input,Tipton Raises Concerns with EPA’s Disregard for Rural Input,2013-10-28,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON–Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) is urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to solicit input from stakeholders in rural communities that will suffer the greatest impact from the Administration’s proposed job-killing regulations on power plants.
 
	The EPA is holding 11 listening sessions on the agency’s proposed regulations which amount to a backdoor energy tax that will raise energy costs, stunt economic growth, and kill jobs.  These potential regulations are already having a serious impact on rural communities including Craig, Gunnison and Delta in the 3rd District. Despite the significant impact of these proposals for rural stakeholders, the EPA scheduled listening sessions for only urban areas, with a single listening session scheduled for Colorado—in downtown Denver this week.
 
In a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy Tipton wrote:
Dear Administrator McCarthy:
I write to express my strong concern about the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) recent announcement regarding public listening sessions and the agency’s intent to move forward with new regulations for power plants.  While soliciting feedback from the general public, energy consumers and producers, small businesses and other stakeholders is extremely important, your 11 scheduled listening sessions throughout the country will only occur in major urban areas. The only hearing scheduled for my home state of Colorado is slated for Wednesday, October 30th from 9am-5pm in downtown Denver. In response to questions posed as part of your April 2013 nomination hearing you stated that, “If confirmed, I will seek ways to further transparency” and you also committed to ensure that EPA work is guided by “stakeholder engagement”.  I fail to see how meeting during business hours, in a major metropolitan area that is hundreds of miles from some of the communities that will be most directly affected by the proposed regulations furthers transparency or includes real stakeholder engagement.   This proposed listening session doesn’t allow for sufficient input from rural America and people that have traditional job hours.  
Following the President’s directive requiring your agency to pursue these new regulations, I held a July hearing in the House Small Business Subcommittee that I chair to examine the potential impacts of these regulatory proposals and so members of Congress could hear about how the EPA plans to comply with the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The Committee invited officials from the EPA to provide testimony, hear from small businesses, and explain the agency’s plan moving forward. Unfortunately, after giving a variety of excuses, the agency declined to send an official to participate in the hearing. 
The proposed regulations by the Administration over the last several years for new and existing power plants have already had devastating effects on our economy and killed good paying jobs. Since 2009, over 200 different plants in 25 different states have been forced to shut their doors. Most of the remaining plants that would be negatively impacted by the new EPA proposals are nowhere near where the 11 listening sessions are being held. Residents and businesses in rural America will suffer the most as a result of these new proposals and they deserve to be heard. As a result, I would encourage you to schedule additional listening sessions in rural areas at a time when hard working Americans can attend.
Furthermore, I would encourage the EPA and the Administration to pursue a true all-of-the-above energy policy that does not pick winner and losers based on a particular agenda. We have tremendous untapped energy potential in this country and should be implementing a balanced approach that includes wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, oil, natural gas, coal, oil shale and mineral development. Our nation’s energy future demands this type of plan and implementing such a policy will get people back to work, keep energy costs low for families and businesses, and strengthen our national security. 
Thank you for taking time to consider my comments. Moving forward please let me know if you have questions or need any additional information.
A pdf of the letter is available here.
Background:
Tipton, who serves on the House Natural Resources Committee, is a strong proponent of an all-of-the-above energy strategy and has introduced several pieces of legislation to responsibly develop America’s energy resources. He most recently passed a bill into law this year to expand clean, renewable hydropower production and create rural jobs.
 
# # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/event/grand-junction-town-hall-meeting-congressman-scott-tipton-0,Grand Junction Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Scott Tipton,2013-10-23,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Constituents are invited to join Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) for a town hall meeting. At the meeting, Congressman Tipton will answer questions and provide an update on legislation and key issues including forest management, health care, the federal budget and the economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-ruiz-cook-polis-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-proactively-reduce-wildfire,"Tipton, Ruiz, Cook, Polis Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Proactively Reduce Wildfire Risks",2013-10-23,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ruiz, Cook, Tipton, Polis Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Proactively Reduce Wildfire Risks

WASHINGTON– Today, Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-36), Rep. Paul Cook (CA-8), Rep. Scott Tipton (CO-3), and Rep. Jared Polis (CO-2) introduced bipartisan legislation that would authorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to proactively coordinate with states and localities on wildfire mitigation projects. The bill, which places wildfires on par with other natural disasters such as floods and tornadoes, would make states eligible to receive an additional 15 percent of the total funds FEMA allocates for fire suppression to support wildfire-mitigation efforts.
 
	“This year the West, including parts of my district, have had one of the most destructive and devastating wildfire seasons in history,” said Dr. Ruiz. “It is critical that we provide firefighters with the means necessary to reduce these disasters to save lives, property, and resources. This bill is a commonsense solution that will go a long way towards helping California and other states prevent future wildfires.”
 
 
	“We’ve seen over the past few years the devastation wildfires can cause,” said Cook. “With an abundance of forest land in my district, I’m very concerned about the potential of future fires.  Time and time again, our firefighters have risen to the challenge, but it’s also important that we do all we can to prevent wildfires as well.”
 
 
	“Our forests provide limitless environmental and economic benefits when healthy and it’s our responsibility to preserve this incredible natural resource. Unfortunately many of our forest lands are in a state of emergency—at high risk for catastrophic wildfire due to unnaturally dense growth, drought conditions and other factors. We must do more to restore forest health, and prevent future loss of life and property to catastrophic wildfire. For too long we have been working to stop fires once they start instead of proactively addressing the conditions that cause them. As the old saying goes, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’” said Tipton. “By making FEMA resources available for hazard mitigation in our forests, this legislation will help take a more proactive approach to restoring forests to a healthy natural state, and do so without increasing taxpayer spending.”
 
 
	“My commitment to this issue is longstanding and I am happy to build on my previous success to curb the growing threat of wildfires in the West,” said Polis. “Funding wildfire mitigation work is cost effective because it is proven to greatly reduce the damage caused by wildfires that strike our communities. Unfortunately, drought and record high temperatures have increased the threat of wildfires in Colorado, so this bill is essential to proactively minimize risk before wildfires start.”
 
The Wildfire Prevention Act of 2013 allows FEMA to proactively fund the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program with an additional 15 percent of funds already allocated for the Fire Management Assistance Grant program to address wildfire risks. The program's funds currently are only used for wildfire suppression. This is important for western states that do not often experience major disaster declarations, but have frequent large wildfires.
* This release was sent in conjunction with the office of Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221100742/http://tipton.house.gov/event/montrose-coffee-congressman,Montrose Coffee with the Congressman,2013-10-23,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Start:
         	  October 26, 2013 9:00 am

         	  
End:
         	    October 26, 2013 10:00 am
         	  
         	           	    
Location:
         	      Coffee Trader, 845 E. Main Street,  Montrose, CO",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131022025229/http://coffman.house.gov:80/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=891:coffman-statement-in-support-of-bipartisan-agreement&catid=36:latest-news&Itemid=10,Coffman Statement In Support Of Bipartisan Agreement,2013-10-17,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) Congressman Mike Coffman (CO-06), released the following statement this evening regarding the government shutdown and debt ceiling:    
""I’m supporting this agreement tonight because Washington has been frozen by partisan gridlock in both political parties. This proposal is a bipartisan compromise that reopens the Federal Government and requires we begin negotiations to reduce our nation’s rising debt. Essentially, this proposal says we’re done fighting and we’re ready to begin an honest discussion about solutions for reducing the debt.""
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-statement-vote-continue-spending-reforms-prevent-default,"Tipton Statement on Vote to Continue Spending Reforms, Prevent Default",2013-10-16,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON–Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement today following House passage of legislation to prevent a national default, end the government shutdown and extend spending reforms.
 
	“We have voted every way possible to repeal, defund and replace Obamacare in the House. Some even thought that a government shutdown would stop it. But as we’ve seen over the past two weeks, while some government functions have ceased during the shutdown, Obamacare has continued unaffected. Our Constitution lays out the legislative process very clearly, and to pass or change a law (including Obamacare) we need the House, Senate and the President to act. While spending bills originate in the House, the Senate and President must also act. When the legislative process fails, gridlock ensues and unintended consequences can occur—such as a default on our national debt, damage to our economy, lost jobs and an extended government shutdown.
	“There have been many opinions on the best way to stop Obamacare and it’s important to remember that a difference in tactics is not a difference in principle. There is no question that Obamacare is raising costs and decreasing access to care in this country, and that it must be replaced. The person who ought to be concerned most about the end of the government shutdown is Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius who will now have to explain to the American people why the implementation of Obamacare is going so drastically wrong. The fight to effectively repeal and replace Obamacare moves forward and I will continue to vote to stop this bad law. 
	“Today’s agreement includes positive steps to extend responsible spending reforms, prevent a national default on nearly $17 trillion of U.S. debt, and reopen the government. It protects the economy and sets the stage for further budget negotiations to address our nation’s spending crisis. Our nation is facing a staggering national debt, and this plan continues to address the debt by extending sequester-level spending reforms. For the first time since the Korean War, the federal government is set to actually spend less for two consecutive years, and recent spending reforms resulted in an upgrade of the United States credit rating by Moody’s earlier this year. We have taken some positive steps toward addressing our nation’s debt and we must continue to fight for responsible spending reforms and extend those we’ve been able to achieve so far.”
 
In addition to ending the government shutdown and preventing a national default, the plan sets up a Conference Committee on the budget to meet and report by mid-December. It also prevents rampant fraud by requiring income verification for those receiving taxpayer subsidies under Obamacare, and ensures that labor unions do not receive special treatment under Obamacare.
Background:
From 1953-1955 federal spending fell each year, increasing again in 1956, and not decreasing for two consecutive years since, until now. Federal outlays fell to $3.54 trillion in 2012 from $3.6 trillion in 2011. In 2013, according to the Congressional Budget Office estimates, federal outlays will fall once more to $3.46 trillion. This is the first time that federal spending has decreased for two consecutive years since the Korean War.
# # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-encouraged-movement-farm-bill,Tipton Encouraged by Movement on Farm Bill,2013-10-11,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued the following statement after the House voted today to go to conference with the Senate on the Farm Bill, moving closer to providing long-term certainty for the agriculture community, as well as implementing needed spending reforms.
“There is much in the Farm Bill that is vital for the health of our agriculture economy, including crop insurance, research, investments in production and regulatory relief.  Colorado’s 3rd District has a vast and diverse agriculture community.  While this bill is not perfect, throughout this process we have worked to balance the concerns of our constituents with needed spending reforms, as well as strived to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape, and provide certainty for the agriculture community. I’m encouraged that we are seeing movement on the Farm Bill and are moving closer to providing long-term certainty for the agriculture community.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/strong-support-tipton-water-rights-protection-act-during-committee-hearing,Strong Support for Tipton Water Rights Protection Act During Committee Hearing,2013-10-10,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"List of endorsements includes local, state and national stakeholders
WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton’s (R-CO) bill to protect Colorado and Western water rights from federal takings received a legislative hearing in the House Natural Resources Water and Power Subcommittee. H.R. 3189, which Tipton introduced earlier this month with bipartisan support from Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), has received strong support from a broad coalition of local, state and national stakeholders concerned with recent federal attempts to hijack privately held water rights.
 
	“Recent federal attempts to manipulate the federal permit, lease, and land management process to circumvent long-established state water law and hijack privately-held water rights have sounded the alarm for all non-federal water users that rely on these water rights for their livelihood, and have already hurt stakeholders in Colorado and in other Western states,” said Tipton. “The bipartisan Water Rights Protection Act seeks to protect local water rights from federal government overreach and takings by prohibiting federal agencies from pilfering water rights through the use of permits, leases, and other land management arrangements as well as by upholding longstanding federal deference to state water law on which countless water users rely.”
 
VIDEO: Tipton’s opening statement.
The text of Tipton’s full opening statement is available here.
The U.S. Forest Service is currently attempting to require the transfer of privately held water rights to the federal government as a permit condition on National Forest System lands. There is no compensation for the transfer of these privately held rights despite the fact that many stakeholders have invested millions of their own capital in developing them. During the hearing, witnesses from Colorado and Utah testified on the need for legislation to protect privately held water rights from federal takings such as this, and spoke in support of the Water Rights Protection Act as the solution to provide needed certainty.
VIDEO: Tipton’s questions for the witnesses first round:
Second round of questions:
 
	“The proposed law would protect ski area water rights and provide certainty to ski areas and other water rights holders that the federal government is not going to seize these valuable property rights without compensation,” said David Corbin, VP of Planning & Development for Aspen Skiing Co. “This will benefit ski areas and the rural economies dependent on them. Finally, it upholds state water law. For all of these reasons, the ski industry wholeheartedly supports H.R. 3189. 
 
 
	“By issuing these directives, the Forest Service has not only violated the 5th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by taking property without paying compensation, it has attempted to use its permitting authority to circumvent long-established federal and state water laws,” said Glenn Porzak, on behalf of the National Ski Areas Association. “The Water Rights Protection Act protects these privately and publically held water rights, prohibits federal takings, and upholds state water law.”
 
 
	“American Farm Bureau policy continues expressing opposition to any federal domination or pre-emption of state water laws and that water rights as property rights cannot be taken without compensation and due process of law. Scarcity of water in the Western United States led to the development of a system of water allocation that is very different from how water is allocated in regions graced with abundant moisture,” said Randy Parker, CEO of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation. “Livestock production is the economic foundation of Utah’s rural communities. Boosting rural economies will be enhanced by passage of H.R. 3189 providing certainty. Not by seizing assets by relinquishment or diminishment of livestock water rights.”
 
David Corbin’s testimony is available here.
Glen Porzak’s testimony is available here.
Randy Parker’s testimony is available here.
To date, the Water Right Protection Act has been endorsed by: Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council, Family Farm Alliance, National Ski Areas Association, Colorado Water Congress, Colorado Ski Country USA, Colorado River Water Conservation District, Pacific Northwest Ski Area Association, California Ski Industry Association, the Southwestern Water Conservation District and CLUB 20.  
Background:
The Forest Service permit condition has already hurt a number of stakeholders in Colorado including the Powderhorn Ski Area in Grand Junction and the Breckenridge Ski Resort. Despite having been excellent stewards of the environment and their water rights, the Forest Service has demanded the relinquishment of state-granted water rights from these ski areas in order to continue their operations. The same nefarious tactics have been used in Utah, Nevada, and other Western states where agencies have required surrender of possession of water rights in exchange for approving the conditional use of grazing allotments. This federal water grab has broad implications that have begun to extend beyond recreation and the farming and ranching community, and are now threatening municipalities and other businesses.
To add insult to injury, the Forest Service claims that it is implementing this federal agency permit condition to prevent water rights from being sold off and/or used improperly. However, according Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell’s comments made in a House Natural Resources Committee hearing, there have never been any such cases where these privately-held rights have been used improperly. Furthermore, the language of the Forest Service’s water clause offers no guarantee that the Forest Service could not divert water to other locations or direct water for another purpose altogether.
More on the Water Rights Protection Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/obama-administration-continues-pick-and-choose-who-law-applies,Obama Administration Continues to Pick and Choose Who The Law Applies To,2013-10-08,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"The National Park Service has granted special permission for a pro-immigration rally to take place on the National Mall today, adding to the Administration’s penchant for picking and choosing what monuments and memorials are open and who they are open to. Members of the Congressional Western Caucus responded to this decision with the following statements:
“The government should never be in the practice of giving preferential treatment to certain groups, but that is exactly what the Obama Administration is doing when it denies veterans access to memorials dedicated to their service and at the same time, encourages an immigration rally with Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi on the National Mall. It is the job of the President to ensure that all citizens are treated equally, yet this Administration continually picks and chooses this nation’s winners and losers. Unfortunately, the real losers here are the American people who are locked out of our nation’s public lands- unless they happen to agree with the President’s political beliefs.”
-          Chairman Steve Pearce (NM-02)
 
“Throughout the nation, the federal government is putting up fences, barriers and orange cones to keep people away from our national treasures, even when it costs no federal money to keep them open. Apparently, World War II veterans who fought for their country did not do enough to get access to a memorial built for them, but the Park Service is rolling out the red carpet for union-allies and supporters of the President’s immigration agenda to hold a huge rally on the closed national mall.  I am disappointed but not surprised given President Obama’s history of picking and choosing how, when, and on whom to enforce the nation’s laws.”
-          Co-Chair Cynthia Lummis (WY- At Large)
 
