Bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses Congresswoman Lee’s Bipartisan Bill to Expedite Infrastructure, Conservation, and Housing Projects on Public Lands

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee’s (NV-03) bipartisan Accelerating Appraisals and Conservation Efforts (AACE) Act was endorsed by the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group of moderate lawmakers in Congress comprised equally of 32 Republicans and 32 Democrats. Congresswoman Lee serves as Vice Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus. 

The AACE Act — supported by stakeholders ranging from the Nevada Conservation League to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — will ensure that Department of the Interior (DOI) public land transactions are completed effectively and efficiently by increasing access to qualified and cost-competitive appraisers without spending a single additional dollar of taxpayers' money. The bill recently passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously. 

“We can’t let red tape get in the way of key land transactions that will support conservation, build critical infrastructure, and expand access to affordable housing,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “The AACE Act cuts through red tape by giving the Department of the Interior all the tools it needs to more quickly get land deals done at no additional cost to the American taxpayer. I’m proud that my bipartisan bill has earned the endorsement of both Republicans and Democrats who want to work together to make government as efficient as possible for American taxpayers.” 

“The current backlog of Department of Interior land appraisals is delaying important projects across the country,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Republican Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “That is unacceptable. As co-chair of the Problems Solvers Caucus, I am pleased our caucus has endorsed bipartisan legislation to fix the process and more efficiently appraise Department of Interior land.”  

“This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense measure that will cut through burdensome red tape and end the backlog that prevents states from achieving their conservation, economic, and infrastructure goals,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Democratic Co-Chair Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “I’m glad that the members of the Problem Solvers Caucus came together to endorse the bipartisan Accelerating Appraisals and Conservation Efforts Act.” 

You can find endorsements and more information about the AACE Act here. 

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