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I BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE H.R. 1594 - St. Croix National Heritage Area (study), VI I `,"' t e.4 o t L., I j ° I . .F1 1 1 J . . \ .. A . .1 - -xer- 411 1, Z ' I. . I. 5* r 1 -41 BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 10/17/2003 15:12 FAX 202 225 - 14 sinus. W. Posen CA Chairman Cana You..u. AA W J TAUZIN. ,A SAA +or* NJ EL 02, Coat tat v. CA JONNI J DUNCAN. . TN Wow.. T C cmmr. MO Kt N C.A. vraT CA Scow MciNNts, CO BAASAAA GAOL WY GCOAllt Raummovw CA Ttn a. JOMFS. NC CviA Combo/ UT E PURIM... PA ..1.4 GODSON, NV Mum t SWUM, IN Gael WAWA... OR 'NOMA. G TASCIK: O. 1.0 J 14Aro.oATH, AZ Tom 01RICANI NI J.F. FLAKE. AZ MANI. A RaNMIIIG, MI P ea eiNzt, A7 Tom Cott. OK Sri VAN Pewee. NM Rom IINRJOR. UT DiVIN Alums. CA VACANCY Swag. J (Mc Lied el Stall MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: CUTE ON RESOURCES NPS COOPER 4001,001 11.01,. Rouse of flepeesentatiueo Committee on tesuurces Washington, ITA 20515 MARKUP NOTICE October 17,2003 All Members Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands George Radanovich, Chairman Markup Notice for October 21, 2003 Nat J. RAMAL. WV Rankin.. Vernon at Member D:41 E Mort MI ;N F 1.1 FAXXV.VAECNA, AS Net AmmmumeM. IN SotOmora P. Cana. Tx ,.MAN RAMON!, Ja., AL) CANA. M Elocaz*, CA M.N.., M. CIO 01ANK6N, VI RUN KIM, WI JAY Mat WA GANA F NIAYONIY Y.°. CA Tow :10.41 NM NW. USN. C() ArvIa0, Sc..) A: V.: A. en Red COMM, OK M .2 °FANS A CARLYCJA. CA MAMJINI t bOtiLLA11.3, OU GINKGO Wow. rA FoomuJ MARA, V. MA Run. RIAGJCIRA.. TX Coo D RoonsoutZ T K ZIA OKA CA ell, MK. Loft'. MN ,14151 N Z.C. SINK ammo/ You are hereby notified that the Subcommittee on National Parks, rti.creanon and Public Lands will hold a Markup on the following bills: 265 To provide for an adjustment of the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park, and for other purposes. tyH.R 280 To establish the National Aviation Heritage Area, and for other purposes. velIR 532 To revise the boundaries of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in the State of California, to restore and extend the term of the advisory commission for the recreation area, and for other purposes. H.R 1914 To require Federal land managers to support, and to communicate, coordinate, and cooperate with, designated gateway communities, to improve the ability of gateway communities to participate in Federal land management planning conducted by the Forest Sets ace and agencies of the Department of the Interior, and to respond to the impacts of the public use of the Federal lands admuustered these agencies, and for other purposes. H.R. 1058, To provide for an exchange of certain private property m Colorado and certain Federal property in Utah. 1594, To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing the St. Croix National Heritage Area in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes. 1618 To establish the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area in the State of Georgia, and for other purposes. H.R. 1629 To clarify that the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument does nor include within ns boundaries any privately ailed property, and for other purposes. 1..aLt.1112/1, To establish the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area in the State of Connecticut and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and for other purposes. . -"H.R I To establish the Oil Region National Heritage Area. R 1964. To establish the Highlands Stewardship Area in the States of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, and for other purposes. H.R 2424, To authorize assistance for the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum and Justice Learning Center. H.R 2715. To provide for necessary improvements to facilities at Yosemite National Park, and for other purposes. ,,/S. 6"." A bill to revise the boundary of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area in the State of Colorado, and for other purposes. The Markup is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. in 1334 Lungworth House Office Building. For further information please contact Rob Howarth, Frank Vitello, or Casey !tarry:110nd at 202 -225 - to The tm mit01Acialapkvms m wobbled m Cobweb. dm ol trac Comma. Moms alum, mewl of lit Coma= maim to tide 1(k) of tilt Gramm LAM Asarodelless for MInedual. mAX Mabalm Adam, mum. hymnal IWIAYM {11411XYlv.IN MOM& IA ammo psis owls by MIAMI dm Commas it 11011111008ANIIMANIMMISMeMIMI My. wow a mrAmme at yam (201)21S 1761. fax (20a) 2213520. earl mom.. ccommoolaboad bor mo, or 1124 Lammot IKur 0111m Muddy CHOPII WANINem. DC NS:S-6141 http: terDu,c, !commit:le, Ms, .5 S "eft ,V Aso P. J o. cf I tt, AMA Cvq.....vA. Dernocrate Vila by 6,41.R. .edit or du roar 6A,, hoLs. as . . . . . (et ter BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 1 09,08.2003 11:32 FAX 202 225 7094 CITE ON RESOURCES Ncti ;so W POMBo. CA Chairman Dots YOUNG. AK W j &L.., TAAJZ,,, LA &woos. NJ boor GAll CA Jou,. 1 D.JstcAN. Jo TN Aosta r CA ...Asir MD Kew CALMAT. CA Scan Woes& CO BANIMAA COMM WV (5.0.01 V PistANLIV.I. CA Wu 99 II JONES. NC Cow C wool u I J0.04 E ?SIMEON PA its Desoos. NV moot F. &ALMA, IA GINI4 W. left ON INOMAS a 'WILMA) CO J C. HAVW0IITN. AZ Tom Osocata. NE Jtos Oust, AZ Coats 7 Roesta. MT Oco RI WI AZ 10 COLS. OK ,so llooo. UT r. LNuL LA VACANCY V.*. Mouse of irpresentattuto Committee on Amounts Ziliaghtngten, MC 20515 September 8 , 2v03 1,10. of 5..N Honorable Gale Norton Secretary of the Interior Department of the Interior 1849 "C" Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Norton: 21002,003 Pica J RAw A.e II, WV Ranting Damon's. Mumbo, Doss E mt. ht Em F 14 FAL/. 0Axv40:14. AS AosocKruto SC:4.0040N P Oonz TA FRANK PALLONI, JP Al CALVIN VI °Dotty CA D ote. 141 STINNIN, VI MON FIND. WI Jot tortes WA Glum F NA.PoLmstsc. CA Two Uou.. NM MAMA UDALL. CO ANNA.. *WAKED() VIA, PR BRAD C.ARSC04 OA RAW M. ONUALVA, AZ Dusts A. CAWOCZA, CA Mosstome 7 BOALIALLD. UU CA Essoomo J %mons MA Nuetki Minall)Ota. TX Coo D. Rocto,usz, TX JC.11 BALA est, ALCussuot MN Subs Ito. Dernac, two. Staff ()v.., I would like to cordially invite you, or your designee, to testify before the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands on Tuesday, September 16, 2003, at 2:00 p.m. in 1334 Longworth House Office Building. The Subcommittee will conduct a hearing on tut. 280, to establish the National Aviation Heritage Area, and for other purposes, H.R. 64b, to expand the bourn rm1=he Done con a lon-NITInTitjjaMo authprize the acquisition and interpretation of lands associated witlf the campaign in the capture of the fort in 1862, and for other purposes, H.R. 1618, to es ' sh the Arabia Mountain National Heritage coin the State of Georgia, and for other purposes, H.R. 15 4, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to condualuridyautm suitability and feasibility of establishing the Sit. Croix National Heritage Area in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes, H.R. 1862, to establish the 911Region National Heritage Area. Please read this letter carefully to ensure that you comply with all hearing requirements and that you understand your rights as a witness. Under Committee Rule 4(b), each witness who is to appear before the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands must file with the clerk of the subcommittee a written statement of proposed testimony. This must be filed At least two workine days before your appearance. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the exclusion of your written testimony from the hearing record and/or the barring of your oral presentation of the testimony. Your oral testimony should not exceed five minutes and should summarize your written remarks. You may introduce into the record any other supporting documentation you wish to present in accordance with the enclosed guidelines. Pursuant to Rule 4(b) of the Committee on Resources and clause g(4) of Rule XI of the I louse of Representatives, a witness appearing before the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands must, to the greatest extent practicable, include with his/her written testimony a current resume summarizing education, experience and affiliations pertinent to the ,WWW rSOUrclISCornnlittell hru,sa gnv II 1 Ab PWCL NM S onto J. DAG J 1'. Genre. CA M . .° I .1 , 4 Sn (5- VA... BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE la/08/2003 11:33 FAX 202 225 7094 CMTh ON RESOURCES Roes UO3 003 subject matter of the hearing. In addition, to the extent practicable, each nongovernmental witness must disclose the amount and source of federal grants or contracts received within the current and prior two fiscal years. If a witness represents an organization, he/she must provide the same information with regard to the organization. The information disclosed must be relevant to the subject matter of the hearing and a witness' representational capacity at the hearing. Witnesses are not required to disclose federal entitlement payments such as Social Security, Medicare, or other income support payments (such as crop or commodity support payments). To assist you in complying with these rules, I have enclosed a form which you may complete and attach to the back of your testimony. You can also fidfill the disclosure requirement by submitting the information in some other form or format. Under clause 2(k) of Rule XI, witnesses at hearings maybe accompanied by their own counsel to advise them of their constitutional rights. I reserve the right to place any witness under oath. Finally, a witness may obtain a copy of his testimony once a hearing has been printed. (This process usually take 8 - 10 weeks.) The Committee on Resources Rules are available on its website at http://resourcesconunitteehouse.gov and the Rules of the 'louse of Representatives, including clause 2(k) of Rule Xl, are available at the House of Representatives' website at http://www.house.gov,rulesi108rules pdf. Copies can also be sent to you en request. To fully prepare for this hearing, 65 copies of your testimony must be submitted to Casey Hammond, Clerk, Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands. 1333 Longwurth House Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20515, no later than noon on September 15,2003. Due to the limitation cf mail services to the Capitol Complex please send electronic copies of all testimony and attachments to Casey.Hammond4mailhouse.gov. Please contact Casey Hammond at 202-226-7736 for further details on testimony hard copy delivery. The electronic copy of your testimony may be in any major file format, including PDF, WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, or ASCII text for either Windt.-vs. You may also submit testimony in electronic form on a disk or CD-ROM. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including assistive listening systems, interpreters and materials in alternate formats. may be arranged by contacting Casey Hammond, Clerk, in advance of the hearing (four business days noace is recommended) at the address above or at 202-226-7736 or TTY 202-225-1904. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Rob Howarth or Casey Hammond at 202-226-7736. Enclosures *merely, e ovid, Chairman u committee on National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Mk oh- ° . °. . 0 ° 4 w ..1 `. '1 ; 4 . t . t r- 0 BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 1 108TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION R. 1594 To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility or establishing the St. Croix National Heritage Area in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, and fo:. other purposes. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES APRIL 3. 2003 Mrs. CHRISTENSEN introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Resources A BILL To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing the St. Croix National Heritage Area in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes. 1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 2 lives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 3 SECTION 1. ST. CROIX NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA STUDY. 4 (A) SHORT TITLE.-This section may be cited as the 5 "St. Croix National Heritage Area Study Act". 6 (b) STUDY.-The Secretary of the Interior, in con- 7 sultation with appropriate State historic preservation offi- 8 cers, States historical societies, and other appropriate or- .1 I f " 4 .6' c "..". : . :p ';' 4 - . I. ... -11 3 t r " 5 e t c1 1 , ,. BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 2 1 ganizations, shall conduct a study regarding the suitability 2 and feasibility of designating the island of St. Croix as 3 the St. Croix National Heritage Area. The study shall in- 4 elude analysis, documentation, and determination regard- 5 ing whether the island of St. Croix- 6 (1) has an assemblage of natural, historic, and 7 cultural resources that together represent distinctive 8 aspects of American heritage worthy of recognition, 9 conservation, interpretation, and continuing use, and 10 are best managed through partnerships among pub- 11 lie and private entities and by combining diverse and 12 sometimes noncontiguous resources and active corn- 13 munities; 14 (2) reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and 15 folklife that are a valuable part of the national story; 16 (3) provides outstanding opportunities to con- 17 serve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features; 18 (4) provides outstanding recreational and edu- 19 cational opportunities; 20 (5) contains resources important to the identi- 21 fled theme or themes of the island of St. Croix that 22 retain a degree of integrity capable of supporting in- 23 terpretation; 24 (6) :nciudes residents, business interests, non- 25 profit organizations, and local and State govern- IIIR 1594 = ae LH e r ,r 4 r: 4 if 1 BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 1 3 1 ments that are involved in the planning, have devel- 2 oped a conceptual financial plan that outlines the 3 roles of all participants (including the Federal Gov- 4 eminent), and have demonstrated support for the 5 concept of a national heritage area; 6 (7) has a potential management entity to work 7 in partnership with residents, business interests, 8 nonprofit organizations, and local and State govern- 9 ments to develop a national heritage area consistent 10 with continued local and State economic activity; 11 and i2 (8) has a conceptual boundary map that is sup- 13 ported by the public. 14 (c) REPORT.-Not later than 3 fiscal years after the 15 date on which funds are first made available for this sec- 16 tion, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the Corn- 17 mittee on Resources of the House of Representatives and 18 the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the 19 Senate a report on the findings, conclusions, and rec- 20 ommendations of the study. fIll 11511 IS r 7 ..a*.12:: t 'c 2 41°. ....14.1.41.11. : !: ". 