We earlier referred to a bill pending in Congress as the longer arm of the law.

The National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act bill, HR 1505, is now in the U.S. House and it continues to concern us and others who fear that the reach in the name of national security is going too far.

The measure would extend the reach of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security 100 miles into the nation from its borders with Canada and Mexico. It would also waive the normal environmental review processes on proposals and not allow public comment on such proposals by state, federal or local agencies or the public.

That means that — in the name of national security — listening posts and other facilities could be constructed in Voyageurs National Park and other places without scrutiny or input by anyone.

In October, the Koochiching County Board voiced concern, frustration and opposition to the bill, as well as disappointment that Congressman Chip Cravaack supports it. The board agreed to send letters to the area’s congressional delegation and to state officials voicing concern.

In addition, administration of the National Park Service testified against the bill in a committee hearing. Voyageurs National Park Superintendent Mike Ward said the missions of both Homeland Security and the National Park Service can and are now being carried out through collaboration.

Today, the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees, made up of more than 800 retired National Park Service employees, is voicing its opposition and concern about the effect on the resources in the nation’s treasured areas.

“Why would families seeking the natural and cultural wonders and transformative outdoor experiences of our national parks choose to visit such Border Patrol-controlled areas crisscrossed by new roads, penetrated by noisy all-terrain vehicles, and dominated by tactical infrastructure?” it asks in a statement.

In July, Cravaack commended U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, for introducing the bill calling it “common sense legislation (that) would allow federal border patrol agents to have operational control, and access to the border.”

Waiving the processes that federal and state governments have put in place to protect the environment and have forced citizens to follow simply doesn’t make sense.

No one wants to make it easier for the bad guys to get across the border into our nation, but we believe that local, state and federal agencies are already assisting agencies guided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with keeping the northern border safe.

This legislation appears to be another federal attempt at local land control and ought to be thrown out or radically revised.