“We applaud free speech on the National Mall and the ability of all Americans to have access to  it equally. Unfortunately, the Administration has closed the Mall and memorials to some groups and not others, giving preferential treatment under the law. If it’s going to be open for some, it needs to be open for all.”
-          U.S. Representative Scott Tipton (CO-03)
*This was sent jointly with the Congressional Western Caucus",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-statement-senate%E2%80%99s-forced-government-shutdown-and-refusal-go-conference,Tipton Statement on Senate’s Forced Government Shutdown and Refusal to Go to Conference,2013-10-01,2013,2013-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tipton Statement on Senate’s Forced Government Shutdown and Refusal to Go to Conference
WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement after the Senate forced a government shutdown at midnight last night and refused to go to Conference on the CR this morning:
“We fought late into the night to keep government open, pass a CR that listens to the concerns of our constituents and Conference with the Senate. The Senate refused to negotiate on any portion of Obamacare including creating fair treatment for all Americans under the law, removing special treatment for Congress, or repealing the costly medical device tax that is raising the cost of care and costing jobs. It’s disappointing that the President and Harry Reid won’t sit down and discuss the issue of why they think the American people shouldn’t receive the same exemptions that they gave to big business, or why Congress should be exempt from the laws it passes.
“As I’ve said throughout this process, my constituents have sent a strong message that they do not want Obamacare because it’s raising health care costs, restricting access to care and costing jobs in our communities. 
“The House is listening to the concerns of our constituents and has done everything possible to effectively address Obamacare and keep the government open. It’s unfortunate that the Senate and President would rather force a government shutdown than listen to Americans, or even have a conversation on possible alternatives to Obamacare to create a truly affordable and accessible health care system.
“Last night we voted once more to heed the call of the American people by sending legislation for the third time to the Senate to keep the government open, as well as to go to Conference with the Senate. We fought to require equal treatment for all Americans under Obamacare by delaying the individual mandate and repealing the unfair subsidies that the President issued for Congress. There should be no special treatment in Obamacare for Congress or anybody else and since the President has already exempted businesses and other special interests from the Obamacare train-wreck, he needs to do the same for hard working American families and individuals.
“Despite this, the Senate voted down the CR that would have treated all Americans fairly under Obamacare and even went as far as to refuse to go to conference with the House to work-out a solution to keep the government open. It’s deeply troubling that the Senate and President are willing to shutdown government in order to protect special treatment for some, including Obamacare carve-outs for Congress, while hardworking Americans are forced to bear the burden of this bad law.
“We can do better in this country, and I am committed to continuing to listen to my constituents and fight for an affordable and accessible health care system that treats all Americans fairly under the law and am hopeful that the Senate will start doing the same.”
Tipton supports a number of patient-centered alternatives to Obamacare including the Empowering Patient’s First Act (H.R. 2300) which would implement a health care system that is affordable and accessible to all Americans.
Additional Background:
Tipton’s statement from Saturday’s vote on the CR to keep government open and delay Obamacare for one year is available here.
Tipton’s statement in opposition to the Administration’s issuance of subsidies for Congress under Obamacare is available here.
#  #  #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20160505192805/http://coffman.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=877:senate-passes-coffman-bill-to-keep-military-paid&catid=36:latest-news&Itemid=10,Senate Passes Coffman Bill to Keep Military Paid,2013-09-30,2013,2013-09,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Representatives Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Mike Coffman (R-CO), Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Rod Blum (R-IA) today announced the formation of the bipartisan House Whistleblower Protection Caucus, an informal group of House Members dedicated to protecting the rights of whistleblowers, who often take on significant personal and professional risk in order to report improper activity in government agencies, help improve congressional oversight and transparency, and eliminate fraud, abuse and wasteful spending.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-statement-vote-keep-government-open-delay-obamacare,"Tipton Statement on Vote to Keep the Government Open, Delay Obamacare",2013-09-29,2013,2013-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement following votes in the House of Representatives to keep the government open, ensure the troops are paid on time, and delay Obamacare for one year.
	 “Over the past month in town hall meetings and through thousands of phone calls, emails, and letters, I have received a strong message from my constituents—keep government open and stop the Obamacare train-wreck in the most effective way possible. Obamacare is already hurting jobs in my district, driving up costs and making it harder for many people, especially in rural communities, to access the care they deserve.
	“Regardless of political affiliation, as Americans we can all agree that we need an accessible and affordable health care system. We hope that with today’s vote the President will engage us on the serious proposals we have put forward in the House including the Empowering Patient’s First Act and the American Health Care Reform Act, to truly move to a health care system that is affordable and accessible to all.
	“We voted in the House to amend the Senate CR to delay Obamacare for a year, giving all Americans the same reprieve from the law’s fees, increased health care costs, restricted access to care and penalties, from which the President has already exempted businesses and elites. We also passed a repeal of Obamacare’s medical device tax, a crippling $30 billion penalty that could cost over 40,000 American jobs.
	“Additionally, we passed a standalone bill to ensure that troops are paid on time should the Senate force a government shutdown. The brave men and women standing in harm’s way in defense of our nation shouldn’t have to worry about paying their bills because of Washington’s dysfunction.
	“It’s clear that the majority of the American people don’t want a government shutdown or Obamacare. The House has listened by voting to keep government open and delay Obamacare for all Americans, not just an elite few. Now it’s up to Harry Reid and the Senate to reconvene and do the same. I urge my Senate colleagues to join us in keeping the government open and giving all Americans equal treatment under the law, as well as engaging in a conversation on the plans the House has put forward to improve accessibility and affordability in our health care system.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/colorado-house-delegation-requests-dod-continue-national-guard-assistance-event,Colorado House Delegation Requests DOD to Continue National Guard Assistance In Event of Government Shutdown,2013-09-27,2013,2013-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – A united Colorado House Congressional delegation today urged Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to designate National Guard units as ""exempt personnel"" allowing them to continue assisting with flood relief efforts in the event of a government shutdown on Oct. 1. 
In a letter to Hagel, the delegation noted the devastation of the flood damage and the importance of the work National Guardsmen already are undertaking.  The delegation also highlighted urgency in mobilizing other units to help ensure all state and local highways are safely repaired and opened prior to Dec. 1.
 
	The letter states, ""We believe it is important to make every effort to ensure the Gaurdsmen assisting in our recovery do not face a budget gap.  This can be avoided if our National Guardsmen are designated as 'exempt personnel.'...If winter in Colorado sets in without the critical infrastructure in place, we will be placing our constituents and communities at further risk.""
 
The House members' letter echoes a recent request by Senators Bennet and Udall to Sec. Hagel to exempt National Guard engineers from Utah from furlough in the event of a government shutdown.
 
###
Dear Secretary Hagel:
 
We write to express our sincere concern about any delay in using National Guardsmen to work on recovery efforts following the tragic flooding in Colorado. We are requesting your immediate assistance to designate National Guard units as ""exempt personnel"" allowing them to continue helping Colorado recovery efforts.
As you know, Colorado suffered an enormous amount of damage with the recent flooding. Seventeen counties were impacted, while nine counties still remain under a major national disaster declaration.  More urgently, the devastating floods have the potential of leaving thousands of people dangerously isolated as winter weather approaches. Our Colorado Guardsmen are working tirelessly and we sincerely appreciate their efforts, but it remains equally important to mobilize other neighboring corps to open all state and local highways before December 1st.
Some communities in Colorado are almost completely isolated by flood damage. Food, water, utility repair, emergency medical supplies, and communications equipment cannot be delivered without major repairs to our roads and bridges. The National Guard will provide critical engineering expertise to complete the urgent repairs quickly and safely.  National Guard units from neighboring states stand ready to assist Colorado as we rebuild, but we need your help.
Earlier Vice President Biden pledged support and funding, no matter the result of the current budget disagreement, but we believe it is important to make every effort to ensure the Guardsmen assisting in our recovery do not face a budget gap. This can be avoided if our National Guardsmen are designated as “exempt personnel.” While rescue efforts qualify for this exemption, recovery work does not. If winter in Colorado sets in without the critical infrastructure in place, we will be placing our constituents and communities at further risk. 
We must have these engineers on station as quickly as possible so they can do their jobs by assisting and rebuilding our communities.  We hope you will take immediate action. 
Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-amodei-introduce-legislation-protect-water-rights,"Tipton, Amodei Introduce Legislation to Protect Water Rights",2013-09-26,2013,2013-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Reps. Scott Tipton (R-CO) and Mark Amodei (R-NV) introduced with bipartisan support the Water Rights Protection Act (WRPA) to protect privately held water rights from federal takings and uphold longstanding state water law. Reps. Rob Bishop (R-UT), Tom McClintock (R-CA), and Jared Polis (D-CO) are original co-sponsors.
In recent years the federal government has repeatedly attempted to circumvent long-established state water law in order to hijack water rights. These efforts constitute a gross federal overreach and a violation of private property rights.  The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is currently pushing the federal government’s latest attempt to ignore state law and take private water rights, despite objections from elected officials, business owners, private property advocates and a U.S. District Court ruling.
The Water Rights Protection Act would protect communities, businesses, recreation opportunities, farmers and ranchers as well as other individuals that rely on privately held water rights for their livelihood from federal takings. It would do so by prohibiting federal agencies from confiscating water rights through the use of permits, leases, and other land management arrangements.
Most recently the USFS has attempted to implement a permit condition that requires the transfer of privately held water rights to the federal government as a permit condition on National Forest System lands. There is no compensation for the transfer of these privately held rights despite the fact that many stakeholders have invested millions of their own capital in developing the rights. Additionally, federal land management agencies are taking private water users hostage to acquire additional water supplies for the federal government by requiring water users to apply for their rights under state law in the name of the United States rather than for themselves.
This agency permit condition has already had a negative impact on a number of stakeholders including the Powderhorn Ski Area in Grand Junction and the Breckenridge Ski Resort where, despite having been excellent stewards of the environment and their water rights, the USFS has demanded the relinquishment of state granted water rights in order to continue their operations. The same nefarious tactics have been used in attempts to hijack privately held water rights associated with agricultural production in the heart of rural America where farmers and ranchers rely on these rights to secure loans, as well as irrigate crops and livestock. This federal water grab has broad implications that have begun to extend beyond recreation and the farming and ranching community, and are now threatening municipalities and other businesses.
 
 
	“Long-held state water law protects the many uses vital to Colorado and Western States—from recreation to irrigation, domestic use and environmental protection. Unfortunately, all of this is being undermined by federal intrusion that creates uncertainty and jeopardizes the livelihoods of communities, individuals, and businesses responsible for thousands of jobs. To undermine this system is to create risk and uncertainty for all Western water users,” Tipton said. “Our bill will restore needed certainty by ensuring that privately held water rights will be upheld and protect users from federal takings.”
 
 
 
	“Nothing in federal law grants federal land managers jurisdiction over Nevada’s ground water. That responsibility is one of the few states’ rights authorities remaining in Nevada and I will work all day, every day to keep it,” said Amodei. “This bill delivers a much-needed and timely reminder that the federal government must comply with state rules and decisions when it comes to Nevada’s ground water.”
 
The Water Rights Protection Act:
 Prohibits agencies from implementing a permit condition that requires the transfer of privately held water rights to the federal government in order to receive or renew a permit for the  use of land;
	Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from imposing other conditions that require the transfer of water rights without just compensation;
	Upholds longstanding federal deference to state water law;
	Has no cost to taxpayers.
 Background:
The Forest Service claims that it is implementing the agency permit condition to prevent water rights from being sold off and used improperly, however according Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, there have never been any such cases where the rights have been used improperly. In a November 2011 hearing, Tipton asked Tidwell if there were any examples of this occurring in the past, to which Tidwell responded with a resounding, “No.” Furthermore, it was shown that the language of the water clause offers no guarantee that the Forest Service could not divert water to other locations or direct water for another purpose altogether. Watch their exchange here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141230103345/http://coffman.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=872%3Acoffman-to-meet-with-constituents-in-brighton&catid=36%3Alatest-news&Itemid=10,Coffman to Meet With Constituents in Two Brighton Locations,2013-09-25,2013,2013-09,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Aurora, CO)  U.S. Representative Mike Coffman announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) currently has the resources necessary to complete the troubled VA hospital construction project in Aurora.
“This hospital is half built and we owe it to our veterans to get this done,” said Coffman, a Marine Corps combat veteran.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-hastings-tipton-healthy-forest-bill,House Passes Hastings-Tipton Healthy Forest Bill,2013-09-20,2013,2013-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Passes Hastings-Tipton Healthy Forest Bill
WASHINGTON–Today, the House passed Reps. Scott Tipton (R-CO) and Doc Hastings’ (R-WA) legislation to immediately address the hazardous conditions of Western forests by establishing a plan for healthy forest management to reduce the occurrence and severity of wildfire, protect watersheds, species habitats and ecosystems, and prevent the loss of life and property.
Rep. Scott Tipton’s (R-CO) Healthy Forest Management and Wildfire Prevention Act (H.R. 818) was combined with Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings’s (R-WA) Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act (H.R. 1526) during a Natural Resources Committee markup in July. The resulting comprehensive Hastings-Tipton forest management package (H.R. 1526) was passed by the House today and now goes to the Senate.
Watch Rep. Scott Tipton speak on the House floor on H.R. 1526.
 
 
	“It is far more efficient and cost effective to proactively manage our forests. I’ve said it before, but the old adage—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—rings especially true when we’re talking about reducing the occurrence and severity of wildfire in our forests. Despite this, we’ve seen a decrease in timber harvesting of 80 percent over the past three decades. It’s no coincidence that during this time the severity of fires and number of acres burned has increased steadily. From 2000-2012, over 90 million acres burned in the U.S.—nearly as many as the previous three decades combined. The status quo of reactive forest management is not working,” said Tipton. “I’m pleased to have been able to work with Chairman Hastings and other members of the Resources Committee in crafting this proactive forest management strategy that would take immediate action to address the hazardous conditions of our forests.  Time is of the essence and we cannot afford to wait for more fires and more devastation before we address this western emergency.”
 
Read Tipton’s full statement here.
H.R. 1526 (Hastings) addresses the shortfall in county revenue for schools and critical services caused by lack of timber harvest by requiring the Forest Service to produce at least half of the sustainable annual yield of timber required under law since 1908 and to share 25 percent of those receipts with rural counties. In order to meet this goal while providing for healthy forests, the bill includes the local management framework set out in H.R. 818 (Tipton) by directing the Forest Service to prioritize hazardous fuels reduction projects proposed by governors and affected counties and tribes. To expedite locally based healthy forest projects, the Hastings-Tipton package builds on the positive streamlining procedures implemented under the bipartisan Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA).
View the full bill here. (Tipton language is under Title 2). 
Background:
Wildfires burned 9.3 million acres in 2012, while the U.S. Forest Service only harvested approximately 200,000 acres of timber. The cost of proactive healthy forest management is far less than the cost of wildfire suppression and cleaning up the aftermath. According to the Forest Service, the agency spent $296 million on hazardous fuels treatment nationwide in FY2012 while spending $1.77 billion on wildfire suppression during the same time.
In July, Colorado Deputy State Forester Joe Duda testified during a Natural Resources Committee hearing on wildfire prevention. He joined with Tipton in speaking on the need for more proactive management to restore forests to healthy conditions and reduce the severity of wildfire. Read more on that hearing here.
The Healthy Forest Management and Wildfire Prevention Act (H.R. 818) is supported by numerous Colorado counties, the National Association of Counties, as well as state and national environmental organizations and conservation districts. A list of endorsements and additional background on the Healthy Forest Management and Wildfire Prevention Act is available here.
Read Tipton’s op-ed in the Denver Post on SRS, timber harvesting and proactive forest management.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-statement-house-vote-pass-continuing-resolution,Tipton Statement on House Vote to Pass a Continuing Resolution,2013-09-20,2013,2013-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON–Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement today following the vote in the House to pass Continuing Resolution (CR) H.J. Res. 59:
	“This week’s long-term budget outlook released by the Congressional Budget Office clearly shows that ever-increasing government spending, not a lack of revenue, is growing our national debt, and Obamacare continues to play a major role in adding to that spending. In addition to adding to the national debt, Obamacare is increasing health care costs, costing families their employer-based coverage, and restricting access to health care—it has become so bad that even big labor unions have come out against Obamacare. Plain and simple, Obamacare fails to deliver on its promise to deliver affordable health care and access to care. Americans deserve better, which is why I believe Obamacare needs to be repealed and replaced with a health care plan that provides affordable, quality care for all Americans without breaking the bank.
	“Today we voted to send a CR to the Senate that continues to keep the government running with the Budget Control Act spending reforms in place while providing no funding for Obamacare.
	“Ultimately, I believe that the most effective way to stop Obamacare and provide relief for all Americans from this bad law is through full repeal or a universal delay. While not including funding in the CR for Obamacare impacts some funding for the law, according to a recent Congressional Research Service report, because the vast majority of the law is funded through mandatory spending and much of those funds have already been spent, “substantial” Obamacare implementation would continue even without funding from the CR—subsidies for health coverage in the exchanges would continue, the exchanges would remain intact, taxes and penalties remain, and the individual mandate would continue. When they passed Obamacare, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi made sure that the spending mechanism to fund it was mandatory, just like Medicare. The fact is that until Obamacare is repealed or universally delayed, the vast majority of the law remains intact, funded and operational.
	“I’m committed to voting to stop Obamacare any way I can, and replacing it with a patient-centered solution. Today’s CR, if passed by the Senate, would help toward that goal.  There’s no question that the House wants this law repealed and replaced—we’ve voted more than 40 times to that effect.  Now it’s up to the Senate. Now we have to let the legislative process work and give the Senate the opportunity to do its part to help stop Obamacare. Today’s vote in the House provides that opportunity.”
Read the full CRS report on the Potential Effects of a Government Shutdown on the Implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or a summary here. A CBO breakdown of mandatory vs. discretionary spending in Obamacare is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-amendment-gives-voice-small-businesses-impacted-agency-regulations,Tipton Amendment Gives Voice to Small Businesses Impacted by Agency Regulations,2013-09-18,2013,2013-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON–Today, Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) amended a key piece of regulatory oversight legislation to ensure that those impacted most by agency regulations have a voice in the process. Tipton’s amendment, which was adopted by voice vote during a House Small Business Committee markup of the Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2013 (H.R. 2542), would require federal agencies to solicit public comment during mandated periodic revues of rules with a significant economic impact, and respond to those comments. Tipton is a co-sponsor of H.R. 2542.
View Tipton’s amendment here.
“My amendment will greatly increase transparency and provide small businesses with a stronger voice on agency rules and regulations that are killing jobs, driving up costs for consumers and negatively impacting the overall livelihoods of small businesses. It makes sense for agencies to solicit and respond to input from the small businesses whose function, finances, and future are most greatly impacted by a regulation. Without consideration of the feedback of those that are directly impacted by a rule, the economic assessment required under this common sense bill would not, in my estimation, be complete,” said Tipton. “Good government requires responsiveness to the public, and it is our responsibility to ensure that an avenue to facilitate that responsiveness exists. This amendment does just that.”
The economic cost of regulation:
 $10,585: The average annual cost of regulation per employee for small businesses according to the Small Business Administration.
	131: The number of major regulatory actions imposed during the President’s first four years in office at a cost of $70 billion.
	$23.5 billion: The new annual regulatory cost added in 2012 alone.
 Background courtesy of the House Small Business Committee:
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) of 1980 requires federal agencies to assess the economic impact of their regulations on small businesses, and if the impact is significant, consider alternatives that are less burdensome before the rule is finalized. The Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2013 would ensure careful consideration of consequences of rulemaking through the removal of loopholes that agencies have used to avoid compliance with the RFA.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-urges-responsible-spending-reforms,Tipton Urges Responsible Spending Reforms,2013-09-17,2013,2013-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON–Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement today after the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its annual report on the long-term budget outlook. The full report is available here.
	“In the wake of the Budget Control Act going into effect and forcing Washington to reduce spending by about 2 percent, Moody’s upgraded the United States’ credit rating, improving our country’s economic standing in the global marketplace. This was a positive step, and proof that spending reforms are needed in this country and, when enacted, strengthen our economy.
	“Today’s CBO report clearly shows that our nation is still on the road to fiscal and economic ruin and that more must be done to prevent the debt crisis from worsening and to keep vital safety nets from going bankrupt. The report clearly indicates that ever-increasing government spending, not a lack of revenue, is driving our national debt and Obamacare is playing a major role in adding to that debt. Because Obamacare is increasing the national debt, raising health care costs, and restricting access to care, I believe that it needs to be repealed and replaced with a health care plan that provides affordable, quality care for all Americans.
	“Washington has an unsustainable spending problem and we cannot afford to ignore it by kicking the can down the road to future generations. We should take immediate action to delay Obamacare and reduce the national debt. I’m hopeful that in the coming weeks we are able to work to advance a solution that responsibly addresses the main drivers of our nation’s debt crisis, improves our economy, and provides opportunities for the American people to thrive and prosper.”
Highlights from CBO’s Long-Term Budget Outlook compiled courtesy of the House Budget Committee:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-teaches-5th-grade-class-about-us-constitution,Tipton Teaches 5th Grade Class about the U.S. Constitution,2013-09-16,2013,2013-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"CORTEZ, CO—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO), today, visited Kemper Elementary School to speak about the U.S. Constitution and answer questions from students on the topic. Tipton’s visit with the fifth grade class preceded Constitution Day, which commemorates the day the Founding Fathers signed the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.
“The Constitution is our nation’s most sacred document and I believe it’s incredibly important for students to learn what’s in it, the history behind it, and most importantly have an understanding of how the Constitution safeguards our freedom,” Tipton said. “I was honored to visit Kemper Elementary today to talk about the Constitution with students and answer their questions. Constitution Day is a great opportunity for parents and teachers everywhere to take some time to teach their kids about the Constitution and our nation’s heritage, and to foster an appreciation of how fortunate we are to live free.”   
View high resolution photos of the visit here.
Constitution Day was designated by Public Law (108-447 Sec. 111 Division J - SEC. 111(b)), and states that all levels of educational institutions receiving federal funds are required to educate students on the U.S. Constitution on or around this date.
Learn more about Constitution Day here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-votes-protect-americans-obamacare-fraud,Tipton Votes to Protect Americans from Obamacare Fraud,2013-09-12,2013,2013-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) voted to protect taxpayers from fraud under Obamacare. In July the Administration announced that, for the first year, it would not verify the eligibility of applicants for taxpayer-funded Obamacare subsidies before issuing them because a system to do so was not yet in place.
H.R. 2775, the No Subsidies Without Verification Act, of which Congressman Tipton is a co-sponsor, passed the House today and would require a verification system to be in place before subsidies under Obamacare are issued.
 
