Strengthening America's Turning Point Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1550) to redesignate Saratoga National Historical Park as Saratoga National Battlefield Park.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 1550

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 ``Strengthening America's Turning Point Act''. SEC. 2. SARATOGA NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK.

(a) Redesignation.--Saratoga National Historical Park shall hereafter be known and designated as ``Saratoga National Battlefield Park''.

(b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to Saratoga National Historical Park shall be deemed to be a reference to Saratoga National Battlefield Park.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. WESTERMAN. 1550, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Representative Stefanik's bill, H.R. 1550, which will redesignate the Saratoga National Historical Park located in her district as the Saratoga National Battlefield Park.

Saratoga County, New York, is the fastest growing county in New York State and features a robust economy and world-class tourist destinations for families and history buffs alike. However, this prosperous community in upstate New York would not exist if not for a series of legendary events that took place nearly 250 years ago.

In September 1777, General Horatio Gates led Continental Army troops against the British empire in present-day Saratoga County. In the ensuing Battles of Saratoga, American colonists forged a turning point in the Revolutionary War by routing the British invasion force.

Today, this 3,400-acre site is considered a unit of the National Park System. There, visitors can explore trails and experience the historic battlefield, which includes landmarks, fortifications, and other important structures.

Representative Stefanik's legislation would redesignate this hallowed site as the Saratoga National Battlefield Park, thereby recognizing its significance as a historic battlefield and highlighting the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought there.

While this area was originally named Saratoga Battlefield Park by the State of New York, the battlefield nomenclature was dropped in 1938 when the area became part of the National Park System. With the battles' upcoming 250th anniversary, however, residents of Saratoga County and New York State have called for renaming the park to clarify its place in the heroic struggle for American independence.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Stefanik for her leadership on this issue. She is a longstanding advocate for honoring America's history and protecting hallowed battlefields. Her leadership was crucial in ensuring the passage of the bipartisan American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act, which was signed into law earlier this year.

Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. WESTERMAN. Stefanik), the lead sponsor of this bill.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, this bill by Representative Stefanik acknowledges a significant site for its pivotal role in American history as we approach our Nation's 250th anniversary.

I urge the adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source