2. T u ' ' . ' , It s A: ° t " - a . t : t d o 4 ,e ° t t r a I. ° , 1 ' , , t 0 . I ti f BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 1 108TH CONGRESS REPORT 1st Session HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 108-361 ST. CROIX NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA STUDY ACT NOVEMBER 17, 2003 -Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed Mr. Pocono. from the Committee on Resources, submitted the following REPORT ITo accompany )IH 15941 ',Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office) The Committee on Resources, to whom was referred the bill (H.R. 1594) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing the St. Croix National Heritage Area in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes, having considered the same, report favor- ably thereon with an amendment and recommend that the bill os amended do pass. The amendment is as follows: Strike ail after the t...acting clause and insert the following: SECTION I. ST. CROCI NATIONAL HEIUTAGL ARIA STUDY. (al SHORT TITLE -This section may be cited as the "St. Croix National Hentage Area Study Act" (bi STUDY -The Secretary of the Interior in consultation with appropriate State historic preservation officers, States historical societies, and other appropriate orga- nisations, anal) conduct a study regarding the suitability and feasibility of desig- nating the island of St. Croix as the St. Croix National Hentage Area The study shall include analysis, documentation. and determination regarding whether the is- land of St Croix-- 1) has an assemblage of natural, historic, and cultural resources that to- gether represent distinctive aspects of American heritage worthy of recognition, conservation. interpretation. and continuing use, and are best managed through partnerships among public and private entities and by combining diverse and sometimes noncontiguous resources and active communities, (2) provides outstanding opportunities to conserve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features, t3) provides outstanding recreational and educational opportunities; (4) contain* resources important to the identified theme or themes of the is- land of St. Croix that retain a degree of integnty capable of supporting interpre- tation; (5) includes residents. business interests, nonprofit organizations, and local and State governments that are involved in the planning, have developed a con- 29-006 ° to ' . r ,a , : e 12' , `'. ;, . . 1, awl 1 ITImINIAIN.041444.1!._,....41SVOIRWATA.S- 4 I BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE r 2 ceptual financial plan that outlines the rules of all participants including the Federal Government and have demonstrated support for the concept of a na- tional heritage area, IE.) has a potential management entity to work in partnership with residents, business interests, nonprofit organizations. and local and State governments to develop a national heritage area consistent with continued local and State eco- nomic activity, and (7) has a conceptual boundary map that is supported by the public ,c) PRIVATE PROPERTY In conducting the study required by this section, the Sec- retary of the Interior shall analyze the potential impact that designation of the area as a national heritage area is likely to have on and within the proposed area or bordering the proposed area that is privately owned at the time that the study is conducted REgokr -Not later than 3 fiscal years after the date on which funds are first made available for this section, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on En- ergy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the findings, conclusions, and recommendations as the Secretary deems apprt.pnate PURPOSE OF THE BILL The purpose of H.R. 1594 is to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing the St Croix National Heritage Area in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes. BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION Of the three islands that comprise the United States Virgin Is- lands, St. Croix is the largest with a total area of 82 square miles. It is also the most remote. It is where Columbus first arrived in the Virgin Islands on his second voyage to the New Work' in No- vember 1493, and was the home of the first Secretary of the Treas- ury, Alexander Hamilton. Today, the island has two distinct towns-Christiansted built ii 1734 and Frederiksted built in 1752. Christiansted is the onetime Danish West Indies capital and now a National Historic Site. Just off the coast of Christiansted is Buck Island, the only U.S. underwater National Monutr el.'. Frederiksted, is known for its shoreline, deep port, and famous palm trees. The island has become a popular tourist destination with its increasing number of historic and cultural n sources. H.R. 1594 authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in consulta- tion with appropriate State historic preservation officers, historical societies, and other appropriate organizations, to conduct a study regarding the suitability and feasibility of designating the island of St. Croix as the St. Croix National Heritage Area. Elements of the study include analysis, documentation, and determinations regard- ing whether the island of St. Croix has natural, historic, and cul- tural resources that together are worthy of recognition. The study also requires determinations on traditions, customs, beliefs, and folklife that are a valuable part of the national story as well as any outstanding opportunities to conserve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features. Finally, the study would determine whether 3t. Croix includes the necessary support and involvement from resi- dents, business interests, nonprofit organizations, and local and State governments and that these entities have developed a concep- tual financial plan that outlines the roles of all participants I in- cluding the Federal Government r A le - - (d) is . " 1 " .4, p ,. ' ' .. yY BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 3 COMMITTEE ACTION H.R. 1594 was introduced on April 3, 2003, by Congresswoman Donna Christensen ID-VI). The bill was referred to the Committee on Resources, and within the Committee to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands. On September 16, 2003, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the bill. On October 21, 2003, the Subcommittee met to mark up the bill. Congressman George Radanovich (R-CA) offered an amendment in the nature of a substitute that required the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate the impact a heritage area designation would have on private land- owners. The amendment was agreed to by unanimous consent The bill, as amended, was then forwarded to the Full Committee by unanimous consent. On October 29, 2003, the full Resources Com- mittee met to consider the bill. No further amendments were of- fered. The bill, as amended, was then ordered favorably reported to the House of Representatives by unanimous consent. COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Regarding clause 2111)(1) of rule X and clause 3(c it 1) of rule X111 of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Re- sources' oversight findings and recommendations are reflected in the body of this report. CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT Article 1, section 8 of the Constitution of the United States grants Congress the authority to enact this bill. COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULE XIII I. Cost of Legislation. Clause 3( cl)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives requires an estimate and a compari- son by the Committee of the cost.: which would be incurred in car- rying out this bill. However, clause 3(d)(3 )(Hi of that rule provides that this requirement does not apply when the Committee has in- cluded in its report a timely submitted cost estimate of the bill pre- pared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office under sec- tion 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. 2. Congressional Budget Act. As required by clause 34 c )12) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 3081a: of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, this bill does not contain any new budget authority, spending authority, credit au- thority, or an increase or decrease in revenues or tax expenditures. 3. General Performance Goals and Objectiets. This bill does not authorize funding and therefore, clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives does not apply. 4. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate. Under clause ICA 3 ) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 403 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Coin- mittee has received `-e ing cost estimate for this bill from the Direct 'sr the Corgress:onal 3udget Office: . o V I . ,1 . I .; ;0; f . . ! t , !,. nilne of -.Alt_ 1 ° BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 8,1PV7V.1, 4 U.S. CONGRESS, CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE, Washington. DC, November 10, 2003. Hon. RICHARD W. Posmo, Chairman, Committee on Resources. House of Representatives. Washington, DC. DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The Congressional Budget Office has pre- pre- pared pared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1594, the St. Croix Na- tional Heritage Area Study Act. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to orovide them. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Debo- rah Reis. Sincerely, DOUGLAS HOLTZ-E.KIN, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 1594-St. Croix National Heritage Area Study Act H.R. 1594 would direct the Department of the Interior to study the feasibility of designating the island of St. Croix as the St. Croix National Heritage Area. The proposed study would identify cultural and other resources on the island and would determine if there is a suitable entity to manage a national heritage area The bill would require the department to report on its findings and rec- ommendations within three years of receiving funds. Assuming the availability of appropriated funds, CBO estimates that preparing the study and report required by H.R. 1594 would cost the federal government about $300,000 over the next three years The legislation would not affect direct spending or receipts. H.R. 1594 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector man- dates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Deborah Reis. The es- timate was approved by Peter H. Fontaine. Deputy Assistant Direc- tor for Budget Analysis COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC LAW 104-4 This bill contains no unfunded mandates. PREEMPTION OF STATE, LOCAL OR TRIBAL LAW This bill is not intended to preempt any State. local or tribal law. CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW If enacted, this bill would make no changes in existing law. 0 4 14 1 BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE IOSTIl CONGRESS 1ST SESSION Union Calendar No. 211 H. R. 1594 [Report No. 108-3611 To direct the Seeretar of the Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing the St. Croix National Heritage Area in St. C, nix, United States Virgin Islands. and for other purposes. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES APRIL 3, 2003 Mrs. CHRISTENSEN introduced the following bill; wind' was referred to the Committee on Resourees NOVEMBER 17, 2003 Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed 'Strike out all after the enacting elnune And insert the part printed in italic! 'For text of introduced hill. nee ,opy of bill as introduced on April 3. 20031 A BILL To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing the St. Croix National Heritage Area in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes. 1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 2 tires of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 1 - I. 113 Ob. BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 1 SECTION 1. ST. CROIX NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA STUDY. 2 (a) SHORT TITLE.-This section may be cited as the 3 "St. Croix National Heritage Area Study Act". 4 (b) STUDY-The Secretary of the Interior, in eon- 5 sultation with appropriate State historic preservation offi- 6 cers, States historical societies, and other appropriate raga- 7 nizations, shall conduct a study regarding the suitability 8 and feasibility of designating the island of St. Croix as the 9 St. Croix National Heritage Area. The study shall include 10 analysis, documentation, and determination regarding 11 whether the island of St. Croix- 12 (1) has an assemblage of natural, historic, and 13 cultural resources that together represent distinctive 14 aspects of American heritage worthy of recognition, 15 conservation, interpretation, and continuing use, and 16 are best managed through partnerships among public 17 and private entities and by combining diverse and 18 sometimes noncontiguous resources and active corn- 19 munities; 20 (2) provides outstanding opportunities to con- 21 serve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features; 22 (3) provides outstanding recreational and edu- 23 rational opportunities; 24 (4) contains resources important to the identified 25 theme or themes of the island of St. Croix that retain .Hit 1594 RH ... s . , , y I V r (:- 111. L 2 r tiftlt.T.PARAPO4t 1 BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE J 3 1 a degree of integrity capable of supporting interpreta- 2 tion; 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 (5) includes residents, business interests, non- profit organizations, and local and State governments that are involved in the planning, have developed a conceptual financial plan that outlines the roles of all participants (including the Federal Government), and have demonstrated support for the concept of a na- tional heritage area; (6) has a potential management entity to work in partnership with residents, business interests, non- profit organizations, and local and State governments to develop a national heritage area consistent with continued local and State economic activity; and (7) has a conceptual boundary map that is sup- ported by the public. (c) PRIVATE PROPERTY.-In condo ting the study re- quired by this section, the Secretary of the Interior shall analyze the potential impact that designation of the area as a national heritage area is likely to have on land within the proposed area or bordering the proposed area that is privately owned at the time that the study is conducted. (d) REPORT.