	“With the recent announcement that the Administration would waive the eligibility verification for premiums under Obamacare, the President has signaled he is willing to get as many people receiving the premiums as soon as possible with no system in place to check eligibility, and little to no recoupment mechanism should the premiums wind up in the hands of those who are non-eligible. This is the very definition of ‘putting the cart before the horse’ and creates a scenario that is ripe for rampant fraud and abuse at the expense of American taxpayers,” said Tipton. “Today, we passed legislation to protect hardworking Americans from fraud by requiring that a program to verify household income and other qualifications for such subsidies is operational before the Administration issues subsidies under Obamacare.”
 
The House of Representatives has voted more than 40 times to fully repeal, defund and replace Obamacare and/or its programs. Eight of these efforts have been signed into law repealing or rescinding funding from Obamacare provisions including the onerous 1099 tax requirement on small businesses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-urges-us-fish-and-wildlife-service-keep-leadville-hatchery-open,Tipton Urges U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Keep Leadville Hatchery Open,2013-09-10,2013,2013-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tipton Urges U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Keep Leadville Hatchery Open
WASHINGTON—Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) is urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to keep the Leadville Fish Hatchery open as the agency finalizes its strategic plan for the National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS). According to the USFWS, the agency is currently deliberating the plan which may affect some hatcheries and NFHS employees around the nation.
In a letter to USFWS Director Daniel Ashe sent yesterday, Tipton wrote:
 
	Director Daniel M. Ashe
		U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
		U.S. Department of the Interior
	Dear Director Ashe:It has come to my attention that sometime in the next few months, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will publish its strategic plan for the future of the National Fish Hatchery System (NHFS). I am told that based on the review of propagation hatcheries within the NFHS, there will likely be some closures of hatcheries nationwide. We all recognize the current fiscal challenges our nation faces, but prudent, economical uses of our resources in viable fish hatchery operations can have significant benefits for our local and national economies as well assist with increasing the supply of fish for our inland waters.One such example that I believe meets this definition is the Leadville National Fish Hatchery which opened in 1889 and is the second oldest federal hatchery in the nation. The hatchery continues to provide a valuable service for sportsmen and women throughout the country and eggs from this hatchery has even lead to some successes in repopulating fish abroad. Locally, the Leadville Hatchery has certain projects that assist with the recovery of endangered species. Furthermore, the hatchery is an important tourism attraction and visitors are able to learn about “farm fishing” as well as participate in hikes, picnics, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing in the surrounding areas around the hatchery.
	As such, I would strongly urge you to keep the Leadville National Fish Hatchery open. 
	Thank you for taking time to consider my comments. Moving forward please let me know if you have questions or need any additional information.
	Sincerely,
	Scott Tipton
		Member of Congress
 
The USFWS says that it will publish its strategic plan in the next few months.
 
	“Deliberations within the Service leadership are now occurring that may affect some hatcheries and employees within the NFHS,” said Marla Trollan, Assistant Regional Director, External Affairs USFWS. “As decisions are made we will take every step possible to avoid adverse impacts to employees and stakeholders most affected by them.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-coloradans-deserve-answers-administration-srs-raid,Tipton: Coloradans Deserve Answers from Administration on SRS Raid,2013-09-04,2013,2013-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON–Today, Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) stressed that Coloradans deserve answers from the Administration on its decision to implement retroactive reductions to 2012 Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments under the 2013 sequestration.  The House Natural Resources Committee, today, issued subpoenas to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Office of Management and Budget for documents related to the Administration’s decision to retroactively impose 2013 sequester cuts to 2012 Secure Rural School (SRS) payments already being paid to the states, which amounted to a loss of $786,915 for Colorado.
 
	“Many rural communities in my district use SRS payments to fund education, public safety and infrastructure repairs. For these communities, these payments make all the difference in their ability to provide essential services,” Tipton said. “By retroactively cutting SRS funds that were already paid to the states, the Administration acted to make sequestration as painful as possible and has jeopardized the wellbeing of rural communities. Coloradans deserve answers into the Administration’s decision-making process to strip rural communities of vital funds. So far the Administration has refused to provide information on its decision or an explanation of the legal authority for its actions. I am hopeful that these subpoenas will bring us closer to getting answers, and ultimately lead to the return of the SRS payments back to the states.”
 
Tipton joined colleagues in a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in March urging that the Administration to immediately halt this action and explain the legal authority for retroactively raiding 2012 funds already paid to states.
 
	“We request that this action be halted.  It retroactively takes funds that are already being used for rural schools, emergency services, infrastructure, and protecting communities from the risk of catastrophic wildfire,” the members wrote. “We also request a detailed explanation of the legal authority for demanding repayment of the FY12 funds that have already been paid out by the federal government.”
 
Read the full letter here.
This letter and follow-up requests for information and an explanation of the legal authority for the retroactive taking of SRS payments under sequestration have gone unanswered by the Administration.
From the House Natural Resources Committee:
The specific documents and information sought in the subpoenas include:
 All records concerning any legal analysis or policy alternatives prepared or considered in connection to the application of the Budget Control Act of 2011, as amended, to retroactively sequester money paid to states in FY 2013 pursuant to the Secure Rural Schools program.
	All records concerning communications to, from, or otherwise involving the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Office of Management and Budget concerning application of the Budget Control Act of 2011, as amended, to retroactively sequester money paid to states in FY 2013 pursuant to the Secure Rural Schools program.
	All records, including any drafts containing edits, comments, or revisions thereto, of any press releases, talking points, or communication documents concerning application of the Budget Control Act of 2011, as amended, to retroactively sequester money paid to states in FY 2013 pursuant to the Secure Rural Schools program.
	All records concerning the imposition of penalties against states for failure to repay money received in FY 2013 pursuant to the Secure Rural Schools program.
	All records concerning the timing of the decision, announced January 15, 2013 by the U.S. Forest Service, to disburse money to states pursuant to the Secure Rural Schools program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20130912001711/http://coffman.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=851:update-on-syria&catid=36:latest-news&Itemid=10,Coffman Gives Updated Statement on Syria,2013-09-04,2013,2013-09,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) I'm undecided at this point.  There are three questions that I will be asking during the debate on Syria before making my decision.  The first is how strong is the evidence that the Assad regime directed a chemical attack against civilians?  The second is whether a limited strike would be effective in deterring Assad from the further use of chemical weapons?  My third question will be whether a limited strike could ultimately drag the United States into an intractable sectarian civil war in Syria?
 
I was on an unclassified conference call on Friday afternoon for members of the House Armed Services Committee with senior officials from President Obama's national security team and another on Sunday with Republican members of the committee.  I'm looking forward to the classified briefings that I have scheduled for Monday and Tuesday to ask the hard questions about the evidence of who directed the chemical attacks, the probability of success of a limited strike, and the risk of escalating U.S. involvement.
September 4, 2013",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-statement-president%E2%80%99s-speech-syria,Tipton Statement on President’s Speech on Syria,2013-08-31,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement following the President’s announcement that he would seek Congressional authorization to use military force in Syria.
 
	""My heart goes out to the innocent civilians in Syria that have suffered because of the fighting in their country. The use of chemical weapons by a government on its people is unacceptable, and the reports that this has occurred are troubling.
	""I'm pleased the President is seeking Congressional authorization for the use of military force. There may be a difference however between 'seeking' versus 'asking' for Congressional authorization, and before the President proceeds with any action, I hope that he will allow for equal debate in both the House and Senate on his plan and ultimately adhere to the outcome of the votes we will take.
	""The chemical weapons attacks in Syria should be met with serious consequences and there are a number of options on the table, including the President's proposal, which Congress will debate and consider. Americans have many questions and concerns about the use of military force as a response. I believe that they must be taken seriously. Military action should always be the last resort and the use of military force should be in the best interest of the United States and/or our interests first and foremost. I look forward to reviewing the President's justification for the use of military force in Syria, and to the discussion and debate we will have on it in Congress.""
 
This week, Tipton joined 115 of his House colleagues in a bipartisan letter to the President urging that he consult with Congress before taking any military action in Syria. 
 
	“We strongly urge you to consult and receive authorization from Congress before ordering the use of U.S. military force in Syria.  Your responsibility to do so is prescribed in the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973,” the members wrote. “If you deem that military action in Syria is necessary, Congress can reconvene at your request.  We stand ready to come back into session, consider the facts before us, and share the burden of decisions made regarding U.S. involvement in the quickly escalating Syrian conflict.”
 
View a pdf of the letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-urges-president-consult-congress-syria,Tipton Urges President to Consult Congress on Syria,2013-08-28,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Discourages use of military force
PUEBLO, CO— Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) has joined a bipartisan coalition of his House colleagues in a letter urging President Obama to “consult and receive authorization from Congress before ordering the use of U.S. military force in Syria.”
“There is no scenario in which the use of chemical weapons on innocent civilians is acceptable, and I’m deeply troubled by reports that this has occurred in Syria. As the President considers the course of action to respond to this developing situation, I encourage him to fulfill his obligation to consult with Congress before authorizing the use of military force, and explain the reasons for proposed actions to the American people,” Tipton said. “If there’s an imminent threat to the US and/or our direct interests, under the War Powers Act, the President can take military action without consulting Congress—the current situation in Syria doesn't meet that criteria. Military action should be an absolute last resort, and I urge the President to consider a non-military response first.”
Read the letter below:
Dear Mr. President,
We strongly urge you to consult and receive authorization from Congress before ordering the use of U.S. military force in Syria.  Your responsibility to do so is prescribed in the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973. 
While the Founders wisely gave the Office of the President the authority to act in emergencies, they foresaw the need to ensure public debate – and the active engagement of Congress – prior to committing U.S. military assets.  Engaging our military in Syria when no direct threat to the United States exists and without prior congressional authorization would violate the separation of powers that is clearly delineated in the Constitution.
Mr. President, in the case of military operations in Libya you stated that authorization from Congress was not required because our military was not engaged in “hostilities.”  In addition, an April 1, 2011, memorandum to you from your Office of Legal Counsel concluded:
“…President Obama could rely on his constitutional power to safeguard the national interest by directing the anticipated military operations in Libya—which were limited in their nature, scope, and duration—without prior congressional authorization.”
We view the precedent this opinion sets, where “national interest” is enough to engage in hostilities without congressional authorization, as unconstitutional.  If the use of 221 Tomahawk cruise missiles, 704 Joint Direct Attack Munitions, and 42 Predator Hellfire missiles expended in Libya does not constitute “hostilities,” what does?
If you deem that military action in Syria is necessary, Congress can reconvene at your request.  We stand ready to come back into session, consider the facts before us, and share the burden of decisions made regarding U.S. involvement in the quickly escalating Syrian conflict.
Sincerely,
View a pdf of the letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://bit.ly/2hZkJn7,"Colorado delegation condemns attacks in Syria, pushes Obama to be honest to Americans in military response",2013-08-27,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,bit.ly,,,legacy,"By Allison Sherry  Denver Post  August 27, 2013
Colorado’s Congressional delegation pushed President Barack Obama Tuesday to explain his plan to the American people on how he will respond in Syria after the country’s alleged use of chemical weapons against rebels last week.
Americans are “understandably reluctant to support further military engagement,” said Democratic Sen. Mark Udall. “The president needs to explain his plan.”
Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, said if members needed to return to Washington to approve military action, “then so be it.”
Congress is adjourned until Sept. 9 for a five-week recess.
“President Obama must not act unilaterally,” Gardner said.
Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Aurora, said he wouldn’t support extended involvement since the United States is not “in danger of an imminent attack.”
“I will support the president should he conduct a limited strike on Syria in order to deter (Syrian President) Assad from further use of chemical weapons, but I would not support involvement beyond that because this is an intractable sectarian struggle,” Coffman said.
Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat, said through a spokesman “we must be careful and measured” in a response “due to the enormous challenges in the region and the complexity of the situation.”
Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, encouraged the president “to fulfill his obligation to consult with Congress before authorizing the use of military force and explain the reasons for proposed actions to the American people.”
Rep. Diana DeGette, a Denver Democrat, called the use of chemical weapons “abhorrent” and said the United States needed to work with its allies to “figure out the appropriate response and I think that’s what the White House is doing right now,” she said. “I’m waiting to see what the Obama administration is going to come up with on something that would be appropriate in this situation.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-gardner-state-mineral-royalties-payments-should-be-protected-federal,"Tipton, Gardner: State Mineral Royalties Payments Should be Protected from Federal Interference",2013-08-27,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"PUEBLO, CO– While relieved that the Department of Interior (DOI) announced it would pay back mineral royalties taken from states under sequestration in 2013, Reps. Scott Tipton (R-CO) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) stressed today that a legislative fix is needed to ensure that state mineral royalty payments are not held up by the federal government in the future.
In March, the Administration announced there would be $110 million in deductions to federal mineral royalties paid to states because of sequestration. By the end of July, Colorado had already lost $5.7 million due to the misguided decision. In response to a letter sent to the DOI by Tipton, Gardner and other  in May, this week the DOI announced that the agency would “work expeditiously to disburse the sequestered FY 2013 Payments in FY 2014.”
Tipton and Gardner are pushing for a permanent solution and joined their Western Caucus colleagues in introducing legislation this year that would amend the State Mineral Revenue Protection Act. H.R. 1972 would streamline how mineral royalty payments are distributed to the state and federal government.
Under the Mineral Leasing Act (MLA), the federal government is required to give 50% of royalties collected to the state. The State Mineral Revenue Protection Act amends the MLA to grant states the option to collect their share of the mineral royalties directly from the producer, and grants those states full property interest in their share. Such changes would bar the federal government from inappropriately withholding state’s funds under the pretext of administrative costs or the more recent example of sequestration.
 
	“Communities in my district use mineral royalties to help fund education, infrastructure, and emergency services. These funds are vital to the wellbeing of these areas, and states should be able to count on the fact that they will have access to them with reasonable certainty. When the Administration announced this year that it would take these funds, it was of no small consequence to the people of my district,” said Tipton.  “Federal whim shouldn’t determine if states will receive the royalty payments to which they are entitled.  Our common sense legislation will prevent this from ever happening again by empowering states with the ability to gain legal interest of the full amount they are owed.”
 
 
	“States like Colorado count on revenue from mineral royalty payments,” Gardner said. “These revenues, which fund vital services, should not be held up by dysfunction at the federal level. I’m proud to join my colleagues from across the West to offer a solution that strengthens states’ mineral rights in the face of federal uncertainty.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140223010122/http://tipton.house.gov/event/steamboat-springs-coffee-congressman-scott-tipton,Steamboat Springs Coffee with Congressman Scott Tipton,2013-08-22,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Start:
         	  August 30, 2013 9:30 am

         	  
End:
         	    August 30, 2013 10:30 am
         	  
         	           	    
Location:
         	      Mountain Brew, 427 Oak Street,  Steamboat Springs, CO",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/event/job-fair-edwards,Job Fair in Edwards,2013-08-13,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton and the Colorado Workforce Center have teamed up to put on a job fair on Wednesday, August 21, in Edwards. The event is free and open to the public. At the job fair, information and resources for job seekers will be available, and participants will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from companies with immediate employment opportunities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-host-job-fair-edwards,Tipton to Host Job Fair in Edwards,2013-08-13,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton and the Colorado Workforce Center have teamed up to put on a job fair on Wednesday, August 21, in Edwards. The event is free and open to the public. At the job fair, information and resources for job seekers will be available, and participants will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from companies with immediate employment opportunities.
 
	“This job fair is a great opportunity for employers and job seekers to connect,” said Tipton. “I’m pleased to be able to work with the Colorado Workforce Centers in Edwards, Frisco, Glenwood Springs, Leadville and Rifle to put together this event to provide a venue for people to find job opportunities.”
 
Job Fair at Colorado Mountain College
Date:               Wednesday, August 21
Time:              11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location:        150 Miller Ranch Road, Edwards",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221100923/http://tipton.house.gov/event/coffee-congressman-scott-tipton-pagosa-springs,Pagosa Springs Coffee with Congressman Scott Tipton,2013-08-13,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Start:
         	  September 4, 2013 10:00 am

         	  
End:
         	    September 4, 2013 11:00 am
         	  
         	           	    
Location:
         	      River Pointe Coffee Café, 445 San Juan Street,  Pagosa Springs, CO",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140223010324/http://tipton.house.gov/event/westcliffe-town-hall-meeting-congressman-tipton,Westcliffe Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Scott Tipton,2013-08-13,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Start:
         	  August 22, 2013 6:00 pm

         	  
End:
         	    August 22, 2013 7:00 pm
         	  
         	           	    
Location:
         	      Hope Lutheran Church, Lange Memorial Fellowship Hall, 312 South 3rd Street,  Westcliffe, CO",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140223010404/http://tipton.house.gov/event/coffee-congressman-pueblo-west,Pueblo West Coffee with Congressman Scott Tipton,2013-08-12,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Start:
         	  August 22, 2013 8:00 am

         	  
End:
         	    August 22, 2013 9:00 am
         	  
         	           	    
Location:
         	      Gabby’s Diner, 412 S. McCulloch,  Pueblo West  , CO 81007",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/members-colorado-delegation-advocate-arkansas-valley-conduit,Members of Colorado Delegation Advocate for Arkansas Valley Conduit,2013-08-09,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Members of Colorado Delegation Advocate for Arkansas Valley Conduit
Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall and Representatives Scott Tipton and Cory Gardner this week urged the Administration to provide adequate resources for the Arkansas Valley conduit in future federal budgets. 
In a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Department of Interior, the members outlined the importance of supporting the conduit, which will bring clean drinking water to up to dozens of municipalities, towns, and water providers in the lower Arkansas valley. Recognizing the project’s importance to residents of southern Colorado, the Administration has signed legislation committing to supporting a substantial share of the project, but the amount budgeted for FY2014 is far less than the project’s cost.
“Adequate funding to compensate for this shortfall in 2015 will be essential to complete the project on schedule,” the members wrote in their letter to the Department of Interior. 
“Providing clean and safe water to all Americans should be at the forefront of the Department [of Interior]'s mission, and these water quality issues underscore the urgent need for progress on the conduit,"" the letter continued.
The Arkansas Valley Conduit is the final component of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. The Fryingpan-Arkansas project is a water diversion and storage project constructed to deliver water to families, producers and municipalities throughout the lower Arkansas Valley, as well as provide supplemental irrigation water.
 
