U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) questioned the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) federal land acquisitions and its request for funding to buy more land following a recent House Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing.

"“It is outrageous and shameful that the Bureau of Land Management continues to request nearly $100 million annually for new federal land acquisitions in order to lock up more of the American people’s land," Gosar said.

"The federal government already owns more than 650 million acres and western states are sick of big government land grabs that limit economic development," Gosar said, noting that only 18 percent of the land is privately owned throughout Arizona.  .

Gosar added that the government securing such amounts of land is harmful to individuals as it causes a decrease in opportunities.

Gosar said he believes there is a need for detailed reporting of what areas of land are being considered for disposal.

"I shouldn’t have to ask BLM Director (Neil) Kornze to provide a detailed inventory of lands eligible for disposable, but since I did, I will hold him to his promise and ensure he complies with this reasonable request,” Gosar said.