-Not later than 3 fiscal years after the date on which funds are first made available for this sec- tion, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the Corn- I 1111 1694 Rh Pt': °. , 1 , L4 3 1 r-- BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 4 1 mittee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the 2 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate 3 a report on the findings. conclusions, and recommendations 4 as the Secretary deems appropriate. .HR 1594 RH th: 44 I AO . 7 . t.=- n 46. r V PM.... .ej %b. Union Ca lenear No. 211 "Tilt UN"Rk:88 R. 1594 IM H. Report No. 108-361 J A BILL To (limit t the 'erretary of the Interior to elooluet a tautly or e mailability anti feasilmlity of mull,- litiliii4; the It Croix National lIrritagt, Arra in tit. Croix, United States Virgin lalinala moil for other lairiaweio. St 17, hint itritort.,1 with 411 totwomlas1 tted to the om- nutter of tit.. Whole thou. oo the State of tier roam', nod 41.11eni to 1w printed "IP rl, 4 e 4 re' -. : 0 3Ovr 31i3V1IVr,r 1c3A BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 09/011/2003 13:09 l 202 225 7034 N. -4AP W PolAAJ, .7A Chew,. Ian OJAI AN - T.u, J r Sued. NJ Gm tor. CA Jamt1 D,,m..Aw J. TN Wawa 1 Occaes MO KIM Casa. 11 S:: Mr.1w. Samoa. Cue s WV Jewel R^eiresenrc. CA *A.m. R J,11,411 C.0,5 PI 'Mink PA me Gomm. NV M.I. F Stis-ma IN Owe Wei oast On r-ssa n TA...est. CO JO PAinortmo. AZ Toy 0.110.1PM, Na Jaw f um. Al 3mml 0 PleMPAil 61x. IIPIM 'CPA CCU. ON ecimus. NM Moe IN-u. vT OwIN Ph.,mi CA VACAM/CM gismo J Chop/ MEMORANDUM CMTE ON RESOURCES \ PS COOPER lariat 001 The. Mouse of lied: ocntatiuto Committer on C(sources 011ashIngtoti, DC 2031.5 HEARING NOTICE September S. 2003 TO: All Members Subcommittee on National Parks. Recreation and Public Lands FROM: George Radanovich, Chairman SUBJECT: Hearing Notice for September 16, 2003 Ntre J A i II WV Ranlong Democrat 114rwower OA" I X Ave IN loaf 1.A1,1 +A/01. AS 111 Aar Tc POPPY N II0AAT, 00117 ni FOAM PA os. NJ rw *. M Organ, CA flew.. N CPVT,IIAN. VI PC Cm, WI J. WA GPAJt P NAP. TA.) CA too UOALL. Flat mouse Lk.N.A. CO *Alma Marion V.A. PR ..o CAMP.. 00 Pangs PA C..... A? OP.,* A Comm CA MAar pew 2 Mmo. o. GJ fled,. mime. CA MAW. MA bumf. P10.0M. Tx Cm:O itociwoost TX .01 116., CA d ery PAct:AXAJM TM\ lures M km bows . gee Mmeter You are hereby notified that the Subcommittee on National Parks. Recreation and Public Lands will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills: 11.R 280. I a establish the National Aviation Heritage Area, and for other purposes 1111._.06, To expand the boundaries of the Fort Donelson National Battlefield to authorize the acquisition and interpretation of lands associated with the campaign that resulted in the cap.ure of the fort in 1862, and for other purposes. H.R, 1594, To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing the St Croix National Heritage Area in St. Croix. United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes. SR 1618 To establish the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area in the State of Georgia. and for other purposes. a.R. 1862. To establish the Oil Region National Heritage Area. The hearing is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, September Its. 2003 at 2:00 p.m. in 1334 Longworth House Office Building. For further information please contact Rob Howarth, Frank Vitel;o. or Casey Hammond at 202- 226 -7736 The use if cellular telephones is prohented nn the Committee clots or m Cvonirttal hearing rooms during meeting of the Committee pursuant to R Ite 1,k) of the Comma« Rule" ree :ndivtduals with diseMiltics ir,;!udmg IIAMITI,C listening moons, interpreters. And merettala III alternate formats ram be arranged be contesting the Commie m advance or the scheduled went (0 business days nonce Is requested) at stout i :n) 225-2'. I flat (202) 225-5424 cereal rcs0TCCS home p at 1524 I meow*. House cpyee Budding (IR washmeoe rS15 62, www rescurcescomm.mee ',Woo 4,10v a weIlielees.s6ATT-1111111111111WPA 1 - I rt 'dr I W J tA E CO NC Cramp., ("I 4C E. W- a./ Plot. Mo. of e'1 6-6!) 'yews . Ptm.AAr A. .he ;caMiworKIM AM a BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE ()-t,Sse toz \-10 jct, - -c5 4 I v- ...1.--,, s a Akt, \\ fi V BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 1 108TH CONGRESS 1 ST SESSION H. R. 280 AN ACT To establish certain National Heritage Areas, and for other purposes. 1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 2 fives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, j o . 'p. Nk- r-- BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 26 1 (C) private property owners in the vicinity 2 of the historic site. 3 (3) SUBMISSION OF PLAN TO CONGRESS. - 4 Upon the completion of the general management plan, the Secretary shall submit a copy of the plan 6 to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 7 of the Senate and the Committee on Resources of 8 the House of Representatives. 9 SEC. 304. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 10 There is authorized to be appropriated for the pur- l! poses of this title not more than $40,000,000. 12 TITLE IV-ST. CROIX NATIONAL 13 HERITAGE AREA STUDY 14 SEC. 461. ST. CROIX NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA STUDY. 15 (a) SHORT TITLE.-This section may be cited as the 16 "St. Croix National Heritage area Study Act". 17 (b) STUDY. -The Secretary of the Interior, in con- 18 saltation with appropriate State historic preservation offi- 19 cers, States historical societies, and other appropriate or- 20 ganizations, shall conduct a study regarding the suitability 21 and feasibility of designating the island of St. Croix as 22 the St. Croix National Heritage Area. The study shall in- 23 elude analysis, documentation, and determination regard- 24 ing whether the island of St. Croix- HR 2S0 EH ° ,w ti - 5 r- BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 4, 27 1 (1) has an assemblage of r Ural, historic, and 2 cultural resources that together represent distinctive 3 aspects of American heritage worthy of recognition, 4 conservation, interpretation, and continuing use, and 5 are best managed through partnerships among pub- 6 lie and private entities and by combining diverse and 7 sometimes noncontiguous resources and active com- 8 munities; 9 (2) provides outstanding opportunities to con- 10 serve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features; 11 (3) provides outstanding recreational and edu- 12 cational opportunities; 13 (4) contains resources important to the identi- 14 fled theme or themes of the island of St. Croix that 15 retain a degree of integrity capable of supporting in- 16 terpretation; 17 (5) includes residents, business interests, non- 18 profit organizations, and local and State govern- 19 ments that are involved in the planning, have devel- 20 oped a conceptual financial plan that outlines the 21 roles of all participants (including the Federal Gov- 22 eminent), and have demonstrated support for the 23 concept of a national heritage area; 24 (6) has a potential management entity to work 25 in partnership with residents, business interests, .HR Mall ° o - r' BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 28 1 nonprofit organizations, and local and State govern- 2 ments to develop a national heritage area consistent 3 with continued local and State economic activity; 4 and 5 (7) has a conceptual boundary map that is sup- ported by the public. (c) PRIVATE PROPERTY.-In conduct .g the study required by this section, the Secretary of the Interior shall analyze the potential impact that designation of the area as a national heritage area is likely to have on land within the proposed area or bordering the proposed area that is privately owned at the time that the study is conducted. (d) REPORT.-Nut later than 3 fiscal years after the date on which funds are first made available for this sec- tion, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the Com- mittee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the findings, conclusions, and rec- ommendations as the Secretary deems appropriate. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 TITLE V-ARABIA MOUNTAIN 21 NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA 22 SEC. 501. SHORT TITLE. 23 This title may be cited as the "Arabia Mountain Na- 24 tional Heritage Area Act". 111 SOO NE f °. t p L , a .- 1 a 1 l NM/ I ° .4' : 1. 2 4. BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE STATEMENT OF DE TEEL PATTERSON TILLER, ACTING ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR CULTURAL RESOURCES, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PARKS OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON RESOURCES, CONCERNING H.R. 1594, THE ST. CROIX NATIONAL HERITAGE STUDY ACT OCTOBER 16, 2003 Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to present the views of the Department of the Interior on H.R. 1594, a bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing the St. Croix National Heritage Area in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands. The Department supports the national heritage area program but recommends that the Subcommittee defer action on any individual national heritage area designation or study bill until generic national heritage area legislation is enacted. Ideally, national heritage areas provide a cost-effective way to preserve nationally important natural, cultural, historic, and recreation resources through the creation of a working partnership between federal, state, and local entities. In addition, national heritage areas should be locally driven, locally supported, should not involve federal land acquisition or zoning, and should protect private property rights. At its best, this program embodies Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton's "Four C's" - Communication, Consultation, and Cooperation, all in the service of Conservation. It., 0` . adsiosonow ti F-4 4 BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE r Some national heritage areas, however, have not met this ideal. For example, some national heritage areas have been designated without a clear indication of the ability of the management entity to assume responsibility for management of the area. The management entity subsequently has operated the area without a deal financial plan for achieving self- sufficiency without federal support. Consequently, it is time to step back, evaluate existing areas, and develop legislative guidelines that will shape future national heritage area designations. The Department believes that a generic national heritage area bill should serve as a gatekeeper - making clear what qualities the area must possess and parameters under which designation will occur. We have almost twenty years of experience in administering national heritage areas and twenty-three existing rational heritage areas to evaluate. In the absence of formal legislation to guide the national heritage area program, National Park Service (NPS) also has developed specific critical steps that should occur prior to designation and interim criteria that should be used for national heritage area suitability and feasibility studies. These steps and criteria have been field-tested, have proven to screen out many unqualified areas prior to recommending designation, and should serve as a possible starting point for any discussions on generic national heritage area legislation. Based on our experience with the program, the Department would like to offer several considerations that we believe are key components of a successful national heritage area program. 4. Ft' o ;11 'o 7 earogorg- .-N / a: . . ,ta - .....-._a+-ama.71, . 2 ....,= BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 1. Studying the Area Prior to Designation. In addition to the broad parameters that can be achieved by legislation, it is critical to have a process that evaluates the specific qualities of the area. Requiring that a suitability and feasibility study or some equivalent be conducted with a positive finding prior to recommending a designation should be an essential component of any generic heritage legislation that moves forward. Many of the issues discussed below could be evaluated during a national heritage area study. 2. Nationally Important Resources. In reality, most places in America have a special meaning to a particular group or are the site of some historic event. To be designated as a national heritage area, the area must contain nationally important natural, cultural, historic, or recreational resources. Not all resources should be considered nationally important and, in some cases, designation as a state or local heritage area may be more appropriate. 3. Local Support and 1-'"Itive. Local communities must not only support the designation in concept, but must be willing and interested in taking an active role in preservation efforts. They are responsible for developing and implementing the management plan for the area and should work towards a goal of achieving self- sufficiency. Given the important role local communities play in the success of national heritage areas, we also have cot. erns about the concept of establishing national heritage areas in places that contain large tracts of federal lands. We believe inclusion of large tracts of federal lands has the potential to create 3 I .t o. BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE confusion and unneeded conflict between management regimes. Therefore, before studying any potential area that includes large tracts of federal lands, we recommend that consultation and concurrence of the land management agency should occur first. 4. Private Property Rights. Pnvate property owners should be provided reasonable protections. Such protections include prohibiting the federal government from acquiring land for the national heritage area or from imposing zoning or land use controls in national heritage areas. Private property owners also should be provided with specific protection from the management entity regulating land use zoning, hunting or fishing or using federal funds to acquire land. Zoning decisions should remain in control of local communities. The support of private property owners should be considered in the context of determining if sufficient local support exists for designation. 