Full text of the letter follows:
August 8, 2013
Dear Assistant Secretary Castle and Commissioner Connor:
As the Department of Interior begins consideration of its FY 2015 budget, we write to express our strong support for robust funding of water conservation and delivery studies, projects and activities.  In particular, we want to highlight the Arkansas Valley Conduit project in southeastern Colorado.  Adequate funding is essential in order to meet federally mandated water quality standards in the region. 
The Arkansas Valley conduit is a planned 130-mile water delivery system from the Pueblo Dam to communities throughout the Arkansas River Valley in Colorado.  The conduit is the final phase of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, which Congress authorized in 1962. When completed, it will help bring clean drinking water to up to 42 municipalities, towns, and water providers in the lower Arkansas valley. 
Many of the wells in these areas have been contaminated with radon or uranium.  As a result, many of the water providers in the region are out of compliance with federal water quality standards.  More importantly, however, because of the lack of funding for water projects like this, the populations of these regions have been denied clean high quality water. Providing clean and safe water to all Americans should be at the forefront of the Department’s mission, and these water quality issues underscore the urgent need for progress on the conduit.
The federal government has already funded planning and feasibility studies for four years in order to make the conduit a reality, and President Obama signed legislation in 2009 committing to fund a substantial share of the project costs.  Unfortunately, the Administration’s budget proposal for FY 2014 did not fund the project adequately. While planners in the Arkansas valley expect costs to exceed $15 million in FY 2014, the Bureau of Reclamation’s budget justification requested just $1 million for the project.  Adequate funding to compensate for this shortfall in 2015 will be essential to complete the project on schedule.
As you know, the final Environmental Impact Statement will be released this month. Following a 30-day comment period, a Record of Decision (“ROD”) will be announced.  The issuance of an ROD stating a preferred alternative removes any regulatory barrier to moving forward with the project, and signals the start of the design and engineering phase.  The Office of Management and Budget indicated that the lack of the ROD was the reason for reducing the funding to only $1 million for FY 2014.  With the ROD due to be announced soon, adequate project funding is essential for moving this vital infrastructure and water quality project forward in a timely manner.  
Thank you for your consideration of this request.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton%E2%80%99s-hydropower-and-jobs-act-signed-law,Tipton’s Hydropower and Jobs Act Signed into Law,2013-08-09,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Rep. Scott Tipton’s (CO-03) effort to increase the production of clean, renewable hydropower and create jobs is now public law. The President signed Tipton’s Hydropower and Rural Jobs Act (H.R. 678) into law today, which will create rural jobs by expanding the production of clean renewable hydropower, including jobs in Colorado. The bill passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support earlier this year and the Senate this month with unanimous consent.
 
	“This new law provides a tremendous opportunity for clean, renewable energy production in Colorado and across the nation. It will create jobs right here at home, and provide a supply of reliable and affordable power, lowering energy costs,” said Tipton.  “I’m honored that I was able to lead the charge for this commonsense effort that received broad and bipartisan support at the local, state and national levels. Hydropower is the cheapest and cleanest source of electricity available through modern technology, and a key component of the all-of-the-above energy platform that I continue to strongly support. With the signing of the Hydropower and Rural Jobs Act into law, we have made headway in the effort to establish American energy independence and put people back to work.”
 
By eliminating duplicative environmental analysis on existing manmade Bureau of Reclamation conduits (pipes, ditches, and canals) that have received a full review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the law streamlines the regulatory process and reduces administrative costs for the installation of small hydropower development projects within those conduits. In doing so, the law encourages increased small hydropower development, which will create new rural jobs in Colorado, add clean, affordable electricity to the grid to power homes and communities, modernize infrastructure, and supply the federal government with additional revenues.
The Hydropower and Rural Jobs Act was endorsed by the Family Farm Alliance, the National Water Resources Association, the Colorado River District, and the American Public Power Association, among others. 
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has reported that H.R. 678 has no cost to taxpayers, and returns revenues to the treasury.  The Interior Department has identified at least 28 Bureau of Reclamation canal sites in Colorado, and 373 nationwide, that could be developed for hydropower purposes.
Sens. John Barrasso (WY), Jim Risch (ID), Mike Enzi (WY), and Mike Crapo (ID), who carried the companion bill in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-%E2%80%9Ccongress-should-live-under-laws-it-passes%E2%80%9D,Tipton: “Congress should live under the laws it passes.”,2013-08-08,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"CORTEZ, CO—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement in response to the rule issued by the Obama Administration on the participation of Members of Congress and their staff in the federal health exchanges created under Obamacare. Tipton, who was elected to Congress after the Democrat controlled House and Senate passed the law, has voted to repeal and defund Obamacare, and believes that Congress should be subject to the law, and all laws it passes.
 
	“Congress should live under the laws it passes, and that includes Obamacare. This is commonsense pretty much everywhere except in Washington. The Obama Administration’s proposed rule on Congress’s participation in federal health exchanges is unfair to Americans who are fully subjected to the onerous costs of Obamacare, and is yet another sign that the federal healthcare law doesn’t work. Congress, or anybody else for that matter, shouldn’t receive special treatment or exemptions from the Administration under Obamacare. If it’s good enough for the American people then it should be good enough for Congress.
	“The fact that the Administration continues to issue waivers, provide subsidies, and delay implementation for some segments of the population and not others proves that the law is unworkable, fails to provide affordable or accessible healthcare, and will hurt the economy and cost jobs. This is why I have voted to repeal and defund Obamacare and numerous programs under it, and will continue to fight to repeal and replace it with a market-based solution that will provide affordable, quality care for all Americans without costing them their jobs in the process. The American people deserve a fair, effective, accessible and affordable healthcare system, and Obamacare falls far short on all counts.”
 
Last week Tipton voted to prohibit the IRS from implementing or enforcing any of the President’s healthcare law (H.R. 2009), and voted for full repeal of Obamacare most recently in May (H.R. 45). Both measures passed the House and are currently sitting on the Senate doorstep. Tipton has also co-sponsored legislation to defund the law (H.R. 2682).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140223010532/http://tipton.house.gov/event/leadville-town-hall-meeting-congressman-scott-tipton,Leadville Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Scott Tipton,2013-08-08,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Start:
         	  August 20, 2013 6:00 pm

         	  
End:
         	    August 20, 2013 7:00 pm
         	  
         	           	    
Location:
         	      Lake County Government Building, Commissioners Meeting Room, 505 Harrison Avenue,   Leadville, CO",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-votes-stop-government-abuse,Tipton Votes to Stop Government Abuse,2013-08-02,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tipton Votes to Stop Government Abuse
WASHINGTON –Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) voted today to rein in the federal government’s overreach and put in place safeguards to protect the American people from government abuse.  Prior to today’s votes, Tipton spoke in support of the good government package on the House floor.
Watch Tipton on the House floor here.
Transcript of Tipton’s remarks:
 
	The President is giving speeches for his plan for economic growth. His economic plan is to grow government, regulate more, spend more and tax more. 
	His speeches will not create jobs. The economy doesn’t improve when the Administration piles on tens of thousands of pages of costly new regulations. Families don’t thrive when the only jobs they can find are part-time because Obamacare’s onerous mandates are forcing employers to cut back on hours in order to keep their doors open. This Administration’s oppressive regulations cost small businesses an average of $10,585 per employee.
	To create jobs and jumpstart the economy we must pull back unnecessary and punitive regulations, hold the bureaucracy accountable, shrink the size of government, and reward rather than punish success.
	This week we are voting to stop government overreach, to stand up for the American people, and give them a fighting chance to succeed—to have access to a fair, affordable and effective healthcare system and not have to worry about the federal government increasing the burden on their lives, abusing power, stunting economic growth, and putting their jobs at risk. The American people need this response.
 
The good government legislation that passed in the House today with Congressman Tipton’s support included H.R. 367, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (REINS), and H.R. 2009, the Keep the IRS off Your Health Care Act.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which has come under fire for numerous abuses of power including targeting Americans based on their political beliefs for audits to stifle free speech, will play an extensive role in the implementation of Obamacare, with a role in as many as 50 areas of the law. H.R. 2009 would prohibit the IRS from implementing or enforcing any of the President’s healthcare law.
Every year, federal agencies issue dozens of regulations that have an economic impact of more than $100 million, significantly adding to the burden of businesses and families and stunting economic growth. H.R. 367 would require Congressional approval of any regulation that costs over $100 million, providing oversight of agency decisions that can have a significant impact on the economy and cost jobs.
Facts on Regulation:
 $10,585: The average annual cost of regulation per employee for small businesses according to the Small Business Administration.
	131: The number of major regulatory actions imposed during the President’s first four years in office at a cost of $70 billion.
	$23.5 billion: The new annual regulatory cost added in 2012 alone.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/senate-passes-tipton%E2%80%99s-bipartisan-hydropower-legislation,Senate Passes Tipton’s Bipartisan Hydropower Legislation,2013-08-01,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Tipton’s Bipartisan Hydropower Legislation
WASHINGTON –Rep. Scott Tipton’s (CO-03) Hydropower and Rural Jobs Act (H.R. 678) is heading to the President’s desk for a signature after passing the Senate today. Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO) provided bipartisan support for the legislation as a co-sponsor of the Senate companion (S. 306) carried by Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY).  The bill, which would create rural jobs by expanding the production of clean renewable hydropower, passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support earlier this year.
 
	“This is a victory for all of the communities in Colorado and throughout the U.S. that will benefit from this clean, affordable source of energy and the jobs hydropower production will create. I want to thank my colleagues over in the Senate for joining us in taking action to encourage responsible energy development and putting into place an important piece of an all-of-the-above domestic energy plan,” Tipton said. “By streamlining the regulatory process and providing the opportunity for expedited hydropower production in canals and conduits that have already undergone environmental analysis, we will free up the potential to generate enough power for a million homes in Colorado alone, and create new jobs in the process. I encourage the President to swiftly sign this responsible energy and jobs legislation into law.”
 
 
	""Just as water makes the West as we know it possible, hydropower plays an important role in supplying our country with clean, renewable energy. I am proud the Senate stood with me and passed these important, bipartisan bills that will unleash the potential of hydropower on waterways across Colorado and throughout the country,"" Udall said. ""We still have work to do to achieve true energy self-reliance, but these bills help move the ball down the field.""
 
By eliminating duplicative environmental analysis on existing manmade Bureau of Reclamation conduits (pipes, ditches, and canals) that have received a full review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), H.R. 678 streamlines the regulatory process and reduces administrative costs for the installation of small hydropower development projects within those conduits. In doing so, the bill encourages increased small hydropower development, which will create new rural jobs in Colorado, add clean, affordable electricity to the grid to power homes and communities, modernize infrastructure, and supply the federal government with additional revenues.
The Hydropower and Rural Jobs Act has been endorsed by the Family Farm Alliance, the National Water Resources Association, the Colorado River District, and the American Public Power Association, among others. 
 
	“This bill facilitates low cost, clean, renewable hydropower installations in canals and conduits across the arid west,” said Chris Treese of the Colorado River District. “Colorado River District applauds Congressman Tipton for his leadership and determination on this milestone legislation.”
 
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has reported that H.R. 678 has no cost to taxpayers, and returns revenues to the treasury.  The Interior Department has identified at least 28 Bureau of Reclamation canal sites in Colorado, and 373 nationwide, that could be developed for hydropower purposes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-udall-introduce-legislation-further-help-private-groups-clean-abandoned-mines,"Tipton, Udall Introduce Legislation to Further Help Private Groups Clean Abandoned Mines, Protect Colorado Water",2013-08-01,2013,2013-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"In an effort to speed the cleanup of abandoned mines throughout Colorado, Senator Mark Udall and Congressman Scott Tipton introduced bipartisan legislation today to give Good Samaritan groups additional binding legal safeguards they need to remediate the sites and keep Colorado's streams and water clean. There are more than 7,000 abandoned hard rock mine sites located in Colorado and thousands more throughout the West.
	 
		""It's a good thing for all of us when mining companies and local conservation groups want to make an effort to cleanup abandoned mine pollution. This is something that the federal government should be encouraging, not restricting by putting up hurdles to those willing to do the needed work,"" Tipton said. ""We're looking to provide momentum to these important efforts by removing existing hurdles that discourage Good Samaritan groups from cleaning up Colorado's abandoned mines and providing our communities and environment with a valuable service.""
	 
	 
		""Runoff from abandoned mines throughout Colorado and the West threaten our water quality, wildlife and local economies. This common-sense, bipartisan legislation will further unleash so-called Good Samaritan groups and allow them to help address this problem,"" Udall said. ""A policy the EPA unveiled last year as a result of my leadership took a step in the right direction. This bill is the logical next step to speed the cleanup of these mines and address their toxic runoff.""
	 
	The Udall-Tipton bill, which Sen. Michael Bennet is co-sponsoring, is similar to legislation Udall introduced in 2009. The Udall-Tipton bill would:
	 
			Create a new program under the Clean Water Act to help promote the Good Samaritan efforts of those who have no legal responsibility for abandoned hard rock mines by allowing them to qualify for cleanup permits.
		
		
			Provide some liability protections for those who complete volunteer cleanups of abandoned mine sites pursuant to pre-approved restoration plans.
		
		
			Allow the EPA, state government or tribal governments to issue permits for cleanups.
		
	 *Sent in conjunction with Sen. Mark Udall's office",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/hastings-tipton-forest-bill-clears-natural-resources-committee,Hastings-Tipton Forest Bill Clears Natural Resources Committee,2013-07-31,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hastings-Tipton Forest Bill Clears Natural Resources Committee
WASHINGTON–Today, Rep. Scott Tipton’s (R-CO) Healthy Forest Management and Wildfire Prevention Act (H.R. 818) was combined with Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings’s (R-WA) Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act (H.R. 1526) during a Committee markup. The resulting comprehensive Hastings-Tipton forest management package (H.R. 1526) that was passed in Committee today by a voice vote and is now ready for a vote in the House.
Watch Rep. Scott Tipton’s statement in Committee.
H.R. 1526 (Hastings) addresses the shortfall in county revenue for schools and critical services caused by lack of timber harvest by requiring the Forest Service to produce at least half of the sustainable annual yield of timber required under law since 1908 and to share 25 percent of those receipts with rural counties. In order to meet this goal while providing for healthy forests, the bill includes the local management framework set out in H.R. 818 (Tipton) by directing the Forest Service to prioritize hazardous fuels reduction projects proposed by governors and affected counties and tribes. To expedite locally based healthy forest projects, the Hastings-Tipton package builds on the positive streamlining procedures implemented under the bipartisan Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA).
View the full bill here. (Tipton language is under Title 2). 
 
	“I’m pleased to have been able to work with my colleagues on this Committee, including Chairman Hastings to craft a proactive forest management strategy that will take immediate action to address the emergency facing western forests,” said Tipton. “Our package would allow greater state and local involvement in wildfire prevention on federal lands in order to expedite hazardous fuels reduction projects and reduce litigation, and in doing so help restore sustainable timber harvesting, create jobs, and provide a reliable source of revenue for rural education. Time is of the essence and we cannot afford to wait for more fires and more devastation before Congress acts. I urge quick action in the House to pass this needed package.”
 
Read Tipton’s full statement here.
Background:
Wildfires burned 9.3 million acres in 2012, while the U.S. Forest Service only harvested approximately 200,000 acres of timber. The cost of proactive healthy forest management is far less than the cost of wildfire suppression and cleaning up the aftermath. According to the Forest Service, the agency spent $296 million on hazardous fuels treatment nationwide in FY2012 while spending $1.77 billion on wildfire suppression during the same time.
Earlier this month, Colorado Deputy State Forester Joe Duda testified during a Natural Resources Committee hearing on wildfire prevention. He joined with Tipton in speaking on the need for more proactive management to restore forests to healthy conditions and reduce the severity of wildfire. Read more on that hearing here.
The Healthy Forest Management and Wildfire Prevention Act (H.R. 818) is supported by numerous Colorado counties, the National Association of Counties, as well as state and national environmental organizations and conservation districts. A list of endorsements and additional background on the Healthy Forest Management and Wildfire Prevention Act is available here.
Read Tipton’s op-ed in last Sunday’s Denver Post on SRS, timber harvesting and proactive forest management.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-leads-congressional-small-business-caucus-roundtable,Tipton Leads Congressional Small Business Caucus Roundtable,2013-07-31,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tipton Leads Congressional Small Business Caucus Roundtable
WASHINGTON—Today, the Congressional Small Business Caucus, chaired by Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO), held a briefing and roundtable discussion on the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Entrepreneurial Development Programs. The roundtable was an opportunity for Caucus members and staff to learn about the different Entrepreneurial Development Programs at the SBA. 
“The focus of today’s briefing and discussion was to inform Caucus members and their staff of the Small Business Administration’s latest Entrepreneurial Development Programs that are designed to help small businesses and startup communities across the nation with technical and managerial training, counseling, and information on various ways small businesses can grow and compete in global markets,” Tipton said. “These programs can be invaluable resources for entrepreneurs and small business startups, and today’s roundtable provided Caucus members with useful information that they can bring back to their constituents during the August district work period.”
Learn more about the SBA’s Entrepreneurial Development Programs here.
  
	Presenters at the roundtable included Ken Yancey CEO of the SCORE Association; Tee Rowe, the President and CEO of the Association of Small Business Development Centers; Marsha Bailey, Chair of the Association of Women’s Business Centers; Holly Schick, SBA Associate Administrator for the Entrepreneurial Development, Business, and Community Initiatives.
""SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development is committed to helping America’s 28 million small businesses start, grow, and compete in global markets by providing quality training, counseling, and access to resources. We look forward to continuing our work with the members of the bipartisan Congressional Small Business Caucus and leveraging our partnership to help get critical tools, tips and resources into the hands of more small business owners across the country,” said SBA Associate Administrator for Entrepreneurial Development, Holly Schick.
""In any community—rural, urban, underserved or affluent—small business is the heart of its existence. They are the restaurants, the auto repair shops, the baker, and the medical device company or the display manufacturer, businesses you may not always think about.  Making them stronger makes the community stronger, and improves everyone’s’ quality of life in a way that nothing else can. That's why SBDCs offer the services they do,"" said Tee Rowe, President and CEO of the Association of Small Business Development Centers.
“The discussion regarding the needs of small business most often revolves around access to capital, but capital is just one part of the equation.  Entrepreneurs also need access to high-quality training, counseling and support networks.  Over 100 SBA-funded Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) across the nation are helping women start, grow and sustain successful businesses.  Programs are built around the life of a woman: her responsibilities, her finances, her goals and her schedule. WBCs provide a safe and supportive learning environment which helps women acquire both the skills and the confidence they need to succeed in business.  I’m grateful for the opportunity to address the Congressional Small Business Caucus and hope that I will be able to help them understand the importance and impact of Women’s Business Centers in our communities and in the lives of the women we serve,” said Marsha Bailey,  Chair, Association of Women’s Business Centers.
The Congressional Small Business Caucus is comprised of over 90 bipartisan members dedicated to advancing efforts to foster the economic certainty needed for small businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed and create jobs. It was co-founded by Tipton and Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME).
Additional information on the Congressional Small Business Caucus is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton%E2%80%99s-all-above-energy-bill-advances-through-house-committee-bipartisan-support,Tipton’s All-of-the-Above Energy Bill Advances through House Committee with Bipartisan Support,2013-07-24,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Rep. Scott Tipton’s (R-CO) legislation to establish an all-of-the-above American energy strategy passed the House Natural Resources Committee with bipartisan support. The next step for the pro-jobs bill will be a full vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.
 
