Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2215) to redesignate the Salem Maritime National Historic Site as the ``Salem Maritime National Historical Park'', and for other purposes.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 2215

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act''. SEC. 2. SALEM MARITIME NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK.

(a) Redesignation.--The Salem Maritime National Historic Site shall hereafter be known and designated as the ``Salem Maritime National Historical Park''.

(b) References in Law.--Any reference to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United States shall be deemed to be a reference to the Salem Maritime National Historical Park. SEC. 3. BOUNDARY STUDY.

(a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a boundary study to evaluate the suitability and feasibility of including in the National Park System, as part of the Salem Maritime National Historical Park (as redesignated by section 2(a)), sites and resources in the study area associated with the study area's--

(1) maritime history;

(2) coastal defenses; and

(3) military history, including National Guard and militia activity.

(b) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are made available to conduct the study required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report containing--

(1) the results of the study; and

(2) any findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the Secretary.

(c) Definitions.--In this section:

(1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior.

(2) Study area.--The term ``study area'' means Salem, Massachusetts, and its vicinity, and includes the Salem Armory Visitor Center building and adjacent Salem Armory Park.

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Mr. WESTERMAN. 2215, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Representative Moulton's bill, the Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act. This legislation would redesignate the Salem Maritime National Historic Site in Salem, Massachusetts, as the Salem Maritime National Historical Park.

Known for its rich history dating back to the colonial era, this area was the first historic site to be included in the National Park System in 1938. Today, the historical park includes 12 historic structures, a downtown visitors center, and a replica of a famous sailing ship, the Friendship of Salem. The site attracts over 800,000 visitors annually and showcases over 600 years of New England's maritime history.

Since most historical sites focus on a singular historical feature, designating Salem Maritime as a national historic park would align with the naming conventions of other National Park System units around the country. Community leaders in the area also hope the redesignation will lead to more visitors by highlighting the various attractions.

In addition to the redesignation, this legislation also requires the National Park Service to conduct a boundary study of related sites to assess their feasibility for future inclusion in the historical park.

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time.
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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, this bill will more appropriately reflect the varied and unique history of the timeless landmarks in Salem, Massachusetts.

I thank my friend and acknowledge Representative Moulton for his work on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and acknowledge Representative Moulton for his work on this bill, and I urge its adoption. I yield back the balance of my time.

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered.

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