5. Partnerships and the Leveraging of Preservation Resources. Also integral to the success of national heritage areas is the development of a working partnership among the National Park Service, state entities and the local communities. The National Park Service should provide the communities with technical and financial assistance, but not acquire any land or impose any zoning requirements. The local communities should participate by developing and implementing the management plan that will serve as a guide for interpreting the national heritage area. 6. Achieving Self-Sufficiency/Limiting Limited Federal Resources. To date, self- sufficiency has yet to be achieved with any national heritage area, and the first four 4 / ,) BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE national heritage areas established have sought and received Congressional extensions of their funding. With federal dollars leveraging an average of 8.7 times that amount in non-NPS partnership funds, national heritage areas can be a cost- efficient way to preserve important resources. However, because of our commitment to support the President's effort to address the deferred maintenance backlog, we must significantly limit the long-term commitment of federal funds to national heritage areas by requiring they become self-sufficient. To achieve this goal, we must study, prior to designation, whether an area has the resources and public support to achieve self-sufficiency over the long-term. Today, some of the national heritage areas have a cap of federal funding at $50,000 while others receive up to SI million dollars per year. Reasonable limitations on financial assistance from the Department should be developed and extensions to this funding should be avoided. We look forward to working with the Subcommittee on translating these ideals into a generic national heritage area bill. H.R. i 594 would authorize a study of the feasibility and suitability of designating as a national heritage area the island of St. Croix, which is located 40 miles south of St. Thomas and is the largest of the three islands that make up the territory of the United States Virgin Islands. This bill contains the criteria for making this determination that includes directing the Se.setary to consult with State historic preservation officers, State 5 e IMO 1:" BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 108TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION R.1594 To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing the St. Croix National Heritage Area in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES APRIL 3, 2003 Mrs. CHRISTENSEN introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Resources A BILL To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing the St. Croix National Heritage Area in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes. 1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 2 fixes of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 3 SECTION 1. ST. CROIX NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA STUDY. 4 (a) SHORT TITLE. -This section may be cited as the 5 "St. Croix National Heritage Area Study Act". 6 (b) STUDY.-The Secretary of the Interior, in eon- 7 sultation with appropriate State historic preservation of- 8 cers, States historical societies, and other appropriate or- - 4 r . I ; _ I - BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 1 2 1 ganizations, shall conduct a study regarding the suitability 2 and feasibility of designating the island of St. Croix as 3 the St. Croix National Heritage Area. The study shall in- 4 elude analysis, documentation, and determination regard- 5 ing whether the island of St. Croix- 6 (1) has an assemblage of natural, historic, and 7 cultural resources that together represent distinctive 8 aspects of American heritage worthy of recognition, 9 conservation, interpretation, and continuing use, and 10 are best managed through partnerships among pub- 11 lie and private entities and by combining diverse and 12 sometimes noncontiguous resources and active corn- 13 munities; 14 (2) reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and 15 folklife that are a valuable part of the national story; 16 (3) provides outstanding opportunities to con- 17 serve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features; 18 (4) provides outstanding recreational and edu- 19 rational opportunities; 20 (5) contains resources important to the identi- 21 fled theme or themes of the island of St. Croix that 22 retain a degree of integrity capable of supporting in- 23 terpretation; 24 (6) includes residents, business interests, non- 25 profit organizations, and local and State govern- HR 15 94 Iti ro 0.. o . r...1" " . " ° R.° " 1 I 333 .J BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 3 1 ments that are involved in the planning, have devel- 2 opal a conceptual financial plan that outlines the 3 roles of all participants (including the Federal Gov- 4 ernment), and have demonstrated support for the 5 concept of a national heritage area; 6 (7) has a potential management entity to work 7 in partnership with residents, business interests, 8 nonprofit organizations, and local and State govern- 9 ments to develop a national heritage area consistent 10 with continued local and State economic activity; 11 and 12 (8) has a conceptual boundary map that is sup- 13 ported by the public. 14 (c) REPOPT. -Not later than 3 fiscal years after the 15 date on which funds are first made available for this sec- 16 tion, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the Coin- 17 raittee on Resources of the House of Representative.: and 18 the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the 19 Senate a report on the findings, conclusions, and ree- 20 ommendations of the study. 0 Wit 1514 lli ul I r i I . iu t BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE r 1 H.R. 1954 St. Croix National Heritage Area Study Act Representative Donna Christensen (D-VI) introduced H.R. 1954 on April 3, 2003. There are no co-sponsors. 1954 directs the Secretary of the Interior to complete a suitability and feasibility study to determine if the island of St. Croix should be designated as a National Heritage Area. The bill includes standard study language from other, similar heritage area study bills and directs the Secretary to work with State historic preservation officers, State historical societies, and other appropriate organizations. The Secretary is required to submit a report to Congress on the study three years after funds are first made available. St. Croix, the largest of the three islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands. is about 40 miles south of St. Thomas. There are currently three NPS units on St. Croix, Christiansted National Historic Site, Buck Island Reef National Monument. and Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve. . 7,V [ / -Mt H.R. a , : . 6 *a. BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 1 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -- Extensions of Remarks April 3, 2003 INTRODUCTION OF THE ST CROIX NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA STUDY ACT HON. DONNA M. CHRISTENSEN OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, April 3. 2003 Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to introduce legislation to direct the Sec- retary of Interior to conduct a study of the suit. shifty and feasibility of establishing the St Croix Nations' Heritage Area According to the National Rack Service. Na- tional Heritage Areas are places that are fed- watt), designated to preserve an important as- pect of America's past and share it with visi- tors They are generally started at the grass- roots by community members who envision places where the best of the past becomes pert of a sustainable future National Heritage Areas are not living them: parks seeking to freeze places in time They seek instead to conserve their special natural spaces and historic places as part of their communities' social and econorr'r, futures. The successful melding of past end future is the National Heritage Area the The unique nett:. el, historic and cultural re- sources of the island of St Croix represent distinctive aspects of American heritage that are in my view, worthy of recognition and pro- vide outstanding opportunities for recreational and educatkinal opportunities. In introducing this bill I hope to utilize our spectacular natural and historic resources to spur economic development on my home is- land which badly needs It As Interior Sec- retary Gail Norton noted during her visit to St Croix We certainty want to protect the won- derful environment here and to match that great environment with a thriving economy Heritage tourism might be one option for St. Croix" Mr Speaker, there are currently 23 existing national heritage areas across 17 stales As the Ranking Democrat on the House National Parks and Public Lands Subcommittee I can confirm hint heritage areas we just one of a growing number of collaborative. community- based conservation strategies that have devel- oped In recent years to identify, preserve. and interpret resources I urge my colleagues to support enactment of this legislation to provide for a shot; to de- termine the sustainability and feasibility of the island SI Croix becoming the 24th National Heritage Area 11. r BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE r .j historical societies, local communities, and other appropriate organizations. This criteria and the standard three-year time frame for conducting the study included in the bill are provisions included in other national heritage area studies that Congress has authorized in recent years. The natural and cultural resources of St. Croix have been recognized through the establishment of three units of the National Park System there: Christiansted National Historic Site, Buck Island Reef National Monument, and Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve. The area that would be studied would encompass the historic towns of Christiansted, built in 1734, and Frederiksted. built in 1752. Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury. spent his young adult years in Christiansted and educated himself while working as a clerk in his mother's small store. Christiansted is known primarily for its 18th and 19th Century Danish architectural design buildings; it has some of the finest examples of Danish architectural design in the West Indies. The town was laid out by Danish surveyors using a grid system and was the first in the West Indies that instituted both a building code ano zoning. Street widths were regulated, easements were established, areas were zoned commercial or residential, and building materials were specified. This urban planning scheme is still visible today. Both Christiansted's and Frederiksted's historic architecture matured over a 100-year span. Neoclassical government buildings and residences blend with Gothic Revival churches, 6 "I IA -40 .F.PreMlh 4 4 7- BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE combination shop-residences, and wooden shingle cottages. The three residential styles demonstrate Christiansted's and Frederiksted's colonial social structure in the late 1700 and mid- !WO's. Archeological evidence shows migratory South American hunters-gatherers on the island as far back as 2500 B.C. By 1425, Carib Indians reached St. Croix in their westernmost territorial expansion. On November 14, 1493, during hi,. second voyage to the new world. Columbus arrived at an area that today is part of Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve to look for fresh water. This is the only site where Columbus' crew went ashore in the new world that is under the American flag. St. Croix is also the site of the first recorded hostile encounter between Europeans and Native Americans. During European rule of St. Croix, there were 218 sugar plantations, typically between 250 to 300 acres, with about 100 windmills and 100 animal mills. Mary of these plantations are still in evidence today with their great houses, slave hou s, windmills and animal mills still in good condition. Also associated with St. Croix is Buck Island Reef National Monument, which was established by Presidential proclamation in 1961 to preserve one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea. The monument was expanded in 2001 by a subsequent proclamation to help ensure the viability of the marine resources there. Located one and a half miles off of St. Croix, the 176-acre island and surrounding coral reef ecosystem e l to BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE support a large variety of native flora and fauna, and provide a haven to several endangered and threatened species. While these resources could be further examined during a national heritage study, the Department believes, as mentioned above, that action on legislation authorizing such a study should be deferred until generic heritage area legislation is enacted. Should the committee decide to move the bill, however, we would recommend one amendment. Section 1(c) requires the Secretary of the Interior to submit a report to Congress "on the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the study." We have been informed by the Department of Justice that to the extent that this provision purports to require the Secretary of the Interior to make legislative recommendations to Congress, it appears to violate the Recommendations Clause of the Constitution, which reserves to the President the power to decide whether it is necessary or expedient for the Executive Branch to make legislative policy recommendations to the Congress. We would therefore suggest amending Section 1(c) to instead read: "...on the findings and conclusions of the study, as well as any recommendations the Secretary deems appropriate." Mr. Chairman, that concludes my statement. I would be pleased to answer any questions you or other members of the Subcommittee may have. pe 8 I 4 p. , BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE Buck Island Reef National Monument (National Park Service) Buck Island Reef National Monument ocated near Christiansted, VI RAVEL BASICS CAMPING LODGING TIVITIES - FACILITIES - FEES/PERMITS Printable Travel Guide (NPS Photo) IN BRIEF The park was created to preserve one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea The elkhom coral barrier reef that surrounds two-thirds of the Wand has extrodinary coral formations, deep grottoes, abundant reef fishes, sea fans and gorgonians, and the occasional sea turtle At the eastern most point of the reef is the famous underwater trail. both novice and expert snorkolers will enjoy the passages through the reef The island which has an overland nature trail and white coral sand beaches is a rookery for endangered brown pelicans and a nesting area for three species of sea turtles Seasonally Buck Island Reef supports one of the last remaining protected nesting populations of endangered hawksbill sea turtles in the eastern Caribbean Visitors can take daily trips to the park Once there they an enjoy the tropical island its extraordinary array of manne life and tropical flora and fauna while leasurely swimming in the crystal clear waters or snorkeling or SCUBA diving through the fantastic reef or hiking over the island while getting a birds-eye view of the reef and sea below Privacy Disclaimer Freedom of Information Act http //www nps gov/buisiindex htm List Updated Tuesday 12-Nov-02 11 24:31 http://wwv..nps.gov'buis' park guide search main NIPS cruniCT MKS VOLUNTEER fICT$IIOCI 1110 Page 1 of I Ili 1'1111, .i I t IP* N. 41 SERVICE .; . a "71.G ; e'.11E Ufa t ti griWrilIKA of 47 o . , , * At ,te t 141,..