	“‘All-of-the-above’ has been a talking point for far too long—it’s time to make it a reality. We need to put into place a sustainable energy plan to responsibly develop America’s abundant energy resources and generate economic growth, keep energy costs low, and put Americans back to work,” said Tipton. “The Planning for American Energy Act would achieve this goal by using a common sense criteria—the needs of the American people—on which to base production goals for a true all-of-the-above domestic energy plan that includes wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, oil shale, oil, natural gas, coal and minerals needed for energy development.”
 
Under Tipton’s Planning for American Energy Act (H.R. 1394), the non-partisan Energy Information Administration would provide the projected energy needs of the United States from all traditional and renewable energy sources for the next 30 years to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture on which they then base four year production plans.  The bill allows for energy development on public lands in order to promote the energy and national security of the United States in accordance with the multiple-use management standard established by the Federal Land Policy Management Act. It accomplishes this responsibly without repealing a single environmental regulation or review process. 
 
	“American families and businesses need relief from rising energy costs.  America needs a sustainable energy plan that responsibly advances the development of alternative and traditional resources, generates economic growth, lowers energy costs, and gets Americans working once more,” said Tipton. “The Planning for American Energy Act would achieve these goals, and would do so responsibly with full adherence to all existing environmental safeguards.”
 
During today’s committee markup, the House Natural Resources Committee also considered the Pioneers Act, (H.R. 1965) introduced by Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO), which seeks to develop U.S. oil shale reserves, many of which are located in the 3rd Congressional District. The bill contained language from Tipton’s amendment that was attached to it last Congress to protect communities where development would take place by requiring the Secretary of the Interior to consider the environment, socio-economic impacts, infrastructure requirements, and fiscal stability for local communities located within areas containing oil shale resources.
 
	“As we establish a framework to develop our domestic oil shale resources and put our people back to work we ensure that the small towns which contribute so much to this production effort are not unfairly burdened by it, and that production is done responsibly in a way that safeguards the environment and protects our precious watersheds,” Tipton said. “I’m pleased that the Pioneers Act includes our language from last session stating that as the Secretary moves forward with the approval of oil shale development, they shall take into consideration the environment, socio-economic impacts, infrastructure requirements in their entirety, and fiscal stability for local communities located within areas containing oil shale resources. This will ensure that the resources are in place in these communities to support oil shale development and provide a strong environment for sustained production over time.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-votes-provide-resources-troops-maintain-strong-national-defense,"Tipton Votes to Provide Resources for Troops, Maintain a Strong National Defense",2013-07-24,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement following House passage of the FY 2014 Department of Defense Appropriations Act (H.R. 2397).
“Making sure that the United States is able to maintain a strong national defense is one of Congress’ most important duties. America is the world’s top military power because of our selfless and dedicated troops, as well as our access to the most advanced and effective military equipment available. This legislation ensures that America remains at the forefront of technological advances through research and development, training and production. These resources save American lives, and provide civilian jobs across the nation and in Colorado. This legislation also makes common sense spending reforms to cut down on bureaucracy without impacting our military’s effectiveness, as well as ensures that our troops’ needs are met both on the battlefield and at home with a well-deserved pay increase, and resources dedicated to providing top-of-the-line health care for those wounded in the line of duty.”
More information on H.R. 2397 is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20130722152100/http://coffman.house.gov:80/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=807:rep-coffmans-statement-on-first-anniversary-of-aurora-shooting&catid=36:latest-news&Itemid=10,Rep. Coffman's Statement on first anniversary of Aurora shooting,2013-07-20,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"“In the aftermath of the tragic mass shooting last year, our community has shown both strength and resilience in coming together to remember those whose lives were lost and to support those who are still suffering from both physical and emotional wounds.  Tomorrow will mark the first anniversary of this senseless act of violence and we will gather together again to remember those whom we have lost.”
July 20, 2013",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-votes-reform-education-system-foster-student-success,"Tipton Votes to Reform Education System, Foster Student Success",2013-07-19,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"CO State Board of Education Member Voices Support for the Bill
WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) voted to restore local control of education decisions, empowering parents, teachers and states with the ability to ensure that students receive the best possible education. The House passed the Student Success Act (H.R. 5) and it now goes to the Senate.
“Today we voted to permanently fix the problems that have plagued our schools by reducing Washington’s interference with states’, parents’ and teachers’ ability to provide our kids with the best possible education.  Education matters are most effectively handled at the local level, by empowering those that know our kids’ needs best to make decisions for their education—not Washington. If we follow the ‘Washington knows best’ mentality, then Washington will continue to direct our much needed education dollars toward meeting the costs of administration, rather than enriching the minds of our children,” said Tipton. “Under the current system, states like Colorado are required to surrender control of the content taught in local classrooms by having to agree to national standards and tests, and are also unable to implement their own requirements to ensure that effective teachers are in classrooms. The product of this system has been discouraging, with nearly 1 in 4 students failing to graduate from high school on time, and only a third of eighth graders able to read at a proficient level. The federal system has let our kids down. We can do better, and this legislation will ensure that our kids receive the quality education they deserve.”
“I commend the House Education and Workforce Committee for the Student Success Act,” said Colorado State Board of Education member Marcia Neal (3rd District). “States, local districts and parents must always be the primary drivers of our children's education and this bill, by reducing the federal footprint in our local schools, brings that focus back to us.”
Background on the Student Success Act Courtesy of the House Education Workforce Committee:
 Eliminates Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and replaces it with state-determined accountability systems, thereby returning authority for measuring student performance to states and school districts.
		  
	Eliminates federally mandated actions and interventions currently required of poor performing schools, giving states and districts maximum flexibility to develop appropriate school improvement strategies and rewards for their schools.
		  
	Repeals federal “Highly Qualified Teacher” requirements and directs states and school districts to develop teacher evaluation systems that measure an educator’s influence on student learning.  These evaluations must be locally developed and implemented within broad parameters that factor in student achievement, incorporate multiple measures, and include feedback from all stakeholders.
		  
	Consolidates a myriad of existing K-12 education programs into a new Local Academic Flexible Grant, which provides funding to states and school districts to support local priorities that improve student achievement.
		  
	Supports opportunities for parents to enroll their children in local magnet schools and charter schools, and enhances statewide parental engagement.
		  
	Protects state and local autonomy over decisions in the classroom by limiting the authority of the secretary of education, including by eliminating the secretary’s ability to inappropriately influence state decisions to adopt the Common Core or other common standards or assessments.
 Read more on the Education and Workforce Committee website.
#  #  #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-subcommittee-exposes-devastating-economic-effects-presidents-climate-action,Tipton Subcommittee Exposes Devastating Economic Effects of the President's Climate Action Plan on Small Businesses,2013-07-18,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Small Business: “These new rules will cause power plants to close, drive-up power costs for households and businesses across the country”
WASHINGTON, DC – House Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade, under the chairmanship of Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO), today held a hearing to examine how small business would be affected by the regulatory limitations on emissions outlined in the President's Climate Action Plan and review the EPA's compliance obligations under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).  
Video: Chairman Tipton’s opening statement.
Video: Chairman Tipton’s Q&A with the witnesses. “The President’s Climate Action Plan is an unnecessary attack on American energy and jobs,” said Chairman Tipton. “It will impose costly and burdensome regulations on American firms and small businesses that won’t be met by our overseas competitors. When the U.S. should be pursuing a responsible all-of-the-above energy strategy to lower energy costs, the President’s Climate Action plan will effectively shut down coal as an energy resource, force the premature retirement of a significant portion of our nation’s electricity generating capacity, and result in the loss of many more jobs in industries that rely on coal as an affordable source of energy. The President’s Climate Action Plan is nothing more than an attempt to circumvent Congress and impose a national energy tax by regulatory fiat. “To make matters worse, the EPA has failed in its obligations to consult with and consider the impacts of its regulations on small businesses under the Regulatory Flexibility Act.  The President’s directives to the agency to initiate and finalize rulemaking before all of the small business implications of these rules are known further demonstrates that promises to reduce regulatory burdens on small businesses are like promises to pursue an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy – throw away lines in a speech.”   The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) of 1980 requires federal agencies to assess the economic impact of their regulations on small businesses, and if the impact is significant, consider alternatives that are less burdensome before the rule is finalized. House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and House Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law Chairman Spencer Bachus (R-AL) introduced the bipartisan Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2013 (HR 2542) on June 28th makes the RFA stronger by removing loopholes that agencies have used to avoid compliance with the law. Materials for the hearing are posted on the House Small Business Committee’s website HERE. Notable Quotes: James L. Brown, President of Bremen Castings in Bremen, IN said, “As an energy-intensive manufacturer, I am very concerned about the consequences of the President’s plan outlined on June 25th to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new, modified, and existing power plants on my foundry, our industry and manufacturers across the U.S. I believe these new rules will cause power plants to close, drive-up power costs for households and businesses across the country, and especially harm manufacturing-heavy states. Additionally, these new regulations abandon an all-of-the-above energy policy and will threaten the foundry industry’s ability to remain competitive in this international manufacturing environment.” Bernard Weinstein, Maguire Energy Institute, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX said, “Addressing global climate change is no easy task. However, the command and control regulations suggested by the President and his environmentalist supporters miss important opportunities, harm households and small businesses by increasing electricity prices, and will do little to address actual environmental challenges.” Michael Kezar, General Manager of San Miguel Cooperative, Inc. in Jourdanton, TX said, “EPA’s guidelines require that small business representatives who participate on Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act panels be given adequate background information on the rulemaking, as well as options to lessen the economic impact on small business entities of the regulatory program in question. However, in the last two Clean Air Act major rulemakings directed at fossil-fuel fired electric generation - the new source NSPS and the UMATS rules - EPA failed to provide small business representatives with any regulatory options, let alone allowing an opportunity for panel members to meaningfully comment on alternatives to lessen economic impacts on small businesses.”
*Sent with the House Committee on Small Business",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/sba-makes-disaster-loans-available-west-fork-fire-area,SBA Makes Disaster Loans Available for West Fork Fire Area,2013-07-17,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Disaster Designation Follows Request from Colorado Congressional Delegation
Washington, DC – The Colorado Congressional delegation today welcomed an announcement that the Small Business Administration (SBA) would issue a disaster declaration for southwestern Colorado counties, making low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to small businesses economically impacted by the West Fork Fire Complex in that area of the state. Last week, all nine members of the Colorado Congressional delegation urged President Obama to approve a request by Governor John Hickenlooper to expedite federal assistance for victims of this summer’s wildfires, and specifically asked for the Administration to quickly approve an SBA declaration for the West Fork Complex area.
The delegation issued a joint statement:
“Communities all around Colorado continue to deal with the devastating effects of another catastrophic wildfire season, including those near the West Fork Fire Complex in southwest Colorado. This assistance from the SBA will help small business owners rebuild and recover from the financial losses of this disaster. This vital assistance is one more tool to support Coloradans efforts to prevent, fight and recover from wildfires. We will continue to work closely with these communities and federal agencies to ensure access to the assistance they need. And we will keep pushing the Administration to approve a major disaster declaration for the Black Forest and Royal Gorge fires.”
Last week, members of the delegation wrote to President Obama urging the SBA to quickly approve a disaster declaration for the West Fork Fire Complex, which continues to burn. Businesses newly eligible for assistance include those in Hinsdale, Mineral, Rio Grande, Alamosa, Archuleta, Conejos, Gunnison, La Plata, Ouray, Saguache, and San Juan counties. Beginning Tuesday, July 23, SBA customer service representatives and counselors from the San Luis Valley and Western Small Business Development Centers will be available at designated Disaster Loan Outreach Centers to answer questions about the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling SBA toll-free at (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.  Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877‑8339.
The deadline to apply for these loans is April 15, 2014.
*This release was sent as a joint delegation release.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-drills-irs-double-standard,Tipton Drills into IRS Double Standard,2013-07-17,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, during a House Small Business Committee hearing Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) questioned acting Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Daniel Werfel on the agency’s double standard with regard to its treatment of American taxpayers.
Tipton pressed the Commissioner on the recent IG report that stated the IRS wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on lavish conferences and costly conference videos. Werfel assured that since, “strong, robust procedures were put in place to constrain both conference spending and any spending on extraneous cost on videos.”
“…What the American people’s frustration and my frustration is that we look at the IRS just saying, ‘hey we’re going to correct the problem, we’re sorry, it won’t happen again, and then move on down the road,” said Tipton. “Do you apply those same standards to American taxpayers?”
Werfel responded that he was “not excusing the behavior.”
Watch their full exchange here.
Tipton also pressed Werfel on the IRS expectation that American taxpayers have a complete understanding of the tax code that the Agency doesn’t even have.
TIPTON: “How many pages are there in the tax code? 70,000 plus?”
WERFEL: “It’s a very high number.
TIPTON: “If I call up the IRS today, wanting to be able to pay my taxes, to do it lawfully, will whoever answers that phone guarantee me that their answer is correct?
WERFEL: “That’s not the way the process works.”
TIPTON: “That’s not the way the process works… So the IRS can’t figure it out, the IRS can’t guarantee us that they understand the policies that are in place, and yet we’re trying to tell the American people that you must obey the law. Doesn’t this really call for legitimate tax reform to get a flatter, fairer and simpler tax code?”
WERFEL: “…As a general principle, the IRS administers whatever law Congress passes and we rely on the Treasury Department to articulate-”
TIPTON: “That’s not completely true though, is it? ...Don’t you issue rules and regulations that are not approved by Congress, and it’s your assumption they meet the legislative directive? But you don’t come back and ask us if it meets the legislative directive.”
 
#  #  #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-grills-interior-secretary-blueways,Tipton Grills Interior Secretary on Blueways,2013-07-17,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Secretary says she is putting Blueways on hold, pledges to stand with Colorado in protecting state water rights
WASHINGTON—Today, during a House Natural Resources Committee hearing, Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) questioned Interior Secretary Sally Jewell on two issues with broad implications for Colorado—a potential endangered species designation of the Gunnison sage grouse and the Blueways Order.
Jewell’s predecessor, Secretary Ken Salazar, issued Secretarial Order 3321 establishing the National Blueways System.  This is a “source to mouth, watershed-wide” federal program about which little is known, and which has raised the fears of many local water conservation districts who are already doing an outstanding job of managing precious water supplies.
Many local water users fear that the National Blueways Order managed by a committee of federal bureaucrats will result in potential diversions of privately held water rights and the violation of state law, under which those rights are granted. Tipton has expressed numerous concerns with this in the past stating that, “This Order has the potential to further the Administration’s steady erosion of state water law, by inserting clunky federal regulatory authority over Western waterways, disregarding state water law, and casting aside a century of local conservation efforts to responsibly protect and manage our precious water supply.”
During her opening testimony Secretary Jewell stated that she would be putting Blueways on hold while she learned more about it.
Tipton asked Jewell if she finds a fundamental flaw in the Blueways program.
“I am just beginning to understanding what it is and I think there is still further definition. […] there’s clearly a lack of understanding and that’s why I put it on pause,” Jewell said.
Tipton followed up by asking if “Is it appropriate for non-local groups to be able to submit rivers for designation?” under Blueways.
“I don’t mind people submitting comments, when I tell you about local community input, I mean local communities. That’s where you want these things to come from. That’s my understanding of the program,” answered Jewell.
Tipton then asked the Secretary, “With the Blueways designation, with the state of Colorado as an example, you would support us in the position of being able to protect the private property rights—private property rights include water in the state of Colorado and for most of the west, also we have state laws, priority based systems. Will you stand with us to make sure those are protected?”
“Of course,” answered Jewell.
Watch their full exchange here. 
Tipton also asked the Secretary during the hearing if she would accept a recent invitation from him and Sens. Bennet and Udall to visit Colorado during the next six months to see the local Gunnison sage grouse conservation efforts that are taking place. The Fish and Wildlife Service announced this week that it would delay making a determination on whether to designate the grouse as endangered for six months. Read more here.
Background:
In February, Tipton joined 22 of his colleagues in urging Secretary Salazar to withdraw the Blueways Order, writing, “Water is the lifeblood of our communities, and it should be managed for the benefit of the community in a transparent fashion. […] Any designation by a federal agency that directly or indirectly attempts to manage the non-navigable headwaters of many of our nation’s rivers would be a usurpation of state authority.”
In June, Tipton again joined a number of his colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee in in a letter to Secretary Jewell regarding the National Blueways Order, requesting an explanation from Secretary Jewell for the lack of public process and expressing concern about the involvement of controversial Interior official Rebecca Wodder in promoting Blueways designations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141230103822/http://coffman.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=805%253Acoffman-to-meet-one-on-one-with-constituents-at-mlk-library-in-aurora&catid=36%253Alatest-news&Itemid=10,Coffman to meet one-on-one with constituents at MLK Library in Aurora,2013-07-17,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Aurora, CO)  U.S. Representative Mike Coffman announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) currently has the resources necessary to complete the troubled VA hospital construction project in Aurora.
“This hospital is half built and we owe it to our veterans to get this done,” said Coffman, a Marine Corps combat veteran.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/bennet-udall-tipton-applaud-fish-and-wildlife-service-six-month-extension-gunnison,"Bennet, Udall, Tipton Applaud Fish and Wildlife Service for Six-Month Extension on Gunnison Sage Grouse Decision",2013-07-15,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Extension Announcement Comes on Heels of Bipartisan Congressional Letter
Washington, DC – Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall and Representative Scott Tipton today applauded the Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) announcement to grant a six-month extension before making a final decision regarding whether to list the Gunnison sage grouse as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The announcement comes on the heels of a letter sent last week asking for the extension and outlining Colorado’s collaborative work to protect the bird.
“The decision to extend the deadline for a final decision on the listing of the Gunnison sage grouse is welcome news to officials and communities in southwest Colorado who have worked hard to determine the best way to protect this species and its habitat,” Bennet said. “We look forward to working with the agencies and everyone on the ground in Colorado to achieve local consensus on the best way to manage a healthy population of the species going forward.”
“An Endangered Species Act listing for the Gunnison Sage Grouse could affect a wide swath of ranchers, businesses and residents throughout western Colorado,” Udall said. “I am proud the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has heeded our calls to take a measured, careful approach on this important decision. I look forward to continuing to work with the agency and local stakeholders to ensure that any actions are taken based on science, input from the people of the Western Slope and knowledge of the conservation measures that are already underway.”
“Colorado has been a leader in Gunnison sage-grouse recovery with successful locally-tailored efforts that take into account the unique geography and environment of the region in order to best preserve the species. This announcement is good news for these local conservation efforts, and I hope that during this time, the Fish and Wildlife Service takes into account all public comments submitted, and closely considers the recommendations of those that live in the communities most affected,” Tipton said. “It would also be helpful for the Fish and Wildlife Service to provide state and local officials with measurable expectations for recovery of the grouse so we can ensure those goals are being met at the local level.”
Western communities have been working to conserve the Gunnison sage grouse for years. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife proposal to designate the bird as an endangered species and to designate over 1.7 million acres of critical habitat in Western Colorado and Eastern Utah has spurred additional collaboration among counties and stakeholders to develop a locally-led plan to preserve the sage grouse.
In a letter to the cabinet secretaries last week, the lawmakers wrote, “In response to the proposed listing of the Gunnison sage grouse, stakeholders in Colorado worked to implement strong and binding voluntary conservation measures throughout the bird’s local habitat. Local governments and private landowners used a variety of tools to protect the species… These efforts and others have led to the expenditure of over $30 million in public and private funds, all with the goal of preserving the species. Thanks to these initiatives we’ve made great progress – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) data now show the population of Gunnison sage grouse has increased in the Gunnison Basin.”
Local officials in southwest Colorado and southeast Utah continue to work together to implement voluntary conservation measures throughout the local habitat. Leaders from 10 Colorado counties and Utah’s San Juan County signed a memorandum of understanding in April to continue their cooperative work to identify measures and strategies to help increase the viability and vitality of the sage-grouse.
Earlier this year, the Colorado lawmakers led a push with members of the Utah delegation to urge USFWS to extend the public comment period on the proposal in order to gather more public input on how the proposal will affect local communities and industries. USFWS granted a three-week extension, which expired in April.
Click here or read the full letter below:
 
