In First Vote Since Midterms, the House of Representatives Passes Congressman Suozzi's Bill (385-4)
Press Release
Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed Congressman Suozzi's bill, renaming the "Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge," as the "Congressman Lester Wolff National Wildlife Refuge." The bill passed by a margin of 385-4. Congressman Wolff, who will celebrate his 100th birthday on January 4, 2019, and is currently the oldest living former Member of Congress, was instrumental in the creation of the refuge in 1968.
"The Long Island Sound is our national park and it is important to recognize one of the early champions of protecting and revitalizing the Sound," said Congressman Suozzi. "Without Congressman Wolff's tireless effort, and willingness to stand up to powerful interests, the Sound would be very different today. Renaming the refuge will honor his significant contributions, and hopefully, inform and inspire others to carry on the important work of protecting the environment."
Congressman Wolff spearheaded the effort to block the Oyster Bay-Rye bridge. He overcame powerful opposition from both Robert Moses, the famed New York planner, and Governor Nelson Rockefeller. Were it not for his tireless advocacy, the 8.5-mile bridge would have been built across Long Island Sound. The Congressman recognized that the bridge would despoil the Long Island Sound and fought to preserve the space. The success was a critical turning point in our environmental history.
The refuge is located on the north shore of Long Island and is the largest refuge in the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Covering 3,209 acres, the refuge includes subtidal habitats, a salt marsh, and a freshwater pond. The refuge is home to a wide variety of animal life and is especially important for wintering waterfowl.
Congressman Wolff served in Congress from 1964 to 1981 where he served as the Chairman of the Asian and Pacific Affairs Committee, and the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. He served in the Civil Air Patrol during World War II and commanded the Congressional Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, rising to the rank of Colonel. In 2014, Wolff received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award.
The text of H.R. 6064 can be found here.
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