* ' i . t it ' ' tt; VIOL tt 4 ... ' 1 t.trk It. .. Er] . t. - ^ f"I . I .a ! ; . . -1, P- 41 . . -., .1,-44_ 1 4' ( . , ° i I i e --- 1111 I BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE Christiansted National Historic Site (National Park Service) Page I of I hristiansted National Historic Site orated in Christiansted, St Croix, VI RAVEL BASICS - CAMPING - LODGING CTIVITIES - FACILITIES - FEES/PERMITS a Printable Travel Guide (NIPS Priori.) IN BRIEF Colonial development of the Virgin Islands is commemorated by the 113th and the 19th century structures in the heart of the capital of the former Danish West Idles on St. Croix Island Privacy Disclaimer Freedom of Information Act http /Now., nos goy/am/index him Last Updated Tuesday 12 Nov-02 11:24:39 park guide search main NIPS BOOKSTORE CONTACT LINK% VOLUNTEER FACTS/IOCS J herr, nps.gov'chri/ 2003 td 1 o l '11)1^4 'PA Slti VIGIL - . . 4 (IRE( 010 a - . 'd . . la 1'. - . : s . . I I 4' BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 1 Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve (National Park Service) alt River Bay ational Historic Park and cological Preserve ocated near Christiansted, VI RAVEL BASICS - CAMPING - LODGING TIVITIES - FACILITIES - FEES/PERMITS Printable Travel Guide reps Photo) PARK SERVICE IN BRIEF The area which encompasses all major cultural periods in the U.S Virgin Islands. It is the only known site where members of the Columbus expedition set foot on what is now U.S territory The park contains the only ceremonial prehistoric ball court ever discovered in the lesser Antilles village middens. and burial grounds The area was a focal point of venous European attempts to colonize the area during the post C ,urnfolan period by the Spaniards, French. Dutch English and Danish The site is marked by Fort Sale a remaining earthworks fortification from the Dutch period of occupation DESIGNATIONS National Historic Park and Ecologic February 24 1992 Privacy Disclaimer Freedom of information Act park guide I search main http //wvvw rips gowsanPridex htm Last Updated Tuesday. 12 Nov-02 11 25 39 http://www nps gov C111111C1 Data VOLUNTEER FECTS/110CS 10 7 2003 , ,411-b ' r. - . 0 .r . I ;41 . as ter1vlse . tit e:' t - . ,.. ,.. , .0 C. f". .D7 ' b ° -t ilk1 t ll ° ''. il e? '`'1' f. . 4 ,. 1 1. .. NATIONAL, ., A,. -- . n, ' , -i"..e.' .., 7 7---- . 2 . r .. .- -1. v ' 1. -iv, . 1 n 'El i,.' r. * : Mkt -21 v. i r , z 1:" , ..., ; .. - 1 .. ' - [1.1 . i a-. . . a - I BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE 1 ATLANTIC OCEAN JOST G VAN DYKE ,.c. -zJc: T6Tr_A .4) `, ° c o . 1 r" ST.OTHOMAS \'' -- - - -- .,--- 'Charlotte ' a Amalie 1 ° c : Er' ST. JOHN Virgin Islands National Park oad Town Hassel Island CARIBBEAN SEA Christiansted National Historic Site Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve North Frederiksted ST. CROIX BUCK ISLAND REEF NATIONAL MONUMENT 10 Km 0 10 Mi 9 9. - c ,G DA VIRGIN o ,.... . .=. . -4.-- -- ...--J "" 40.. IT% . ek. . I . . 0. -:. - s - \ I 9. 1 o 4413 BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands Page I of Hama Armond ollso Sites to See I History I Weather Churches 51111111X This is the largest of the United States Virgin Islands. 82 square miles in area There are two distinct towns to visit Christiansted and Frederiksted. The architectural quality and historic interest of he one-time Danish Nest Indies capital has made part of Christiansted (founded in 1734) a National Historic Site In Christiansted. you can shop the day away through quaint shops filled with French perfumes, china, crystal, batik clothing and jewelry. You can visit Buck Island, one of the world's finest dive spots Moving west along the North Shore. visit the west side of Salt River where Columbus' crew landed in November of 1493 Fredenksted has its share of shops and shopping. It also has a tropical Rain Forest and Whim Greathouse, a plantation restored to the way it was in the 1700s. Photo by Carol Lae The towns of Christiansted and Fredriksted each has its own distinctive style; together that are the Twin Cities a must-see St Croix has fine hotels, excellent dining, sights to see, a selection of other things to do and all kinds of beaches Photo by Carol UN http://www.usvi.netusvitstx . html 10/7/2003 .. Li I St I ro ' I ! --0 .3VI Repataurants ._ , - . .. - .--,...,...kt-- ° r,- : ',1,,,. ,,.., i''' - '' . . - ° .1:?.: I...- '., '. -. - ....,..41:' : ° L 'A.: .. A;::: A'- ..ii ' ", °. .: 0-, - W. N. Li . n , ' "a" *21 : 7'StAL`7-- h!, r I I I BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE History Home I L Sites to Sold Restaurants L History I Weather [ Churches I 3111RO Seven Flags : The History of St. Croix PRE-COLUMBUS Prior to, and less than a century after Columbus' discovery, St. Croix was inhabited by two tribes of Indians: the Caribs and the Arawaks. The Arawaks were generally considered to be a peaceful tribe while the Caribs were warring cannibals. The word "cannibal" is in tribute to their fierce nature for it is derived from the Spanish word for Carib or "carribales " Washington Irving described the Caribs: "The hair of these savages was long and coarse. their eyes were encirck i with paint, so as to give them hideous expression. Bands of cotton were bound firmly above and below the muscular parts of the arms and legs, so as to cause them to swell to a disproportionate size." With such fearsome neighbors, the Arawaks were often forced to live on larger islands where they could retreat into the hills when attacked SPANISH On November 14, 1493. Columbus made his first visit to "Avay" (as the Indians called St. Croix) and renamed it Santa Cruz. His reception by the Caribs gives testament to their violent character. Upon anchoring at Salt River, a small boatload of Spaniards approached the shore and encountered a small canoe carrying four men and two women A battle ensued, which resulted from the Spaniards attempting to capture the natives. One Carib and one Spaniard were killed. The remaining Caribs were taken prisoner This was the early beginning of what would soon be widely employed: slavery In response to such conflict, Charles V of Spain declared that all Indians in the islands were enemies and should be eliminated. A constant state of war existed between the Caribs and the Spaniards for nearly a century By 1596. the islands were described as being wholly uninhabited St Croix was not a major port for the Spanish -- San Juan, Puerto Rico was far more important. Due to Indian attacks, bad weather, and general poor luck, the Virgin Islands were unfortunately described as "the useless islands " DUTCH AND ENGLISH http:// www .usvi.net/usvi'stx/history.html 111 214;1 -t --'75 °4, OlaSar.acor..;-3-. i s "Lt I I 4 BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE History The Dutch and English are grouped together for they settled the Virgin Islands almost simultaneously -- sometime in the early 1600's. Each country settled a separate side of the island: the Dutch settled the east end and the English the west. Inevitably, conflict erupted, but the manner in which it did is interesting. According to the English. the English Governor Brainsby was murdered by the Dutch Governor Capoen, while visiting Capoen in his house A newly appointed Dutch Governor tried to arbitrate with the English and was granted protection to travel to their side of the island. Immediately upon arrival. he was seized and shot. After numerous battles, the Dutch ended up abandoning the islands The English controlled St. Croix until 1650. In that year the Spanish sent a fleet of 5 ships and 1,200 men to St Croix from Puerto Rico and slaughtered everyone! After only 15 years of domination, the English were ousted. The Dutch made one foolhardy attempt to recapture St. Croix Assuming it to be abandoned, they sent two ships from St. Eustatius island. The two vessels dropped anchor right in front of Fort Frederik and proceeded to land Unknown to the Dutch, the Spanish had left 60 men to guard the fort. The moment the landing boats reached shore, Spanish muskets killed all but ten men FRENCH Later the same year. the French sent two vessels to capture St Croix and succeeded. The Spanish rule of St. Croix was over almost as soon as it had begun. The French fared poorly during their first colonization attempt in 1651. Of 300 colonists, two thirds and two governors died of illness during the first year. Burning the local forest during the dry season was a common practice, supposedly to destroy what they suspected was the home of disease KNIGHTS OF MALTA Ten years later the Governor of St. Kitts. De Poincy, bought St Croix as his private estate and later deeded it to the Knights of Malta. The Knight of Malta were not true knights in the medieval sense but were a religious group also known as the Order of St John of Jerusalem. The Order fared poorly and in general were considered to be rich young aristocrats who knew little about colonization. In 165, the French West Indian company bought the island from the Knights. At last, St. Croix had proper management under its new Governor DuBois and flourished In short time the island had 90 plantations Crops included tobacco, cotton, sugar cane and indigo After DuBois' death, bad administration drought and sickness ended what advances had been made From 1695 to 1733, St. Croix was considered abandoned DENMARK In 1733, the French Government sold St Croix to the Danish West India & Guinea Co for approximately $150.000 Shortly after this . http:/ /www.vsvi.nevusvi'stx/histor . htnil I I) " "WC, r S. g . BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE r1.0.1111.- History dl lbdt,IIIJII. II It lad, leb McKie d IiiCVCI I I IliVZ uy alluwll 19 III II I 'Iwo! I lb of other nationalities to move in. The result was rapid development as everyone from the Spanish Sephardic Jew, to the Huguenots purchased the available plantations. The English soon dominated the populations ant' English became the language spoken on the streets It was under Danish rule that the sugar plantations flourished. On St. Croix, for over two centuries, sugar was king' To this day, the sugar plantations scattered around the island are visible. Sugar was destined to success the markets in Europe were huge, and sugar cane could only be grown in tropical tones. One invention, however, made the sale of cane sugar in Europe an impossibility. Between 1820 and 1840. the sugar beet became a feasible source of manufacturing sugar throughout Europe. Since the sugar beet could be grown in Europe, it made nc sense to sena ships across the Atlantic for a product that could cheaply be produced in Europe's native soil. The impact of this new source of sugar was catastrophic to the local economy. Its result can be seen in the history of the slaves on the island. Though the slaves were freed in 1848, the economic ccndition on the island was so bad that the former slaves rioted, resulting in the Fireburn of 1878 (In which the slaves rioted and burned much of Frederiksted and many plantations around the island.) The last sugar harvest took place in 1966. St. Croix's economy then turned to the newly built oil refinery (Amerada Hess) and the alumina plant (VIALCO). Since then, the economy has become more and more dependent upon tourism as a revenue source. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Denmark sold the Virgin Islands to the United States of America in 1917 for $25 million. St. Croix is now a U.S. Territory, along with the other U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas and St. John. The island's residents are U.S. citizens. History page compiled by Frans Lawaetz http://wviw.usi.i.net/usvi/stx/history.html 10 7'2003 n - BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE Index By State page 1, time 10/07/2003 13:35:29 Index By State t" anal Register Information System der STATE: VI COUNTY: St. Croix Page I of I 10/07/2003 1 3:35:29 Include filter in navigationr Row RESOURCE NAME ADDRESS CITY LISTED MULTIPLE / Aklis Archeological Site Address Restricted Frederiksted 1976-07-01 Bethlehem Middle Works Historic District King's Quarter Christiansted 1988-07-06 3 Christiansted Historic District Roughly bounded by Christiansted Harbor, New. Peter's Farm Hospital. and West Sts. Christiansted 1976-07-30 4 Christiansted National Historic Site Bounded by King, Queen, and Queens Cross Sts. and Christiansted Harbor Christiansted 1966-10-15 5 Coakley Bay Estate E of Christiansted Christiansted 1976-07-23 (5 Columbus Landing Site E of Greig Hill on Salt River Bay ~ Salt River Bay 1966-10-15 Danish West India and Guinea Company Warehouse Church and Company Sts. Christiansted 1974-10-09 Diamond School W of Christiansted on Centerline Rd. Christiansted 1976-07-01 9 Estate Butler's Bay N of Frederiksted Frederiksted 1978-08-25 10 Estate Grose Place 4 mi. (6.4 km) E of Frederiksted off Centerline Rd. Frederiksted 1978-07- 1 7 Pace I ../report.iws?IWS_ROWS=1%0A10%0A&IWS_REPORT=100000037&IWS_WINDOW=IWS1065548044&I 10/7/2003 i i...._ . -I E . A 1 - 1 t , . ' C D D 2 7 _ Hein, 6 Page ,--, -. - . es. BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE r EgirmloggIPMSNWswe April 3, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -H( PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Under clause 2 of rule XII. public bills and resolutions were Introduced and severally referred. as follows: By Me ENGLISH for himself, Mr TARIM... Mr. SHERWOoD. Mr Mc Not- re. :dr. BERRY. Mr. MURTHA, Mr. Mcmcci, Mr. FARR. Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mrs. DERR/ION. Mr. ALLEN. Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr Mown of Pennsylvania. Mr KANloRSKI. Mr HOLDEN. Mr ORTIZ. Mr. TURNER of Texas, Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Purrs. Mr. DoYLE. Mr. (anise. Mr 1.0MM-iv. Mr Eloswitil, Mr. Cone IR. and Mr ROOM. of Alabama). H R IMO A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for national standardized payment amounts for inpatient hospital services furnished under the Medi- care Program and for other purposes, to the Committee on Wave and Means By Mr. KNOLLENBERG Ifor himself. Mr. Hoare' Trtgn. and Mr. EDWARDS): H.R 1581 A bill to amend the Internal Rev- enue Code of 1986 to provide an exclusion from gross Income for certain compensation received by members of the Armed Forces serving in South Korea: to the Committee on Ways and Means. Ry Mr TERRY for himself, Mr. ST2 PAK. Mr STRICKLAND. Mrs WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Sioatous, Mr. CAN NON. Mr [MILES. Mr. OTTER. Mr. SIMPSON, Mr. TANCRILDO. Mr BISHOP of Utah, Mr RENZI. Mr DICES. Mr OSBORNE. Mr. BEREUTER, Mr. Melton& Mrs. Mete Mr HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. Polemic, Mr. Ellen. Ms McCaig-riff of Missouri. Mr. RUSH, Mr RAnsisoticii. Mr. RUMENS of MICH.!, can. Mr. BROWN of Ohio, Ms. DizOgrrit. Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Bass. and Mr. Burrow.) H.R. 1582 A bill to equitably distribute universal service support throughout rural America. and for other purposes. to the Com- mittee on Energy and Commerce By Mr NORWOOD (for himself. Mr Bowman. Mrs !Mawr. Mr BALLENGER. Mr 11,..HKSTRA, Mr. KIL- LER, Mr. KLINE, Mrs. BLACKBURN. and Mr. lammed H R. ISM A hill to amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to provide for Adiedleative Improvement. and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and the Workforce. By Mr. HOUGHTON (for himself. Mr THOMAS, and Mr RANOELI H.R. 1564. A bill to implement effective measures to stop trade In conflict diamonds. and for otter purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Corn- mittee on International Relations, for a pe- riod t, be subsequently determined by the Speaker. in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- tion of the committee concerned. By Mr BUYER for himself. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr EVANS. Mr EVER- ETT. Mr. MUMPS Mr. MICHAUD, Ms CARSON of Indiana. Mr FILsritu. Mr. BEAUPREZ, Mr MIL= of Florida. Mr RODMAN. Mr. STEARNS. Mr QUINN, Mr SWEENEY. Mr BROWN of South Carolina, Ms. ()frost BROWN- WAITS of Florida. and Mr Mc Hoax V. H.R. ISIS. A bill to establish an office to oversee research compliance and assurance within the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. By Mr CANNON H R IMO A bill to provide for the fair and efficient judicial consideration of personal injury and wrongful death claims arising out of asbestos exposure, to ensure that individ- uals who suffer impairment, now or in the future, from Illnesses caused by exposure to asbestos receive compensation for their inju- ries. and for other purposes, to the Com- mittee on the Judiciary. By Mr SMITH of New Jersey for him- self. Mrs ROYCE. Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr WOLF, Mr. Sol0e.9. Mr. Mont Mr. CR0WI.EY. Ma. LOFGREN. Ma ROs- Lawman. Mr. Toil DAVIS of Virginia, Mr Cowrie. Mr 'IcNut.TV. Ms Como" Bitol4N-WArre of Florida. Mr BALLENGER. Ms. LORETTA SANcHEZ of California. Mr SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. CLAY, Mr. BEAVPREZ. Mr GREEN of Texas. Mr. ENGLISH. Mr GREEN of Wisconsin. Ms. NORTON. Mr. WYNN, Mr HELL. Mr. MORAN of Vir- ginia. Mr PATIO, Mr. Cox, Mr. ClalLigmY. Mr. WORE Kr. VAN Hou.soi. and Mr. Wilton's of Penney). vanish H R 1587 A bill to promote freedom and democracy in Viet Nam, to the Committee on International Relations. and in addition to the Committee on Financial Sonless, for period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- tion of the committee concerned By Mr HUNTER Ifor himself and Mr SKELTON) (both by request) H.R ISM A bill to authorize appropria- tions for fiscal year 2914 for military &ADA ties of the Department of Defense, to pre- scribe military personpel strengths for fiscal year 2004 and for other purposes. to the Committee on Armed Services. By Mrs CANTO. LeIrR 1589. A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide grants for the pres- ervation of historic courthouses. to the Com- mittee on Resources. By Mr LANTOS for himself and Mr Degree): Hit 1590. A bill to enhance United States leadership and the functioning of inter- national organizations and multilateral in- 'NW Dons. to the Committee on Inter- national Relations. By Mr ANDREWS H.R 1591 A bill to amend title 49. United States Code. to provide a credit toward the non-rederal share of projects carried out under the airport Improvement program to an owner or operator of an airport that is utilized to respond to disaster or *root- gency. to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure By Mr FTLNER. H R 1522. A bill to amend title 10. United States Code. to repeal the two -tier annuity computation system applicable to annuities for surviving spouse:, under the Survivor Benefit Plan for retired member, of the Armed Forces so that there is no reduction In such an annuity when the beneficiary be- comes e2 years of age; to the Committee on Armed Services. By Mr BOSWELL for himself. Mr CRoWLEY. Mr. HASTINGS of Florida Mr. Woofs Mr ETHERIT,OR. and Mr TIERNEY I. H.R ISM A bill to improve homeland secu- rity. prevent tax increases, support edu- cation and health care. and strengthen the economy. to the Committee on Transpor- tailor and Infrastructure. and In addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, the Judiciary. and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker. In each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- tion of the committee concerned. By Mrs CHRISTENSEN .R ISM A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct study of the suit- 'E H28111 ability and feasibility of establishing the St. Croix National Heritage Area In St. Croix. United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes: to the Committee on Resources. By Mrs CHRISTENSF.N for herself and Mr. Renew, H.R. 1595 A bill to further cooperation and support among Federal land managers and designated gateway communities where the results of such cooperation and support ar likely to be mutually beneficial. and for other purposes. to the Committee on Re- sources. and In addition to the Committee on Agriculture. for period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker. In each case for consideration of such provisions as fall with- in the jurisdiction of the committee con- cerned. Mr CLAY for himself. Mr AKIN. Mr GEPHARDT, Mr. SKELTON, Ms. McCARTRY of Missouri. Mr. GRAVES. Mr Benet. Mrs EMERSON. and Mr lit LIMO/ H R ISM A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2318 Woodson Road In St. Louis. Missouri, as the "Timothy Michael Gaffney Post Office Building". to the Committee on Government Reform By Mr. COLLINS. H.R. 1597. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- enue Code of HISS to eternity qualified rental office furniture as 5-year property for pur- poses of depreciation: to the Committee on Ways and Means. By Mr COX- H 156( A bill to amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Fa- cilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in projects within the San Diego Creek Watershed. California. and for other purposes: to the Committee on Re w'ur''By Mr CUMMINGS ,for himself and Mr. SoCIIKRI. H R leek A bill to amend the Office of Na- tional Drug Control Policy Act Reauthorize tion Act of IMO to ensure that adequate funding is provided for certain high intensity drug trafficking areas. to the Committee on Government Reform. and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker. in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the pitied'," tion of the committee concerned. By Mrs. DAVIS of California H.R. 'Am A hill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1966 to re- serve funds to provide special training. tech- nical assistance, and professional develop- ment to eligible entities implementing Even Start programs and to the staff of such pro- grams. and for other purposes. to the Com- mittee on Education and the Workforce. By Mrs ,b, ANN DAVIS of Virginia H.R leDi A bill to provide for reform re- lating to Federal employment. and for other purposes, to the Committee on Government Reform By Mrs Jo ANN DAVIS of Virginia: H Mil A bill to provide for reform of the Senior Executive Service, adjustment in the rates of pay of certain positions. and for other purposes, to the Committee on Govern- ment Reform. By Mrs Jo ANN DAVIS of Virginia (for herself and Mr. PUTNAM): H.R. 1803 A bill to amend the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.8 C. App., to streamline the financial disclosure process for executive branch employees: to the Corn- mittee on Government Reform. and in addi- tion to the Committees on the Judiciary. and House Administration. fora period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, In each case for consideration of such provi- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned - - , . . . - - 'By R. tore) BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE ICONS COBB, AL the Attorney General to assign a National Amber AMA Coordinator. The Coordinator will establish minimum standards for the issuance of AMBER Alerts including the extent of de- saminelio a of alerts. The minimum standards will require vita onlonnellon relating 10 Vie see coal needs al the child. including the chills health care needs, to be provided to the ap- propriate law enlacement and public health officials. Also. the dissemination of the AMBER Alen will be limbed to the geographic area matt Miry to facilitate the recovery of the abducted cried. H.R. 1134 also requires the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to states for Vie development or improvement of AMBER Alert communication or notification systems Wong America's highways. It requires the At- torney General to provide grants to States tor the derolapeent Of enhancement of programs and ensues for support of the AMBER Alert communications plans I whole -Marbly support all of the AMBER Alert provisions of H R 1104 These oran- sions improve the AMBER Alert system and help to reduce the likelihood that children who are kidnapped will also be physically abused sexually abused. or murdered These provi- eons also improve the chances that.,abducted children will be returned to their families I have reservations about supporting H R 1104 because'" is not a clean AMBER Alert bill. I believe that the Amendments to the bat dealing with prison sentence guidelines, pre- trial release and law enforcement investrga- non power should be dealt with in separate legislator. More economy, the extraneous provisions will delay the ultimate passage of the AMBER Alert Bel Every day that goes by without a na- hone! AMBER Alert system in place outs the fives of children at risk According to an Octo- ber 2002 U S Department of Justice Report t: tied the National Index* Studies of Missing. Abducted. Runaway and Thrownaway Chil- dren (NISMART Report), 12 222 children were the victims of traditional kidnappings in the year 1999 alone That amounts to append- merely 33 children kidnapped nationwide per day While the members of the House debate ex- traneous amendments. hundreds of children are being kidnapped and murdered As the Chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus I strongly believe that the best way to save children's lives is to vote in support of H.R. 1104. even if I do so reluctantly That is why, Mr Chairman I reluctantly vote In favor of H R 1104 HONORING PAUL BETANCOURT HON. CALVIN M. DOOLEY nv AI IFoRNIa IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday. April 3. Z003 Mr DOOLEY Mr Speaker. I rise today to recognize Paul Betancourt. who is being hon- ored as the outgoing president of the Fresno County Farm Bureau FCFB Paul Beano" ri has spent more than a decade serving my dis- trict through his activities with the Fresno County Farm Bureau such represents ever 6,000 members produces more than 300 crops and grosses more than S3 2 tattoo an- nually Fed Betancourt has set an example RECORD- Extensions of through his dedicated commitment to our corn mortify Since completing his 2 year role as pres- lent of the FCFB. Mr Betancourt continues to serve on the FCFB Executive Committee and he was recently appointed to verve as the In dustry Representative on the San Joaquin Val- ley Untied Air Pollution Coned District s Citi- zens Advisory Committee Before serving as FCFB President Betancourt also served as the FCFB secretary treasurer and second and first vice presidents. In addition to all of his work with the FCFB Mr Betancourt has served in a member ol var- ious community activities. Though his Farm Bureau activities, Mr. Betancourt served on the board of directors of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce. and represented FCFB at many industry and community brow and events Mr Betancourt currently lames on the Kerman Unified School Board of Trustees, and is involved in the Fresno Area Collaborative Regional arse Additionally, Mr Betancourt is noted columnist for a local :Pathless publi- cation and he teaches Sunday school at the Kerman Covenant Church Mr Betancourt currently tarns more than 750 acres of cotton and almonds in Fresno County, where he has also grown crops such as tomatoes, sugar beets, cantaloupes barley. and cattle Paul Betancourts intimate bloat edge of farming issues and his dedicated commitment to farmers and Fresno County residents as a whole should serve as an es ample of readership and dedication in the Central Valley of Califorma Mr Betancourt has contributed to the Ins provement of the community through his work n and out of the Fresno County Farm Bureau Mr Speaker I ask my colleagues to loin me today in congratulating Paul Betancourt on his retirement as president of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. IN RECOGNITION OF MR. HARRY B NISSLEY HON. HIIDA L SOUS I ir CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE. OF REPP.ESF\T.ATIVFS Thursday, April 7. 200? Ms SOLIS Mr Speaker I nse today to rec. ognize Mr Harry B :Assay a local hero in my community who has dedicated over 50 years of his life to educating and corns our stu dents Mr Nissley worked as a tennis coach for the El Monte Union High School District hem 1946 until his retirement in 2001 Over the course of his career, he has received numer- ous honors including the San Gabriel Valley Administration Associations Service Award and the California Interscholastic Federation Award But most enduring is the imprint he has tell on the lives of hundreds of students. athletes and peers Mr Mars enthusiasm caring and dedication in exemplary of a great educator Mr Nissley went above and beyond the cal of duly to make sure that students were given every opportunity to excel Every spring he hosted the Keeley Tennis tournament to help pay tor student competition trey fees and often used his own money to help those stu- dents with financial hardships Mr Nissley marks April 3. 2003 to enhance each students life He strived to instill in his students a strong and positive sense of sett worth Earlier this year a loci**, student and pro- fessional tennis player honored Mr Nissley by organizing an event commnrrt,rattng his con- fributions During the event. numerous former students and athletes praised him with kind words and fond memories Mr. Nissley now 90 years old At tne re- quest of his students, 'colleagues, Mends and family who wanted to recognize his numerous Contributions, the community of El Monte re- cert./ nominated him for Induction into the California trilersdiolestic Federation Hall of Fame Not only is the number of years he taught at the El Monte Union School District Meetly state record, but he amend and selflessness is immeasurable. I would also like to join the community of El Monte in showing my appreciation for Mr Nissley by easing Congress to recognize his vast contnoutions to our youth, and out- standing dedication to service INTRODUCTION OF THE ..