	July 12, 2013
	Dear Secretary Jewell and Secretary Vilsack:
	We are writing to invite you to our state to learn about Colorado’s successful efforts to preserve and protect the Gunnison sage grouse. We believe the collaborative and voluntary process our state has undertaken could be used as a model to protect other threatened species within Colorado and across the country.
	In response to the proposed listing of the Gunnison sage grouse, stakeholders in Colorado worked to implement strong and binding voluntary conservation measures throughout the bird’s local habitat. Local governments and private landowners used a variety of tools to protect the species, including: the implementation of protective land use policies, conservation easements on private land, Conservation Agreements With Assurances and private property acquisitions. These efforts and others have led to the expenditure of over $30 million in public and private funds, all with the goal of preserving the species. Thanks to these initiatives we’ve made great progress – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) data now show the population of Gunnison sage grouse has increased in the Gunnison Basin.
	In addition to the work outlined above, eleven counties in southwest Colorado and southeast Utah have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) summarizing joint measures they will take to protect the Gunnison sage grouse within their borders. This MOU has led to a recently-finalized conservation agreement with the State of Colorado. We are hopeful that your agencies will join in these good faith efforts to initiate proactive conservation and habitat protection measures and perhaps endorse this landmark agreement. The coalition members believe these measures will ultimately achieve or exceed the species protection goals of a possible Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing. While great progress has been made, there is significant potential to illustrate even greater preservation and – given that USFWS has expressed support for locally-led conservation initiatives in the past – we would request that you grant a six month extension before making a final decision regarding whether to list the species under the ESA.
	We know the Administration has many factors to weigh when considering listing a species under the Act. We know you are diligently moving through this process for the Gunnison sage grouse and believe your deliberations will benefit from witnessing firsthand the impressive work that has occurred in our home state of Colorado.
	Thank you for your continued efforts on this matter and your consideration of these requests. We look forward to hearing from you.
	Sincerely,
	Michael F. Bennet
		United States Senator
	Mark Udall
		United States Senator
	Scott Tipton
		United States Representative
 
# # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-co-deputy-forester-urge-proactive-forest-management-prevent-wildfire,"Tipton, CO Deputy Forester Urge Proactive Forest Management to Prevent Wildfire",2013-07-11,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tipton stresses significant environmental impact of wildfires
WASHINGTON–Today, Rep. Scott Tipton (CO-03) stressed the need for proactive forest management to prevent catastrophic wildfires, like the 110,000 plus acre West Fork Complex Fire currently burning in the 3rd District. During the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation oversight hearing on Wildfire and Forest Management, Tipton stressed that in addition to tragically taking lives and destroying property, wildfires cause significant damage to the environment including air quality, habitats and watersheds. Tipton also underscored the benefits of forest management to rural schools and economies through increased timber contracts. 
Watch Rep. Scott Tipton’s statement.
“If the President is truly interested in reducing carbon emissions, without handcuffing our nation’s economy, his administration should take meaningful action to prevent the catastrophic wildfires that are burning in Colorado, Arizona and other parts of the West. According to a 2012 presentation from NASA, carbon dioxide emissions from wildfires have more than doubled (up 2.4 times) since the 1980's. The amount of carbon emissions from wildfires has grown from an average of 8.8 million tons per year from 1984 to 1995 to more than 22 million tons from 1996 to 2008,” Tipton said in his opening statement. “Wildfire can often emit more carbon in a few weeks than all of the cars in that state do in a year. This was the case with the Hayman Fire in Colorado, and will likely be the case with the West Fork Complex Fire.” In addition, according to a 2007 study published by the National Institute of Health (NIH), wildfires can be primary contributors to individual states total carbon emissions. In Idaho in 2006 wildfire produced 1.6 times more CO2 than all other fossil fuel sources. In 2006 wildfire emissions also accounted for 47 and 42 percent of CO2 emissions in Montana and Washington respectively. And according to a report from researchers with the Forest Service, Auburn University and George Mason University, wildfire CO2 emissions are expected to increase by 50 percent by 2050.
“If we proactively manage our forests we can remove dead trees and re-forest areas with healthy trees that will once again absorb carbon, restore our environment to a healthy state, and protect people and communities from catastrophic wildfire,” Tipton said.
Colorado Deputy State Forester Joe Duda testified during the hearing, joining Tipton in speaking on the need for more proactive management to restore forests to healthy conditions and reduce the severity of wildfire.
“Poor forest condition is one of the primary factors that have led to destructive wildfires and catastrophic insect and disease outbreaks. The response has been to deal with the impacts (i.e. unwanted wildland fire), rather than improve the health of our forests through thinning and other management activities. For example, this year, we will remove less than one-half of the biomass in the form of forest products than we did in 1990,” said Duda in his testimony. “Without adequate resources and an efficient process for thinning our forests to achieve age class and species diversity, the U.S. Forest Service, and Coloradans, will continue to lose ground in our collective attempts to address the mountain of dead timber and declining forest health. In simple terms, we are managing the disturbance, rather than addressing the entire system, which is the only real solution to our current situation.”
Wildfires burned 9.3 million acres in 2012, while the U.S. Forest Service only harvested approximately 200,000 acres of timber. The cost of proactive healthy forest management is far less than the cost of wildfire suppression and cleaning up the aftermath. According to the Forest Service, the agency spent $296 million on hazardous fuels treatment nationwide in FY2012 while spending $1.77 billion on wildfire suppression during the same time.
Tipton’s bill, H.R. 818, would streamline hazardous fuels reduction projects and make up-front investments in forest health, so that we can spend fewer taxpayer dollars fighting fires later on. Tipton’s bill directs no additional spending and places no requirement on state and local officials to act, providing Governors and County Commissioners with the ability to designate high-risk areas and develop emergency hazardous fuels reduction projects on federal lands.
“We also must take a comprehensive look at all opportunities and authorities necessary to reduce U.S. Forest Service costs, including the use of existing authorities such as the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA), which should be aggressively implemented,” Duda said in his testimony. “More effective management of Colorado’s forested lands will set a course for more resilient future forests that provide the benefits and outcomes we expect.”
In addition to providing states with increased discretion over the management of lands within their borders, the Healthy Forest Management and Wildfire Prevention Act (H.R. 818) would allow treatment projects to move forward under the streamlined review processes set forth in HFRA. The Healthy Forest Management and Wildfire Prevention Act protects all valid and existing rights on applicable lands and preserves the current protection framework for wilderness areas and national monuments.
During the hearing, Tipton pressed Jim Hubbard, Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry of the USFS, on the Agency’s inability to manage current lands and yet still request $60 million this year to acquire more land. When asked by Tipton if it would be sensible to use those resources to treat existing lands instead of acquiring more land, Hubbard answered “Yes it would be sensible, and we would welcome the dialogue.”
Watch Tipton’s q&a with the witnesses here.
“This legislation and today’s hearing is about getting ahead of this problem by investing greater resources toward prevention so we can take a more proactive approach to restoring our forests to a healthy natural state and preventing the intense fires that have caused so much damage throughout the West,” Tipton said.
The Healthy Forest Management and Wildfire Prevention Act (H.R. 818) is supported by numerous Colorado counties, the National Association of Counties, as well as state and national environmental organizations and conservation districts. A list of endorsements is available here.
Additional background on the Healthy Forest Management and Wildfire Prevention Act is available here.
Read Duda’s full testimony here.
 
Read Tipton’s full statement here.
 
#  #  #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-statement-farm-bill-vote,Tipton Statement on Farm Bill Vote,2013-07-11,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Rep. Scott Tipton (CO-03) issued this statement after today’s vote in the House to pass the agriculture portion of the Farm Bill:
“Farmers and ranchers throughout my district have told me that to help them survive, especially during the ongoing drought, they need the long-term certainty that the farm bill provides.  Today the House passed legislation to provide that long-term certainty for the agriculture community by continuing vital programs including crop insurance, research, investments in production and regulatory relief. I look forward to future discussions on the nutrition assistance aspects of the original Farm Bill that were not considered today and am hopeful that in the future we are able to move forward with needed reforms to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in these programs while ensuring that those who are truly in need of assistance have full access to it.”
The portion of the Farm Bill that passed today included an amendment by Tipton and Reps. Cory Gardner (CO-04), Doug Lamborn (CO-05) and Mike Coffman (CO-06) to allow the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to lease new air tankers, at no additional cost to taxpayers, to fight wildfires. Currently, the Forest Service is limited to leasing only decommissioned military tankers and operating commercial tankers, restricting access to the newest and most effective tankers, as well as forcing the agency to choose from a limited number of available tankers.  As a result, since 2002, the USFS fleet has dwindled from 44 to 9 tankers, a cause for alarm given the severity and frequency of catastrophic wildfires. Read more about that amendment here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/colorado-congressional-delegation-urges-president-designate-black-forest-and-royal,Colorado Congressional Delegation Urges President to Designate Black Forest and Royal Gorge Fires as Major Disaster Areas,2013-07-10,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Colorado Congressional Delegation Urges President to Designate Black Forest and Royal Gorge Fires as Major Disaster Areas 
Washington, DC – The Colorado Congressional delegation today urged President Obama to expedite and approve a request from Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper to issue federal major disaster declarations in response to the Black Forest and Royal Gorge fires. The declaration would make federal resources available for response and recovery efforts.
Additionally, the delegation asked for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to quickly approve a disaster declaration for the massive West Fork Fire complex in Southwest Colorado to provide economic injury disaster loans to businesses affected by the fire.
In a letter to the president, the delegation wrote, “At the height of these blazes, thousands of firefighters and other personnel engaged in combating the Black Forest Fire, the Royal Gorge fire, the East Peak Fire, the West Fork Fire complex, and other wildfires simultaneously burning across Colorado... A major disaster declaration will provide urgently needed resources and support to the state, communities, and especially the families who have been uprooted by these wildfires.”
Requests for a disaster declaration by the President must be made by the Governor of the affected state. Governor Hickenlooper made the request late yesterday. Once the declaration is made, it would make available a number of Federal programs to assist in the response and recovery efforts. The types of assistance made available, whether individual or public, are based on the needs found during a preliminary damage assessment conducted by state and Federal officials. Types of assistance may include temporary housing, home repair or replacement, debris removal, repairs and restoration to publicly-owned facilities, among others.
Click here to view the letter.
*This release was sent by the office of Sen. Michael Bennet as a delegation press release.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141208095028/http://coffman.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=796:a-veteran-in-congress-takes-aim-at-pentagon-waste&catid=36:latest-news&Itemid=10,A Veteran in Congress Takes Aim at Pentagon Waste,2013-07-09,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) announced that he is cautiously optimistic about the future of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan following his visit to the country late last month along with five other members of the U.S. House. The congressional delegation met with key military and political leader in Afghanistan.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/subcommittee-hold-oversight-hearing-catastrophic-wildfires-and-need-active-forest,Subcommittee to Hold Oversight Hearing on Catastrophic Wildfires and the Need for Active Forest Management,2013-07-08,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation will hold an oversight hearing on Thursday, July 11th on “Wildfire and Forest Management.”
This hearing will discuss the current wildfire season and ways to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire through proactive, healthy forest management.  While factors such as prolonged drought continue to raise the risk of wildfire, it is imperative that the federal government actively address the one issue within its control: hazardous fuels.  Unnatural, excessive growth and unhealthy forests increase the risk of wildfire. Active management helps protect and restore forests while also helping local economies and creating jobs.
“This week, Arizona experienced the most tragic wildfire in state history when we lost 19 brave firefighters to the Yarnell Fire,” said Congressman Paul Gosar (AZ-04). “We owe these men our everlasting thanks and we owe their families a commitment to pursue pro-active forest management policies, which will minimize catastrophic wildfires in the future, while protecting our communities and restoring the environment. This hearing helps the committee’s efforts to achieve these goals.”
“Whether manmade or caused by mother nature, catastrophic wildfires are exacerbated by the overabundance of fuel.  Dried, dead, or decaying trees and other fuels have been a scourge for many western states where wildfires are most prevalent. Reducing fuels through responsible land management, including decreasing the spread of insect and disease infestations like the bark beetle, is essential to reducing the risk of major wildfires,” said Subcommittee Chairman Rob Bishop (UT-01).
“Prevention: a simple idea with profound implications for the future of western forests and communities. Right now, fires are burning tens of thousands of acres in Colorado, in my district. The incident commanders in charge of suppression efforts on the 97,000 plus acre West Fork Fire, which has threatened entire communities, told me that the behavior of the fire is unprecedented. Because of all of the beetle-killed timber and dry conditions, the fire has acted in a way that defies computer models and has been incredibly devastating,” said Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03). “The most tragic part of this is that the occurrence of these forest fires could be reduced, if not outright prevented, with commonsense healthy forest management.  By taking action such as removing hazardous fuels and allowing the forests to thrive in a healthy natural state we could prevent the future loss of life, destruction of property, safeguard water supplies and species habitats, and promote a healthy natural environment. This is a Western emergency, and this hearing will be about what needs to be done to address it and save our forests.”
“For years federal bureaucrats, heavily influenced by environmentalists, have failed to actively manage our national forests, which can lead to out-of-control wildfires, and threaten life and property in our Western States. We need the federal government to work more closely with state and local governments to better manage the forest lands and protect the surrounding communities,” said Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05).
				WHAT:
			
			
				Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation oversight hearing on “Wildfire and Forest Management.”
				 
			
		
				WHEN:
			
			
				Thursday, July 11, 2013
					10:00AM
				 
			
		
				WHERE:
			
			
				1334 Hearing Room in the Longworth House Office Building",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/congressman-tipton-alamosa-4th-july-and-100th-anniversary-celebration,Congressman Tipton in Alamosa for 4th of July and 100th Anniversary Celebration,2013-07-02,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-3) will be in Alamosa on Thursday to participate in a number of events in celebration of Independence Day and present a Congressional Tribute to Alamosa County in commemoration of its 100th anniversary.
Kiwanis Community Pancake Breakfast  Date: Thursday, July 4, 2013  Time: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (Mountain)  Location: SLV Federal Bank, 401 Edison Avenue, Alamosa  What: Congressman Tipton will attend the breakfast and visit with constituents.
Alamosa County 100th Anniversary Celebration   Date: Thursday, July 4, 2013  Time: 12:00 p.m. (Mountain)  Location: Cole Park, 300 Hunt Avenue, Alamosa  What: Congressman Tipton will participate in the Alamosa County 100th Anniversary celebration by presenting a Congressional Tribute in recognition of the milestone.
The text of the Congressional Tribute that Congressman Tipton gave on the record of the U.S. House of Representatives and will present in Alamosa on Thursday follows:
 
	“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of Alamosa County, Colorado. In these fast-paced times, we often overlook the foundations of America - small towns with hard-working people.
	“Since 1913, Alamosa has been a model of American values, with a proud heritage of honest, hard work, perseverance and community. As the legend goes, Alamosa, originally intended as a rail center for the Rio Grande Railroad, was built from the ground up practically over-night. Industrious from the outset, the citizens of Alamosa built the town with bricks forged from local clay and fired in the city’s own kiln.
	“It’s this spirit of industry that drives Alamosa County’s 9,000 residents today. It provides opportunities for the next generation to grow and prosper at Adams State College and Trinidad State College, in one of Colorado’s most diverse landscapes that boasts the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge. 
	“Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the 100th anniversary of Alamosa County and pay tribute to the people, past and present, who have built this community and continue to embody hard work and dedication, values which have made our country strong.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/update-congressman-scott-tipton-western-emergency,Update from Congressman Scott Tipton: A Western Emergency,2013-07-01,2013,2013-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Update from Congressman Scott Tipton  
	 

	Dear Friend, The West Fork Complex Fire near Pagosa Springs has burned more than 95,000 acres and is as of this writing still out of control. The East Peak Fire near Walsenburg and La Veta has burned more than 13,500 acres. These are just two of the fires that are burning in the 3rd District right now, and it is still early in the summer. Tens of thousands of acres of forests are already gone and entire communities are being threatened. Just like the wildfires that have ravaged Colorado and other Western States over the past decade, these fires have destroyed property, and are doing irreversible damage to the environment and watersheds on which we rely. Brave men and women are working around-the-clock to stop the devastation. They are truly incredible, and I want to thank them for all they are doing to protect property, save lives and contain these wildfires. The incident commanders in charge of suppression efforts on the West Fork Fire told me that the behavior of the fire has been unprecedented. Because of all of the beetle-killed timber, unnaturally dense forest and dry conditions, the fire has acted in a way that defies computer models. The most tragic part of this is that the occurrence of these forest fires could be reduced, if not outright prevented, with commonsense healthy forest management. With millions of acres of beetle-killed timber, prolonged drought, unnaturally dense undergrowth, and warm temperatures combining to create prime conditions for fire, it’s undeniable that Colorado’s forests need immediate attention.  This week I was joined by my Republican colleagues from Colorado and the Chairmen of the Congressional Western Caucus in introducing a resolution to express the sense of the House of Representatives that more must be done to address the conditions of forests on federal lands. 
	This resolution dovetails with my Healthy Forest Management and Wildfire Prevention legislation, and is a call to action to address the critical condition of Western Forests in order to prevent future destruction. I’m working with my colleague, Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings, to address the need for proactive forest management in addition to fixing the broken secure rural schools system, and am optimistic that we will see movement on forest legislation in the House within the summer, and take crucial steps toward addressing this emergency. 
	Sincerely,

 
Scott
In Case You Missed It 
Tipton: The President is blocking responsible all-of-the-above energy development: “Instead of working with Congress to encourage responsible production of all of our domestic energy resources, the President has once more drug out his failed energy agenda in the form of an executive fiat to impede the development of proven energy resources with increased regulations and red tape. Ultimately, the President’s mandate will raise energy costs, stunt economic growth, and kill jobs.” Read more.
Video: Tipton speaks on House floor on the impact that the influx of new regulations has on small businesses. Watch here. 
Vilsack designates Colorado counties as agriculture disaster areas: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has designated numerous counties in Colorado's 3rd District as agriculture disaster areas due to drought. The primary counties include Archuleta and Mineral, and the contiguous counties named in the designation include Conejos, La Plata, Hinsdale, Rio Grande and Saguache. Farmers and ranchers in these counties are eligible to be considered for assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). That assistance includes emergency loans. More information on the programs available, how to apply, and all counties affected. More information is available here.
The Colorado Observer: Obama seeks to sidestep Congress with new climate change rules: An ambitious plan by President Barack Obama to bypass Congress and impose new regulations for power plants was met with criticism from some lawmakers as costly for Colorado’s consumers and destructive to the economy nationwide. “Ultimately the president’s mandate will raise energy costs, stunt economic growth, and kill jobs,” said Republican Rep. Scott Tipton who represents the 3rd Congressional District. Read more.
Tipton statement on the Farm Bill: “This was not a perfect bill, but a good first step toward reform that would have eliminated or consolidated more than 100 government programs, and saved $40 billion, including $20 billion in reforms to SNAP by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse while ensuring that those who are truly in need of assistance would have full access to it.” Read more.
House adopts Colorado delegation amendment to aid in combating wildfires: he U.S. House of Representatives adopted an amendment to the Farm Bill (H.R. 1497) offered by Reps. Scott Tipton (R-CO), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Mike Coffman (CO-06) and Cory Gardner (CO-04) to allow the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to lease new air tankers for fighting wildfires, at no additional taxpayer cost. Read more.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141208095038/http://coffman.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=787:rep-coffman-statement-on-passage-of-senate-immigration-bill&catid=36:latest-news&Itemid=10,Rep. Coffman Statement on passage of Senate Immigration Bill,2013-06-27,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) announced that he is cautiously optimistic about the future of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan following his visit to the country late last month along with five other members of the U.S. House. The congressional delegation met with key military and political leader in Afghanistan.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-introduces-wildfire-resolution-house,Tipton Introduces Wildfire Resolution in the House,2013-06-26,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Stressing that many of the fires burning in Colorado and in Western forests could have been prevented, today, Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) introduced a resolution on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to express the sense of the House that more needs to be done to manage federal forests and take action to immediately address the conditions that lead to catastrophic wildfires, including those currently burning in the 3rd District. The resolution is co-sponsored by Western Caucus Chairmen Steve Pearce (R-NM) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Reps. Mike Coffman (R-CO), Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Doug Lamborn (R-CO).
 
	“Brave men and women are working around-the-clock to stop the devastation. They are truly incredible, and I want to thank them for all they are doing to protect property, save lives and contain these wildfires,” Tipton said on the House floor. “The incident commanders in charge of suppression efforts on the West Fork Fire—the nation’s highest priority—told me this week that the behavior of the fire is unprecedented. Because of all of the beetle-killed timber, unnaturally dense forest and dry conditions, the fire has acted in a way that defies computer models and has been incredibly devastating. The most tragic part of this is that the occurrence of these forest fires could be reduced, if not outright prevented, with commonsense healthy forest management. With this in mind I have put forward this resolution.”
 
VIDEO: Tipton introduces the Wildfire Resolution on the House floor:
An excerpt of Tipton’s resolution, which he read on the House floor, follows:
 
	“It is the sense of the House of Representatives that—
	Allocating the appropriate resources to wildland fire management is needed to protect the environment, the economy, and the people of the United States;
	The bravery of the men and women who risk their lives to extinguish these conflagrations can never be questioned;
	A healthy forest policy must include prescribed thinning;
	Funding to fight and prevent wildfires is essential to public safety, environmental protection and economic growth;
	People who live in or near our national forests have a right to expect the greatest possible protection for their homes and property.
	The Government should not continue acquire more land when hundreds of millions of acres already controlled by the Government are mismanaged; and
	The Forest Service should proactively manage federal forest lands in a manner that- protects life and property; prevents catastrophic wildfire; promotes forest and watershed health; and creates jobs and economic development in the forest products industry."" 
 
Read the full resolution here.
Last year Colorado experienced two record breaking fires, and already this year the Black Forest Fire has killed two people and destroyed more homes than any other in Colorado history. Currently, the West Fork Complex Fire burning in the 3rd District is out of control and is the nation’s highest fire priority. In 2012, Colorado wildfires destroyed nearly 650 structures, killed six Coloradans, burned more than 384,000 acres of land, and caused over $538 million in property losses. With dry conditions, poor forest health, and fires burning throughout the state, this year is shaping up to be equally devastating.
The cost of proactive healthy forest management is far less than the cost of wildfire suppression and cleaning up the aftermath. According to the Forest Service, the agency spent $296 million on hazardous fuels treatment nationwide in FY2012 while spending $1.77 billion on wildfire suppression during the same time. Tipton has introduced legislation of which Reps. Pearce, Lummis, Coffman, Gardner and Lamborn are co-sponsors, to streamline hazardous fuels reduction projects and make up-front investments in forest health and prevention. More information on that legislation is available here. Tipton has also passed amendments to combat wildfire and invest in disaster prevention.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-president-blocking-responsible-all-above-energy-development,Tipton: The President is Blocking Responsible All-of-the-Above Energy Development,2013-06-25,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON– Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) released this statement in response to the President’s latest attempt to halt production and increase energy costs on Americans.
	“Our nation is blessed with abundant energy resources, which if responsibly developed, would grow our economy, lower energy costs for families and businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our national security.  That’s why I support a true all-of-the-above energy approach that would set goals to develop all of our energy resources based on meeting the needs of the American people, and do so in a way that protects our environment.
	“But the President isn’t interested in what Congress has to say on the topic of energy development, or in meeting the energy needs of the American people.  Instead of working with Congress to encourage responsible production of all of our domestic energy resources, the President has once more drug out his failed energy agenda in the form of an executive fiat to impede the development of proven energy resources with increased regulations and red tape. Ultimately, the President’s mandate will raise energy costs, stunt economic growth, and kill jobs.  With an agenda like this, it’s no wonder the President doesn’t want to have a conversation on the future of American energy, but instead wants to force what amounts to a back-door energy tax on the American people with no questions asked.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/house-adopts-colorado-delegation-amendment-aid-combating-wildfires,House Adopts Colorado Delegation Amendment to Aid in Combating Wildfires,2013-06-20,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON –The U.S. House of Representatives adopted an amendment to the Farm Bill (H.R. 1497) offered by Reps. Scott Tipton (R-CO), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Mike Coffman (CO-06) and Cory Gardner (CO-04) to allow the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to lease new air tankers for fighting wildfires, at no additional taxpayer cost. Currently, the Forest Service is limited to leasing only decommissioned military tankers and operating commercial tankers, restricting access to the newest and most effective tankers, as well as forcing the agency to choose from a limited number of tankers in service.  As a result, since 2002, the USFS fleet has dwindled from 44 to 9 tankers, a cause for alarm given the severity and frequency of catastrophic wildfires.
The Farm Bill is expected to receive a vote in the House today.
Read the full text of the amendment here.
Large air tankers are among the most effective tools to fight wildfires, and the USFS relies on them to initially attack fires.  Current contracts allow USFS to procure five year service level agreements from any available operating commercial tankers but do not allow USFS to directly access new air tankers with greater firefighting ability.  This amendment would provide the USFS with the ability to lease new aircraft, thus providing the USFS with cost-effective and reliable aerial firefighting capability for years to come.
“Air tankers are critical for combatting the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Colorado and Western States over the past decade.  This amendment will provide the Forest Service with needed flexibility to upgrade its fleet and have access to the tools necessary to suppress wildfires and limit destruction,” Tipton said. “In addition to this, we must continue to work to address the conditions in our forests that lead to these fires.  Taking proactive measures to mitigate hazardous fuels and restore our forests to a healthy natural state would significantly reduce the occurrence and severity of wildfire, prevent future loss of life and property, as well as protect the fragile ecology of our forests and water supplies from irreversible damage.”
“The unprecedented destruction of the Black Forest Fire makes it abundantly clear our Forest Service needs greater firefighting capabilities.  We can’t rely on the old model of leasing retired military aircraft to fight these deadly fires,” said Lamborn. “The Forest Service should have the ability to lease new aircraft. We know that when lives and property are threatened every minute counts. Delays can be deadly.”
“The residents of Colorado and the West know that we need as many tools as possible to protect against emergency level forest conditions.  For this reason, I am happy to support Rep. Tipton’s amendment to provide the USFS with additional flexibility in their efforts to fight wildfires,” Coffman said.  “Additionally, I will continue to help our western communities by fighting for new active forest management policies that can proactively mitigate the risk of wildfires.”
“In Colorado, we have seen how effectively air tankers can fight wildfires, and that is why we need the most up to date fleets,” Gardner said. “I am proud to support this amendment, which will give the Forrest Service access to new aircraft so we can fight fires from the ground and the sky.”
Last year Colorado experienced two record breaking fires, and already this year the Black Forest Fire has killed two people and destroyed more homes than any other in Colorado history. In 2012, Colorado wildfires destroyed nearly 650 structures, killed six Coloradans, burned more than 384,000 acres of land, and caused over $538 million in property losses. With dry conditions, poor forest health, and fires burning throughout the state, this year is shaping up to be equally devastating.
The cost of proactive healthy forest management is far less than the cost of wildfire suppression and cleaning up the aftermath. According to the Forest Service, the agency spent $296 million on hazardous fuels treatment nationwide in FY2012 while spending $1.77 billion on wildfire suppression during the same time. Tipton has introduced legislation (H.R. 818), with Lamborn, Coffman and Gardner as co-sponsors, to streamline hazardous fuels reduction projects and make up-front investments in forest health and prevention. More information on that legislation is available here.
# # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-statement-farm-bill,Tipton Statement on Farm Bill,2013-06-20,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tipton Statement on Farm Bill
WASHINGTON—Rep. Scott Tipton (CO-03) issued this statement on the Farm Bill.
“This was not a perfect bill, but a good first step toward reform that would have eliminated or consolidated more than 100 government programs, and saved $40 billion, including $20 billion in reforms to SNAP by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse while ensuring that those who are truly in need of assistance would have full access to it. These would have been the largest reforms since 1996, and were good commonsense steps.  I’m disappointed by this missed opportunity to implement needed reforms, as well as the missed opportunity to provide certainty for the Agriculture community by continuing vital programs including crop insurance, research, investments in production and regulatory relief. In time, I believe we should find a way to divorce the agriculture aspects in the Farm Bill from welfare assistance and other unrelated programs, as these are very different sets of issues that deserve individual attention. But that was not the reality of today’s vote.”
The Farm Bill included an amendment offered by Tipton and Reps. Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Mike Coffman (CO-06) and Cory Gardner (CO-04) to allow the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to lease new air tankers, at no additional cost to taxpayers, to fight wildfires. Read more about that amendment here.
Background on the Farm Bill Courtesy of the House Agriculture Committee:
 
		Saves nearly $40 billion in mandatory funds, including the immediate sequestration of $6 billion.
	
	
		Repeals or consolidates more than 100 programs.
	
	
		Eliminates direct payments, which farmers received regardless of market conditions.
	
	
		Streamlines and reforms commodity policy saving nearly $14 billion while also giving producers a choice in how best to manage risk.
	
	
		Includes the first reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) since the Welfare Reform Act of 1996 saving more than $20 billion.
	
	
		Consolidates 23 conservation programs into 13, improving program delivery to producers and saving more than $6 billion.
	
	
		Builds on previous investments to fruit and vegetable production, farmers markets, and local food systems.
	
	
		Includes several regulatory relief measures to help mitigate burdens farmers, ranchers, and rural communities face.
	
 For more information on the Farm Bill visit the House Agriculture Committee website.
#  #  #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-subcommittee-touts-benefit-new-energy-technology-small-businesses,Tipton Subcommittee Touts The Benefit Of New Energy Technology For Small Businesses,2013-06-20,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Tipton with Moffat County Commissioner Chuck Grobe at the hearing.)
WASHINGTON, DC – House Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade, under the chairmanship of Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO), today held a hearing on the potential economic and employment benefits of increased domestic oil and natural gas production, due to new technologies, for the nation and specifically for small businesses. Recent changes in technology and market fundamentals now make it more economical to produce vast amounts of oil and gas from unconventional petroleum deposits, such as shale gas and tight oil. The increased production of oil and natural gas has the potential to supplant a significant portion of oil and gas imports, contribute up to $111 billion in new federal, state and local tax revenues, while creating upwards of 3 million new associated jobs, including up to 1 million manufacturing jobs.  A significant number of these new jobs will be created by small businesses. “The United States contains tremendous energy reserves from unconventional sources,” said Chairman Tipton (R-CO). “Safely using our abundant energy resources will not only make America less dependent on foreign oil but also provide an economic boost for thousands of small businesses directly and indirectly. Our resources also provide more export opportunities for our domestic companies.  A robust ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy, carried out responsibly, is a win-win all the way around – more jobs, lower energy costs, strengthened domestic energy security, and more exports.” Notable Quotes: Chuck Grobe, Commissioner of Moffat County in Craig, CO said, “Despite the good news of jobs and new revenues on the horizon, the promise of prosperity for rural Western Colorado is obstructed by a very dark cloud. Regulatory uncertainty, unnecessary federal regulations, frivolous lawsuits, and the lack of political courage by the current administration to allow development of these new oil and gas sources, puts our jobs potential in jeopardy. Quite often political will, rather than facts, dictate whether or not to develop particular energy projects. Unfortunately, this misguided approach has had numerous consequences for small businesses and our economies across the region. Regulatory uncertainty for the oil and gas industry has a negative impact on small businesses.” John Larson, Vice President of Economics and Country Risk at IHS Global Insight in Washington, DC said, “The United States is in the midst of an unconventional revolution in oil and gas that, it becomes increasingly apparent, goes beyond energy itself. “What is now becoming clear is that the exploration and production industry contributions to the economy and the lower costs of energy brought about by this abundant growth in supply is helping to stimulate a manufacturing renaissance and improve the competitive position of the United States in the global economy–further stimulating job creation in the United States.” Simon Ormerod, CEO of Ajax Rolled Ring & Machine in York, SC said, “It is easy to see the immediate effect on job creation in the towns and states where shale gas extraction is actively being conducted. It is a logical next step to consider the increased jobs that suppliers to the oil & gas industry, like Ajax, have been enjoying as a result of this increased gas exploration and extraction activity.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-c%C3%A1rdenas-introduce-resolution-honor-national-small-business-week,"Tipton, Cárdenas Introduce Resolution in Honor of National Small Business Week",2013-06-18,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Stressing the importance of small businesses in strengthening communities and creating local economic opportunities, Congressmen Scott Tipton (R-CO) and Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives today to recognize the 50th anniversary of National Small Business Week. The President has proclaimed National Small Business Week every year since 1963 to recognize the importance of entrepreneurs and small business.
 
	“From creating jobs in all corners of Colorado, to supporting their communities through philanthropy and service, and improving lives through innovation, small businesses are an integral part of our daily lives,” Tipton said. “National Small Business Week is a great opportunity to support local businesses and recognize the entrepreneurs that sustain our economy and strengthen our communities.”
	“National Small Business Week is a way for all Americans to take a closer look at the local businesses in their communities, who create so many jobs in our nation, and say thank you,” said Cárdenas. “As a former small business owner, and a city council member, I have seen the impact in neighborhoods throughout my district when a small, local business opens or closes. Their supply chain is local, their employees have a vested interest in their success and their customers treasure the connection a hometown business brings. I know I echo the entire House when I applaud these small businesses, the risks that they have taken and the successes they have had.”
 
The 27,200,000 small businesses in the United States are a driving force behind the nation’s economy and economic recovery, creating 2 out of every 3 new jobs.  These small businesses represent 99.7 percent of employer firms in the United States and generate more than 50 percent of the nation’s non-farm gross domestic product, while representing more than 97 percent of all exporters and producing 32 percent of exported goods.  In addition to creating jobs and economic growth, according to a recent survey, 96 percent of small businesses support the community by giving back through community projects and causes.
Small Business Quotes:
 
	“People like small business because it is personal, it is unique.  We all enjoy unique places that represent us, and our choices drive small business.  Those businesses create community in a way that large businesses cannot, simply by being small and personal.  Here we proudly wear t-shirts that say ‘Buy Pueblo, Everybody Benefits’ because when you do, we all do,” said Mike Hartkop, Founding Partner, Solar Roast Coffee in Pueblo, Colorado. “The most difficult thing about small business is that we don’t have multi-million dollar budgets. We don’t have a team of lawyers, or thousands of dollars to spend on Government inspections. Every cent we spend on those regulators really is money out of our pockets.”
	“What is small business? Small business is community. Research shows that the vast majority of small employers contribute to their communities through volunteering, in-kind contributions, and direct cash donations,” said NFIB Colorado Director Tony Gagliardi.  “The estimated average value of contributions made by small business owners is $6,600 per year, with a nationwide scale of roughly $40 billion.”
 
Tipton, a lifelong small businessman, is a subcommittee chairman in the House Small Business Committee as well as co-founder of the Congressional Small Business Caucus.
Cárdenas is also a small businessman who serves on the House Committee on the Budget, and is the Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Task Force on Financial Services, Manufacturing and Commerce.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-chair-hearing-new-energy-paradigm,Tipton to Chair Hearing on New Energy Paradigm,2013-06-18,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Colorado witness to testify
WASHINGTON—On Thursday, June 20th, at 10:00 a.m. (EDT), the Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade, under the chairmanship of Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO), will conduct a hearing titled The New Energy Paradigm: Its Potential for Small Businesses and the Economy. The purpose of the hearing is to examine the economic benefits of increased responsible oil and natural gas production in the United States, with a special emphasis on how it could benefit small businesses.
Moffat County Commissioner Chuck Grobe will be among the witnesses testifying at the hearing.
“Recent changes in technology and market fundamentals have greatly increased the oil and natural gas production potential of the United States,” said Subcommittee Chairman Tipton. “In addition to reducing imports, the development of these resources will provide a reliable and affordable source of energy that will help generate millions of jobs outside of the oil and gas sector, especially among small businesses.  Increased domestic oil and natural gas production is a critical component of an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy that not only promotes energy independence, but will make American small businesses more competitive in the global market place.” 
Watch the hearing live HERE.
Event Details: Thursday, June 20, 2013, 10:00 a.m. EDT  
	2360 Rayburn House Office Building  
	Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade  The New Energy Paradigm: Its Potential for Small Businesses and the Economy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-praises-grand-junction-business-incubator,Tipton Praises Grand Junction Business Incubator,2013-06-12,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) has presented the following tribute on the Congressional Record in recognition of the Business Incubator Center of Grand Junction being named Incubator of the Year. The tribute will be presented by a member of Tipton’s staff at a ceremony at the Incubator tomorrow. Congress is in session and Tipton is currently in Washington for votes.
Tribute submitted for the Congressional Record:
 
	“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Business Incubator Center of Grand Junction, Colorado. Founded in 1987, the Business Incubator Center (BIC) is a private non-profit organization with the sole mission of fostering economic growth and entrepreneurial spirit in Western Colorado. Earlier this year, the Business Incubator Center was named “Incubator of the Year” by the National Business Incubation Association for the second time in its 25 year history.
	Working with both start-up and established businesses in the Grand Junction area, the Business Incubator Center has played a significant role in building and maintaining thousands of businesses. Over the past 25 years, the Business Incubator Center has helped launch more than 575 businesses in the community, which have gone on to generate more than $156 million in revenue, and create more than 10,000 jobs. The impact the Business Incubator Center has had on the community is immeasurable.
	In both 1996 and 2013, BIC was chosen by the National Business Incubation Association as America’s top incubator, well deserved honors for this vital organization that has led to the creation of so many jobs. The success of the Business Incubator Center’s model has sparked innovation and fostered prosperity for thousands of Coloradans. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize The Business Incubator Center of Grand Junction, Colorado for its commitment to the economic development of Western Colorado.”
 