+T CROIX NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA >T1trIlY ACT V HON. DONNA M. CHRISTENSEN v1tti,i IN THE HoUSE OF REFREsENTATI% Es Thursday. Apra .1. 2003 Mrs CHRISTENSEN Mr Speaker I rise today to introduce legislation to direct the Sec- retary of Interior to conduct a study of the suit- apiary and feasibolly of establishing the St Croix Her. Ares. According ID Vie National Park Service, Na Monet Heritage Areas are please that are fed- erally designated to pre.. immanent as- pect of Amain peat and shore It with visi- tors They are generally stoned at the grass- roots by community members who ',Melon places where the best of the peat becomes part of a sustainable future National Heritage Areas are not living theme parks seeking to freeze places in lime. They seek instead to conserve Met spaded natural roams and historic places as pert of their commas OOle Social and economic futures. The successful melding of past and future is the Notional Heritage Area The unique moat, historic and cultural re- sources of the eland of hill. Croix represent distinctive aspects of Aver. heritage that are in my see worthy of recognition and pro- vide outstanding opportunities for recreational and educational opportunittes In introducing this bill I hope to utilize our spectacular natural and historic resources to spur economic development on my home e- land which badly -seeds it As Interior Sec- retary Gall Nona, noted Outing her vats St Croix We certainly want to protect the won- deer environment here and to match that great environment with a thriving economy Heritage tourism, might be one option for St CroixMr *este there are currently 23 exisitry national heritage areas across 17 states As the Ranking Democrat on the House National Parks and Public Lands Subcommittee. I can confirm trial ventage areas are lost one of a growing number of collaborative community- based conservation strategies that have devel- oped in recent years to dewily preserve. and with OAST was only surpasses' by his desire interpret resources C ' . 1 r a . . is or Tor IsLisios 1 BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE April 3, 2003 CONS iSSIONAL RECORD - Extension, vulnerable children those who are part of the Even Start program These children's families quality for Even Start because they are low socioeconomic kindle* who may also be English learners Program WSW* work with the families from the delete,. S Wavy until they are lit school SON Stan funds approximately 1.400 pro- re and selves approximates/ 50.000 tam, MOM Old Nation. Inherit this existing William F Good. lieu Start Family Literacy Program. these Clan would arrive for their first day of school without the literacy skills to compete at that starting line They are onhkely ever to catch up, even it they are able to be served M the Mead Start program before Actually en- suing school, unless the adults who work with them It his critical early years learn literacy teaching' dills and turn to value the riae of Over 88 percent of patents m the Even Start program have not completed high school upoq entering the program (compared wart about 27 percent of Heed Sten parental Eighty percent of participants have a family income below $15 000 and over 40 cement have income below WOW This is clearly a high needs population. WNW the program offers is both deter). raining classes tor the children and family lit- eracy programs tor the parents Children par hooding in Even Start are provided with age- appropriate educations, services to ensure that they will achieve at a level similar to that of their age peers who come from SOWN. nomtty enriched backgrounds Liaison advisors work with each family to promote strong literacy support expenences to help parents learn ways they can levee* their own English literacy skills. and to provide support groups for parents to share the chal- lenges and skills of parenting. develop -rug their own literacy, aduits these family literacy programs tend to prep- pate longer than those in regular adult edu- cation programs because they can link their lit- eracy growth to that of thew children. They t only see benefits in improved literacy sk-'4 but also reduced dependency on tederat..iate as- sistance programs and enhanced employment opportunities Most imponantty. they are em- powered to be successful as their child's first and most important teacher This bill all set aside funding to establish nationwide programs to assist in Me training of program *rectors and leciNalors in recently developed, reasarch-beeed literacy training ales. healing hush has declared his magma for helping parents 'day -care centers, and preschools leads more learning skies to chil- dren More May got to kindergarten. Even Sad provides just suet a program tor parents to develop the Nancy slits that enable them to perform this task. Because of new iegisla lion. parecularly the new outititicatol is for per- sonnet, performance obiectives and scientif. scatty-based reeding research' requirements for instructional programs local Even Start programs also need to benefit from this type of nigh -quaky earning have requested an evaluation to provide a ba0enu nil look at the achievement of chil- dren assisted by the program because I be- le" that Aeon must be embedded in as such programs It is overwhelming to bear heart-felt Worn- dons of appreciation for the program and as leaders when I have visited Even Stan pro- grams Adults marveled at the change in the, checker's feeling about reading and learning when they were able to make reading together a daily activity One mother told me how she thought she couldnt help her 5 year old with reeding, but. thanks to the program she real- ized that reading together enabled them to help each other with the words each lidn know All children deserve an even start This boil will assure that Even Start facilitators will be well-trained to help parents learn the skiffs that enable their children to be competitive at the starting line AUBURN UNIVERSITY SWIM TEAM HON. NIKE ROMS OF ALABAMA IN THE HOUSE OF REFRF.HENTATIvEs Thursday. April 3, 2003 tor, ROGERS of Alabama Mr Speaker last Whelk the Auburn University swim team domi- new the NCAA Swimming and Diving Cherry pronsIvps by winning the men's national title The Tygers routed their nearest competitors by 196 5 points and qualified 11 swimmers for the ceamplenshop finals and four more for the consolation Finals This was the mats team third national fIlle ever But the men were diving on the heels of the Auburn women's swim team. who during the previous week won their erst ever National/ Championship Mr Speaker. these >tairly men and come symbolize the strength of ifIe human spirit a the toy of achievement Ldt us congrat e thor, for their victories by acclistrieng t in me House: "WAR EAGLET" Think you. Mr Speaker for yOh( ation of these 6..7: .......s As a tribtLe for the Iarnioati of 1;ese proud yang TON, are *rim er.. cheese enter thee re mey intd die c..0040RESSiokik. RECORD \ Auburn University Men's Swim Team 1.)le Babcock Chad Barlow, Seth Barry. George Bovell Fred Bousquet Will Brandt Matt Brick- er Kurt Cady. Patrick Calhoun Justin Caron James Galloway, Mark Ginger! Caesar Gar- ca Derek Cirbb Joseph 'Gonzales Andy Haidonyak Auburn Unevenly Women's Seem Team terry Anderson Maggie flower) Sally Brown, Dotter's Chrbansore Eileen Commons. Kirsh Coventry. Lateen Deem Mayas Oyarketwcz. Enn . Margaret Hastier. Keay Jones, Kemp. Jana Holukarlova. Rachel Korth. A Lawless Leslie L.insmann Cassidy Maxwell. Jen Moss Kelsey Patterson/ As.Ney Rubenstein. Becky Short Laura Erin Volcan, Amy Wheatley BUTE TO FORMER CONGRESSMAN TENO RONCALIO HON. BARBARA CUM OF WroMitic IN MK HOUSE OF REPRFSFNTATIVES Thursday, April 1, 2003 Mrs CUBIN Mr Speaker. I rise with sad ness today to note the passing of one of Wyo- mops most promir.ent and able public serv- emarks E681- ants - former Congressman Teno Ronald. Congressman Roncalon died on March 30 at the age of 87 He wit be forever remembered tor a body of legislative accomplishments that truly benefitted tne state he loved so well Known to all in Wyoming as simply reno the Congressman was born in 1916 in Rock Springs W F the eighth of nine children of an immigrant Italian family He attended the Un - varsity 01 Wyoming graduated in 1939 and then went to Washington to work for Wyoming Senator Joe Mahoney He enrolled in Catholic thwersity Law School only to have his stud- ies interrupted /wood War II He served with distinction in the 18th infantry. and saw combat -n ',ves campaigns including Africa Italy France and Germany He earned a Sa- ver Star for gallantry dung the D-Day lova- Sion at Normaohdy After World War II. he returned to his be- loved state pry, earned a law degree at the University el Wyoming After preen" law and serving ft stunt as a deputy county attor- ney he wl4 elected to Congress first in 1964 and then, after losing a Senate race, won our House again In 1970 He serve] another lour with distinction. retiring w 1978 his time in Congress. Teno worked de on critically important Issuers to Wyo- mi He helped boost Wyoming's share of m ral royalties. a driving force in our state's economy to this day He wrote legislation to cOale a number of recreational areas in the date including Flaming Gorge. Big Horn Can- yon and Fossil Butte After he left Congress, he continued to serve Wm ware, acting as Special Master in the Wire Walton of water nghts on the Reg -Mon -Big Wind River His commitment to enviroome)tal concerns and preserving the beauty and history of Wyoming constitute a lasting contribution to the state neer last year the Wyoming congressional delegation was successful on securing ap- proval of legislation to name the United States Post Office in Rock Springs n Teno s honor It was a drralege to have a part in recognizing a man wen such a distinguished career of de- voted public service to our state My thoughts and prayers are with Tends family He was a man of great heart and corn- passion who will truly be missed Though he s mow. his legacy in Wyoming will live for- ever CHILD. ABDUCTION PREVENTION ACT -PFErti cif HON. 5HPL1 JACKSON-LEE IN THE HOUSE i TREEPRA'EMEN'TATIvE, Thursday.. arch 27, IOW The House In ComitHttee of the Whole House on the State of the Union had under confederation the hill 414 1104i to prevent child abduction.. and for other purposes: support of H R Ms. -LEE of T in Mr. Chair- men. I reluctant 1104. rise the Chad Abduction Prevention . I support H R 1104 reluctantly because while the reso- lution improves upon the AMBER Alert sys- tem,* is not a clean AMBER Alen Bill The provisions of H a 1104 that improve the AMBER Alert system are critical steps in making America safer for children The AMBER Alert provisions of H R 1104 direct t I- education In 1 net . 50/sander, t _ G, n BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE April 3. 2003 CON, 2.SSIONAL I urge my colleagues to support enactment ol this legislation to provide for a study to de- termine the sustairtabatty and feasibility of the island St Croix becoming the 24th National Heritage Area GREEK AND TURKISH CYPRIOTS ISSUES HON. ROOM WEBER rie. FLORIDA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, April 3, 2003 Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, as the ranking Democrat on Me Europe Subcommittee. I be- hove my colleagues In Congress will be infer- maid In the fellselne MOM sent by the Tuition Cypriot Lender Paul diet= to the Greek Cypriot Leader Team Papadopoulos on April 2. 2003 I am hopeful that Mr. 'Denktas'S loner and its content will be catalyst for renewed dialogue between Greek and Turkish Cypriots and a positive step toward comprehensive resolution to their long -standing issues In this letter. Mr. Denktas provides a de- tailed proposal to hint all overseas trade, trans- port, travel and cultural activities from both parts of Cyprus He calls for freedom of move- ment to tie facilitated between the two sides and restrictions on the movement of tourists to be lifted as welt His measures alto Include al- lowing Greek Cypriot refugees to return to the Greek Cypriot sector of Famagusta Finally, Mr Denktas expressed his willingness to meet with Mr Papadopoulos to discuss the core issues of a comprehensive settlement wee the objective el reaching an agreement between Greek and Turkish Cypriots While I understand teat the Ione standing Cyprus issue cannot be solved without great sacrifice by both skies. it is incredibly impor- tant that the United States and the inter- national community work together to resolve this issue. Please know I remain firmly com- mitted to helping both Greek and Turkish Cyp- nets overcome obstacles and brine about a lasting peace for future generations ih)di DEAR MR. PAPAren-otLii, our return from the Netherlands on II March 2o0.3. have been trying to reassess In depth the ne- gotlating process resulting In the stalemate at The Hague Based on our re-evaluation and the re- sponses given to the UN Seoretary-Cleneral's proposals by both sides. I am now convinced more than ever that we have for too lung overlooked the significance of the Bodo-pay- chological dimension of the problem, and es- pecially the deep crisis of confidence be- tween the two sides The 'r7o.kish Cypriot side sincerely wish. lasting m'tlement to the forty year-old question of Cyprus. Tr, achieving sustain- able and viable settlement that would be ac- ceptable to both aides, the first meaningful step should. without doubt be the improve- ment of the political environment within which we could allow for the evolution of a working relationship between the two sides through the building up of trust and con- fideni-e This would enable us to resolve pending imams. thus preparing the ground for a comprehensive settlement. The island is. no doubt. the common home of the two i ii- owner peoples in Cyprus. In this context. I Wish to share with you the following ideas and suggestions which I believe could Int tote emcees of dialogue and consultation leading to working relationship between RECORD - Extensions us. This would greatly enhance the prospects for and paved the way to mutually accept able comprehensive settlement based on the political equality of the two sides and brims tangible benefita to both parties iii As first step. the fenced area of Varosha south of Dhimoktrathias street. in- clotting the area extending to the UN Buffer Zone. will tie transferred to the creek Cyp- riot control to he opened for resettlement. (ill Parallel to this. all restrictions on overseas trade. transport, travel and cultural and sportive activate' from or to both parts of Cyprus will be lifted I am convinced that Turkey and Greece will also positively re- spond to this by removing the restrictions which they apply to the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides respectively. We shall invite the UN and Eli to acknowledge and give effect to these arranereenta illy The freedom of movement will be fa- cilitated between the two sides. subject only to minimal procedures. The restrictions on the movement of taillight' will also be lifted situ Steps will he taken gradually for the normalisation of the flow of goods between the two pulp, on the island. Cooperation shall be also encouraged between the institu- tions of both sides to identify and develop joint proie,cr vi The Turkish Cypriot aide will lift the measures regarding t he movement of UNFICYP of July 2000. ivii A bilateral Reconciliation Committee will be established with the objective of pro- moting understanding. tolerance and mutual respect between the two parties. This Com- mittee will make specific recommendations for promoting bilateral contacts and projects. These Ideas and suggestions con- dilute package and should tie regarded as an Integrated whole The acceptanceand im- plementation of this package will neither prejudice our respective positions, nor will it be a substitute to final settlement. I am prepared to discuss with you the above points and their modalities with the aim of Initiating a cooperative relationship In doing this, we could benefit from the assist- ance of the UN and the EL' These measures. I believe, would bring about positive cli- mate to the Jabal and to out region. On the uncle creaming of ihe above. I am also ready to tat lowith you the core itarraes of the com- prehensive settlement and matters related to EU membership with the objective of mach- ing mutually itatisfat tory conclusion. As we both supported the hood- office. !Weston. I am taking the liberty of sending a copy of this letter to the UN Secretary-General. Sincerely. RA: F R. DENKTAS SUPPORT AMERICAN -GROWN HU- MANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO IRAQ! HON. 11011 FLIER Or CALIPOR/gLa IN THE HOUSE OF fpgpRZSENTATIVZS Thursday, April 3. 2003 Mi FILNER Mr Sneaker and colleagues recently introduced a resolution supporting hu- mannanan assistance from the United States to Iraq H Con Res 127 reinforces the deal that we should send American-grown and made products to ato -and on American ships' The United States obviously has a deep and ending interest in the welfare of the citizens of Iraq who have been Irving under the regime of Saddam Hussein tor decades Iraqis cur- tenth', surfeiting a numandanan crisis that could worsen during Operation Iraqi Freedom e. E6$.3 An estimated 4 5 melon to 10 million people in Iraq. about 40 percent of the population we require food assistance within a few weeks Unfortunate!), most of the warehouses in Iraq Mat store food under the "Oil- for -Food' gro- gram are empty There are few food reserves in Iraq If action is not taken to address this shortfall people will de of starvation Now Mat Operation Iraq' Freedom has begun it is our duty to recognize the need for, and prepare for. the deloery of humandanan and reconstruction assistance to the people of Iraq It :s our obligation to provide Arnencan- grown commodities such as wheat. to Iraqi Food security will be significant in improving the quality of life the people of Iraq. Providing United Stales agricultural commodities to Iraq will help alleviate the humanitarian crisis there as we! as help strengthen our Nation s econ- omy Out Nation s farmers would certainly be proud to supply humandanan assistance to a country in great need Further our United States maritime Industry would be honored to ship Supplies to Iraq in order to help with this critical effort. In addition, the Department of Defense to canny created the Office of Reconstruction. and Humanitarian Assistance This office a a coordinated effort between government agen- owl at ontar to plan and implement assistance programs in a post-war Iraq. The resolution." have introduced commends the Department of Defense for recognizing Its need for, and tak- ing an inter- agency approach to the delivery of humanitarian and reconstruction assistance for Iraq Mr Speaker. we can, and must help to im- prove the living conditions of the civilian popu- lation of Iraqi The tact that we can do this with American products makes the; humandanan effort Iii the more beneficial, significant. and crucial' HONORING MCNEIL NUTRITIONAL& SPLENDA PLANT. MCINTOSH, ALABAMA HON. JO BONNER or ALABAMA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE:, Thursday. April 3. 2003 Mr BONNER Mr. Seeder, I rise today to recognize McNeil =Pekin= Spienda Plant revolutionary manufacturer located in McIntosh, Alabama Each year the Alabama Technology Net- work and the Business Council of Alabama honors outstanding manufacturers with then Alabama Manufacturer of the Year Awards This year McNeil Nutntionals Spends plant has received recognition as a Medium Manu- facturer for excellence leadership perform ante. profitability and work force relations McNeil was chosen based on its demonstra- tion of superior performance is the areas of customer focus. employee commitment. oper- ational excellence. continuous improvement profitable growth and investment in training and retraining McNeil Nutritionals manufactures Splenda the only no- calorie sweetener made from raw sugar which is from 650 to 750 times sweeter than sugar This product was introduced in se en, is se S Aide a %thee 1 ' I emarks ' In e ove t - . BEST AVAILABLE IMAGE E684 CONC 2001 and within one year achieved the num- ber two modest share in low - calorie sweet- wen in the world. As a result, Vends saw more than 100 percent profit growth from 2001 to 2002 Also in that year. McNeil Mentions* nad a 110 percent sales growth from its base year and implemented -Sot Signet- qualify protects that resulted in cost savings of $15 million Mr. Speaker. I proudly ask you and my col- leagues to join me, the Alabama Technology Network and the Business Council of Alabama in honoring McNeil tails ends. Spend@ Plant. for its outstanding accomplishments I also want to recognize and thank McNeil Nutritionists for its contnbutiong to the local economy and to the quality of Me enjoyed the Stare of Alabama. PRESIDENTIAL GIFTS ACCOUNTABILITY ACT HON. DOUG OSE cc iKVIA '4E HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES Thursday. April 3. 2063 Mr OSE Mr Speaker. today. I rise to intro- duce a revised version of my "Presidential GMs Accountability Act During the 107th Congress I introduced an initial bill H.R. Kali Both versions of this good government bill establish responsibility In one agency her the receipt valuation and disposition of Pres. dentin gifts In January 2001. hate were press accounts of President Clinton's last finanMet disclosure report which covered calendar year 2000 and January 1-20 2001 This report revealed that the Clinton, chose to retain $190,027 in gifts, each over $280. choirs this period Feb- ruary 2001. there were press accounts of nu- memos furniture gifts to the White House resi- dence. *lice the Cantons returned to the U S Government These press stones led me to question how the current Presidential gale sys- tem works and what legislative changes if any. are needed to prevent future abuses I believe that the American people have the right to know what gifts were received and re- tained by their President Additionally I be- lieve that donors should not receive an unfair advantage in the policymaking process or other gcvemmental benefits To prevent future abuses. in March 2001 introduced H R 1081. the *Accountability for Presidential Gifts Act.' which had Imparts. support during the 107th Congress The Gov- em,ant Reform Subcommittee on Energy Policy. Natural Resources and Regulatory Af- fairs. which I chair. spent nearly a year gath- enng the empirical data to support and im- prove sue; a legislative effort. The Subcommittee found that several laws invoking six Federal offices and agencies. govern the current system, In February 2002 the Subcommittee released a 55-page docu- ment summarizing the Subcommittee s rind- wigs. The Subcommittee identified a host of problems with the Presidential cans system, such as consistently undervalued gifts and questionable White House Counsel rulings Since the current system is subject to abuse and political interference, I believe that there is a need tor centralized accountability in one agency staffed by career employees My bill establishes reeponsitshty in one agency- iSiON AI_ RFCORD - Extensions marks staffed by career employees-for the receipt, valuation and disposition et Presidential gets On October 28. 2002 my Subcommittees analysis was presented in House Report 107- 788. 'Problems with the Presidential Gifts System.* The Report summarized how the current system works, my Subcommittee's in- vestigation and findings. and recommenda- bons made in my Subcommittee's hearing and a second hearing by the Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Efficiency. Fi- nancial Management and Intergovernmental Relations The Reports findings included Non Competitive Hiring of Political Appointee for Career Job. Some Gifts Over the Reporting Threshold Were Not Disclosed. Some Gifts Were Solicited Many Gifts Were Undervalued Some Gifts Were Not Included in the White House- Database. Some Gifts Were Lost Questionable White House Counsel Rulings. Some U.S. Property Was Taken. Most Fur- c..:ure Gifts Were Coordinated Some Get Cer- tificates Were Accepted, and Huge Gifts to the Presidential Library The total value of gifts retained by the Minter First Family over an year period cre- ates at least an appearance problem The tact that so many gifts were undervaeled raises many questions The fact that gifts were mis- placed or lost show sloppy management and maybe more The fact that U.S government property was improperly taken is troubling And the fact that after the former First Lady s election to the U.S Senate and before she was subject to the Congress' very strict gift acceptance rules. the former First Family ac- cepted nearly $40 000 in furniture gifts and the First Lady whetted nearly S4C 000 in arts china and sever is disturbing at best Public servants. including the President. should not be able to enrich themselves with lavish gifts The revised version of my NV which ! am introducing today. reflects several rec. ommendatinns made by pubic witnesses at both hearings on the seer 'Avalon these in- clude the President of Common Cause and the Director for Public Sense of The Brook- ings Institution, both of which expressed sup- port for the bit I believe Met if enacted, the bill will provide transparency for the public. es. tarnish discipline in the multi-agency system. and ensure accountability A section-by-sec. oat analysis of the bits provisions .s attached to the introductOry statement The current bribes is clearly broken and needs to be fled. To expedite progress, I am also sending a letter to the President today to recommend some changes in the current system. which he can make administratively to provide wens- parency. discipline and accountability. Thee* Include interagency coordination, establish- ment of a unified database with a single num- bering system and annual public disclosure of all Presidential gilts over $100 (except a dill from a foreign government or a retrieve) A copy of this letter is also attached to this intro- ductory statement. House OF RIPRidslinTsTivEe. Washasgtoe, DC, April 1...vo.t. Hon Groans W Buse. The White Hoes.', 14Ctrunpros. IX DEAR MR PitEsird.NT Today. after a length, investigation and two hearings of Government Reform Subcommittees. I Intro- duced an improved version of my -Preat- dentlai Gifts Accountability Act.- This good government hill eetahlishes responsibility In April 3. 2003 one agency for the receipt. VAlUiV1(314. and disposition. of Presidential gins In the meantime. I am writing you to recommend some hang,* in the current system. which can be made administratively Several laws involving six Federal officers and agencies. govern the current system. The Suis ommIt tee on Energy Policy. Nat oral Resources and Regulatory Affairs. which I chair. Identified a host of problems with the system in use during the prior Ad- ministration. such as consistently under valued gifts and questionable White House Counsel rulings These are presented In House Report 107 Hill. Problems with the Presidential Gifts System Since the sys- tem is subject to abuse and political inter ference. I believe that there Is a need for cen tralixert accountability In one agency staffed by career employees. Sty bill establishes re- sponsibility In one agency for the receipt. valuation and disposition of Presidential gifts. At the second hearing In June 2002. It was revealed that only minor changes were made by your Administration to address the prob- lem* revealed in the first hearing in Feb- ruary 22. In July 3002. my Subcommittee in- .ted your staff and the six affected agencies lo a meeting to identify oftener* which could be made administravely. The attendees confirmed that, since the Subcommittee's Investigation began there has been no Inter- agency meeting or other coordination be- tween the all agencies: Mere Is no unified database system to use by the six agencies for the receipt. valuation and disposition of Presidential gifts and. there is no single numbering system for Presidential gifts. Please consider ouch coordination and rest,- iishment of unified database with a single numbering system. In addition. I recommend annual public disclosure of all Presidential gifts over $100 (except gift from foreign government or relative). As the Director for Public Service at the Brookings Institution stated. In this mo- ment of heightened public confidence In gov- ernment. the presidential gift process offers the potendal for staggering embarrassment and limintsherl accinntshility. The current fragmented process for framing, valuing. and manging gifts to the president defies bureau- cratic logic. and appears designed more to frustrate accounatbility than enhance it. One could design a more unwieldy system If one started oat do I agree with his as- ment. Sincerely. Gore ORE. Memnon' of Concerts CHILD ABDUCTION PREVENTION ACT fIFF.Frfl iry HON. KM NcCOLUM OF MINNLsoTs fe THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday. March 27, 2003 The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1104i to prevent child abduction, and for other purposes: Ms MCCOLLUM Mr Speaker, I rise today in support of H R 1104 the Child Abduction Prevention Act This legislation takes a writ. cant step toward bringing child abductors to justice by aiding Iaw enforcement agencies to effectively prevent investigate and prosecute cornJs against children H F 1104 also pro- vides families and communities with mime Male and effective assistance to recover a L, rap e e. n, rt of In IN In I sit" - a A el is , .