Tipton, a lifelong small businessman, is a subcommittee chairman in the House Small Business Committee as well as co-founder of the Congressional Small Business Caucus.
# # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/colorado-lawmakers-unite-protect-pueblo-community,Colorado Lawmakers Unite to Protect Pueblo Community,2013-06-10,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Letter Urges Corps of Engineers to Support Project to Prevent Flooding
Washington, DC –Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) and Representative Scott Tipton (R-CO) sent a letter to the US Army Corps of Engineers in support of a request submitted by the Fountain Creek Watershed Flood Control and Greenway District to address potential flooding concerns on the Fountain Creek in Pueblo.
The levee on Fountain Creek has become dangerously overgrown with dense vegetation, and there is a buildup of sediment in the channel. These factors contribute to flood risk, which is now exacerbated by increased runoff from the Waldo Canyon Fire.
“This is an important project for Pueblo residents who are at high risk of flooding,” Bennet said. “If we can take these precautionary steps we can reduce damage to homes and property and the larger costs of recovery.”
“The threats wildfire pose to communities persist long after the final embers are extinguished. Flash flooding can often be just as dangerous as the wildfire itself,” Udall said. “Runoff from the Waldo Canyon Fire has intensified flood risk around the Fountain Creek levee, which was already in poor condition. This project will revitalize the levee and keep Pueblo residents safe.”
“By taking proactive action we can reduce flood risks and protect homes and property in Pueblo’s east side neighborhood,” said Tipton.
The project, if granted, will repair the buffer zones along the levee and restore plants native to the region that structurally protect the levee, help prevent flood water from reaching property and serve as a filter to protect the health of the river.
Full text of the letter is below:
June 7, 2013
Honorable Jo-Ellen Darcy
Assistant Secretary of Army (Civil Works)
Dear Ms. Darcy:
We write to ask for your consideration of the request submitted by Pueblo, Colorado for a Section 205 project on flood risk management for the Fountain Creek. The section of Fountain Creek along the low income East Side Neighborhood community currently suffers high flood risk due to dense vegetation along the levees. Sediment buildup inside the levees has also resulted in higher water levels which further increases flood risk. The proposed Section 205 project will address the situation by reestablishing riparian buffer zones inside and outside the levees, creating wetland filtration basins, and revegetating the levees using native vegetation for habitat restoration.
We encourage you to give the Pueblo, Colorado Fountain Creek proposal every appropriate consideration consistent with all applicable laws and regulations. Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
*This release was sent jointly with the offices of Sens. Michael Bennet and Mark Udall.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/lummis-mcclintock-tipton-take-secretary-jewell-task-blueways-order,"Lummis, McClintock, Tipton Take Secretary Jewell to Task On Blueways Order",2013-06-10,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Highlights threats to state authority and private water rights; requests explanation for lack of transparency and public process.
WASHINGTON – Today U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis (WY) joined forces with House Natural Resources Water and Power Subcommittee Chairman Tom McClintock (CA), Representative Scott Tipton (CO), and other Republican Members of the Water and Power Subcommittee in a letter to Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell regarding the National Blueways Order, which claims the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to designate entire river watersheds as “National Blueways.” 
The letter comes on the heels of a Water and Power Subcommittee hearing where Shoshone Conservation District Supervisor Russell Boardman testified against a Blueways designation of the Yellowstone River watershed.  His testimony cited a complete lack of Interior Department outreach to his district and others in Wyoming despite Interior’s targeting of the Yellowstone River for the designation, which could undermine local water management and private water rights.  The letter requests an explanation from Secretary Jewell for this lack of public process and expresses concern about the involvement of controversial Interior official Rebecca Wodder in promoting Blueways designations.  In January 2012, Ms. Wodder was forced to withdraw from her nomination as Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks due in part to her promotion of land and water management policies that would be economically destructive to rural communities.
U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo):
“As disturbing as it is that millions of acres in Wyoming could be swept up in a new federal designation with the swipe of a pen and over local objections, that’s exactly what the Blueways Order allows and its unacceptable,” said Lummis. “Wyoming’s precious water resources are already managed effectively at the local level, where our conservation districts responsibly balance multiple uses.  Any attempt by the federal government to manage our state’s non-navigable waters isn’t just unnecessary; it disrupts local efforts and usurps state authority over private water rights.  After Interior’s targeting of the Yellowstone River for federal designation without any consultation with local governments and water rights holders in Wyoming, Secretary Jewell owes us some answers and I am pleased that my colleagues on the Water and Power Subcommittee agree.”
House Resources Water and Power Subcommittee Chairman Tom McClintock:
“The edict establishing a “National Blueways” system was imposed by a former American Rivers executive turned bureaucrat who is trying to place a 44 million acre watershed off limits to productive use by redefining the legal definition of 'coordination' in a manner that is truly Orwellian,"" remarked House Resources Water and Power Subcommittee Chairman Tom McClintock. “As one witness asked, ‘How can a designation that requires no public notice, no comment opportunity and was created without coordination or consultation with affected landowners, local governments or states, result in increased coordination?’”
U.S. Representative Scott Tipton (R-CO):
“The implications of the National Blueways Order on the communities and economies that rely on long-held individual water rights for their livelihood are as far reaching as the waterways it seeks to control. This Order has the potential to further the Administration’s steady erosion of state water law, by inserting clunky federal regulatory authority over Western waterways, disregarding state water law, and casting aside a century of local conservation efforts to responsibly protect and manage our precious water supply. What former Interior Secretary Salazar and his successor, Secretary Jewell, do not seem to understand, is that Colorado water, Western water, is not for the taking. We will not roll over and let a handful of Washington bureaucrats jeopardize the health of our waterways, the private property rights of citizens and the economic certainty of Western communities. Our constituents deserve a detailed explanation of the public outreach and local collaboration process required for a designation under this order.”
*Sent jointly with the office of Rep. Cynthia Lummis.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/udall-tipton-announce-local-executive-committee-develop-discussion-draft-legislation,"Udall, Tipton Announce Local Executive Committee to Develop Discussion-Draft Legislation to Redesignate Colorado National Monument as a National Park",2013-06-08,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Udall, Tipton Announce Local Executive Committee to Develop Discussion-Draft Legislation to Redesignate Colorado National Monument as a National Park
Business, Community Leaders Will Help Udall, Tipton Ensure Park Plan Works for Mesa County
Senator Mark Udall, chairman of the U.S. Senate National Parks Subcommittee, and Congressman Scott Tipton, who serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources, announced the formation today of a local executive committee to help them craft discussion-draft legislation to redesignate the Colorado National Monument as a national park. The five-member executive committee will work with Udall and Tipton to produce discussion-draft legislation that addresses local residents' concerns and find a way to move forward on the park's plan. Following completion of the executive committee’s work, Udall and Tipton will hold a public comment period for the community to provide feedback on the discussion draft.
""The Colorado National Monument is one of our state's most recognizable and stunning public lands. I am proud that Congressman Tipton and I have joined together to form this local executive committee to keep the conversation going on the Colorado National Monument's future,"" Udall said. ""I look forward to working with these community leaders to draft legislation that addresses local concerns while also finding a bipartisan, common-sense way forward to honor John Otto's original vision for the Colorado National Monument.""
“The Colorado National Monument is an integral part of the lives of Mesa County residents. The Monument inspires wonder in all who behold the red cliffs, provides opportunities for prosperity in the region, as well as an escape from the rigors of daily life,” said Tipton. “With respect for the role the Monument plays in the community, Senator Udall and I are pleased to announce the formation of a committee, and with it, the next step towards achieving the best possible outcome for the Monument and people of Mesa County.”
The executive committee, which will meet periodically over the next several months to help draft legislation, is made up of:
 Kristi Pollard, consultant at P2, LLC, currently working with CMU, GJEP and the Museum of Western Colorado;
	Warren Gore, a Glade Park rancher and chairman of Udall and Tipton's recent Colorado National Monument working group;
	Ginny McBride, chairwoman of the Colorado National Monument Association Board of Directors;                  
	Michael Burke, chairman of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce; and, 
	Jamie Lummis, a member of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership and the USA Pro Cycling Challenge organizing committee.
 The formation of the executive committee follows more than a year's worth of work by the Colorado National Monument working group, which explored the implications, benefits and possible issues of redesignating the monument as a park.
*This release was sent jointly with the office of Senator Mark Udall.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-nsa-seizure-americans%E2%80%99-phone-records-deeply-troubling,Tipton: NSA Seizure of Americans’ Phone Records Deeply Troubling,2013-06-06,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued the below statement following reports that the National Security Agency (NSA) has obtained the phone records of millions of American Verizon customers. Tipton has joined a number of his House colleagues in a letter to of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Robert Mueller and NSA Director Gen. Keith Alexander to determine the scope of the agencies’ data collection activities.
 
	“The news that the NSA has seized the phone records of millions of Americans is deeply troubling. While we must ensure that our nation is secure from terrorist threats and has the tools needed to stop such threats, gathering millions of phone records of American citizens, not under investigation for any crime, is an overreach of power, violation of rights and infringement of privacy. This is unacceptable and we deserve answers from the Administration.”
 
In the letter, Tipton and his colleagues write:
“As Representatives of Americans possibly targeted by your agencies’ surveillance, we require more details from you concerning the FBI and NSA’s data collection activities. We request that your answers and supporting documents be sent to us in unclassified form, to the extent possible.
 Do the FBI and NSA regularly seek “all” telephony metadata, including local telephone calls, from a telecommunications provider?
	In the last year, how many FISC orders for “all” telephony metadata from a telecommunications provider have been requested and how many have been granted?
	In the last year, how many U.S.-based telecommunications providers have been subjected to a FISC order for “all” telephony metadata? An estimate is acceptable, if necessary.
	For how long do your agencies store the information collected pursuant to a FISC order for “all” telephony metadata from a telecommunications provider?
	What are your agencies’ legal positions on Section 215’s relevancy requirement? Specifically, how is “all” telephony metadata from a telecommunications provider relevant to an authorized investigation? We would find legal briefs, memoranda, and illustrative examples particularly helpful.
	In the last year, how many U.S.-based telephone users have had some of their telephony metadata transferred to the NSA pursuant to a FISC order? An estimate is acceptable, if necessary.
	In the last year, what proportion of data transferred to the NSA pursuant to a FISC order is associated with calls wholly within the U.S.? An estimate is acceptable, if necessary.
	What are your agencies’ legal positions on the scope of “telephony metadata” in Section 215? Specifically, does “telephony metadata” include data on Internet usage such as IP addresses, e-mail addresses, or browsing history?”
 Read the full letter here.
Last month, Tipton called for a full investigation of the I.R.S. targeting of conservative groups, and expressed concerns that this was occurring more than a year ago. Tipton has also cosponsored H.RES. 36 which would establish a select committee to investigate and report on the attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/house-adopts-tipton-amendment-reduce-delays-rural-airports,House Adopts Tipton Amendment to Reduce Delays at Rural Airports,2013-06-05,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved an amendment offered by Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) to reduce delays at rural airports.
The amendment would cut $4 million from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) budget, and redirect those resources to replace equipment at small and rural airports that have had important passenger screening devices removed as a result of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Modernization Act resulting in unnecessary delays and intrusions. The funds being redirected from TSA to improve passenger screening at small airports are from its administrative budget, and as such do not impact passenger security.
“Passengers into rural airports in my district including Yampa Valley, Montrose, Gunnison and Durango, have been impacted by unnecessary delays and intrusions because of the removal of security screening devices that were sent to larger airports,” said Tipton. “TSA’s implication that security checkpoints at small and rural airports are somehow less critical is inaccurate. Once passengers clear screening at small and rural airports they typically do not receive additional screening for connecting flights at other, potentially larger, airports.
The amendment will assist with reducing unnecessary delays for passengers at small and rural airports by providing funding to speed up the replacement of security equipment removed by TSA.”
The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 required the use of Automated Target Recognition (ATR) scanners, or “gumby scanners” at all airports by June 1, 2012. TSA’s interpretation and implementation of the law has caused numerous problems for passengers traveling from small and rural airports throughout the country. One of TSA’s manufacturers who provided equipment for passenger screening could not comply with the changes in the law and provide the new equipment. As a result, TSA decided to remove 174 of these noncompliant machines throughout the country. Rather than waiting for funding for new machines or finding alternative ways to fix this problem TSA made the arbitrary decision to take compliant scanners from small and rural airports throughout the country and install them in larger airports that lost their noncompliant scanners.  This has resulted in delays at small airports where pat-downs and other less effective measures have had to take the place of the equipment that has yet to be replaced.
Watch Congressman Tipton’s floor speech here and read the transcript here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-tipton-polis-amendment-increase-funding-wildfire-prevention,"House Passes Tipton, Polis Amendment to Increase Funding for Wildfire Prevention",2013-06-05,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved an amendment offered by Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) and Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) that would direct $7,655,000 to the National Predisaster Mitigation Fund. This amendment would increase funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to minimize the damage and costs of extreme weather events, like wildfires, by mitigating the threat prior to a disaster. The amendment is offset by decreasing the same amount of funding in the Automation Modernization account of the Department of Homeland Security which received an increase of $7,655,000 this year.
Last year was an unusually devastating year for wildfires. Colorado experienced two of the most destructive fires in its history. In 2012, Colorado wildfires destroyed nearly 650 structures, killed six Coloradans, burned more than 384,000 acres of land, and caused over $538 million in property losses.
“Forests are vital for the Western United States. They provide limitless environmental and economic benefits when healthy. It’s our responsibility to preserve this incredible natural resource and do all we can to restore forest health, and do all we can to prevent future loss of life and property to catastrophic wildfire. For too long we have been working to stop fires once they start, and mitigate damage once it has already occurred. As the old saying goes, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’” said Tipton. “That’s what this amendment is about—getting ahead of this problem by investing greater resources toward prevention so we can take a more proactive approach to restoring our forests to a healthy natural state.”
“We cannot stop the occurrence of wildfires, but we can take measures to reduce their impacts on our communities,” said Polis. “The Predisaster Mitigation Fund has proven to significantly reduce the risks and damage associated with wildfires and other extreme weather events. Colorado’s been hit hard by drought, and record high temperatures, which has increased the threat of wildfires in our backyards. My amendment ensures that we save government dollars and lives by proactively addressing the threats of wildfires before they occur.”
The amendment was offered to H.R. 2217, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014, which is expected to pass the House tomorrow.
The National Predisaster Mitigation Fund provides technical assistance and grants to State, local, and tribal governments, and to universities to reduce the risks associated with disasters.  These funds support the development of hazard mitigation plans and the implementation of disaster mitigation projects. The National Predisaster Mitigation Fund is one of the only FEMA programs that would fund projects aimed at mitigating the wildfire threat prior to an event.
Watch Congressman Tipton’s floor speech here and read the transcript here. Video and text of Congressman Polis’ floor speech is available here and on his website at www.polis.house.gov.
*This release was sent jointly with the office of Rep. Polis.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-passes-amendment-cut-waste-redirect-resources-reduce-va-backlog,"House Passes Tipton Amendment to Cut Waste, Redirect Resources to Reduce VA Backlog",2013-06-05,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON –Today, Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) attached two amendments to the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which then passed the House with bipartisan support. Tipton’s first amendment takes $10 million in wasteful spending used for conferences from the $403 million budget of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) and directs those funds to help address the VA backlog. Tipton’s amendment was agreed to with unanimous consent.
	Mr. Chairman I rise today with an amendment to reduce wasteful spending by the Department of Veterans Affairs on conferences and use the money to assist with addressing the VA backlog and processing disability claims for veterans. 
	Two-thirds of all veterans who file disability claims with the VA must wait longer than 125 days to receive their benefits.  I have seen this first hand from constituents in my district, people who have contacted my office in sheer exasperation by the lack of response and endless delays by the VA in processing their claims. 
	The thing is, this isn’t just a statistic we’re talking about, this is literally people’s lives. Many of the veterans on the backlog are in desperate need of care –care that has been delayed needlessly because of the bureaucratic backlog at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
	This is deplorable, Mr. Chairman. The VA Backlog has grown by over 2000 percent over the past four years despite an increase in the VA budget of more than 20%. As of March 28, of this year, the VA reported there are over 606,000 backlogged claims and 865,989 total claims. Nearly 900,000 veterans who sacrificed for our country are not getting their benefits. They are not getting the care they need.
	Our veterans deserve better. 
	Despite the inability for the VA to process claims in a timely manner, the Agency continues to waste money on unnecessary conferences. In September of 2012, the VA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report highlighting numerous abuses and expenditures by the VA at conferences. That report included numerous troubling findings. 
	According to the report the VA spent more than $6.1 million on two Human Resources conferences in Orlando and nearly $100,000 on unnecessary promotional items like bags, pens and water bottles. In addition to these examples, the report included information on many more instances of waste fraud and abuse at the VA.
	Following the release of the OIG Report, Congressman Jeff Miller, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs stated ‘it can be reasonably concluded that 10-15 percent of VA’s conference spending is wasteful, amounting to $10-15 million a year, at the least.’ I wholeheartedly agree with Chairman Miller. That is why today I am proposing this amendment to target $10 million dollars in wasteful spending on conferences from the Secretary’s $403 million budget and reprioritize these funds to assist with addressing the VA backlog.
	It’s time that the VA focus its efforts on serving our veterans and processing its claims in a reasonable amount of time. Not in 125 days or more. The VA must reduce the backlog, and it won’t get it done by wasting time and taxpayer dollars at conferences. It’s time that benefits work for our veterans, rather than veterans having to work to get their benefits. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment.
In addition to this amendment, Tipton joined three of his colleagues in co-sponsoring an amendment to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from using any funds to pay performance bonuses to senior executive staff at the VA. That amendment was agreed to with unanimous consent as well.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-questions-obama%E2%80%99s-decision-appoint-rice,Tipton Questions Obama’s Decision to Appoint Rice,2013-06-05,2013,2013-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement following the announcement that President Obama is appointing embattled U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice to be national security advisor. Rice is a central figure in the ongoing investigation into the terrorist attack on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi and subsequent cover-up by the Administration.
“In the midst of the ongoing investigation into the security failure in Benghazi and subsequent attempts by the Administration to cover-up the nature of the attack, the President is appointing Susan Rice to national security advisor when she was at the forefront of misrepresenting the attacks to the American people on multiple cable news interviews. I am disappointed by the President’s judgment in this appointment, which unfortunately circumvents any oversight as it does not require Senate confirmation. I will continue to push for accountability and a full investigation into all who were involved with misleading the American people in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Benghazi.”
Tipton has co-sponsored H.RES. 36 which would establish a select committee to investigate and report on the attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z