Hudson - Fulton - Champlain 400th Commemoration Commission Act of 2004

HUDSON-FULTON-CHAMPLAIN 400TH COMMEMORATION COMMISSION ACT OF 2004 -- (House of Representatives - September 22, 2004)

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2528) to establish the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 400th Commemorative Commission, and for other purposes, as amended.

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Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey), the author of this legislation.

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Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with the gentleman from California (Mr. Ose) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey) in support of this legislation. The Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Commission, as established in this act, will plan and develop programs in 2009 that will celebrate the voyages of discovery made by Henry Hudson, Robert Fulton, and Samuel de Champlain.

The programs and activities will mark the 400th anniversary of the voyage of Henry Hudson, the first European to sail up the Hudson River; the 200th anniversary of the voyage of Robert Fulton, the first person to use steam navigation on a commercial basis; and the 400th anniversary of the voyage of Samuel de Champlain, the first European to discover and to explore Lake Champlain.

The exploration of the Hudson River and Lake Champlain and the introduction of steam navigation in maritime commerce played an important role in shaping New York State. In addition, these early explorers opened a part of North America that was crucial to international trade throughout eastern New York, the North Country and the Lake Champlain region.

The Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 400th Commemoration Commission represents a unique opportunity to celebrate New York, its history and its heritage.

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Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 400th Commemoration Commission Act, and I thank my colleague MAURICE HINCHEY for his leadership on this issue.

I am pleased that the bill under consideration today will establish a Commission charged with planning, developing and executing programs and activities appropriate to commemorate the voyages of three explorers. From these early explorations and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" to today's waterfront development projects, the Hudson River has enriched life in New York for centuries. Safeguarding the rich historical legacy of these natural resources is a commitment we must all make, and we have an obligation to educate the public on the three explorers and their voyages.

As the co-founder of the Hudson River Caucus, I have worked to help realize the full educational, environmental, and economic potential of the Hudson River and its waterfront. The event that will take place in 2009, commemorating the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage, the 200th anniversary of the voyage of Robert Fulton, and the 400th anniversary of the voyage of Samuel de Champlain, will help to achieve these goals. This legislation will celebrate and cherish these significant explorers and voyages, and help ensure historic preservation and increase public awareness for generations to come.

I am happy to support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

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Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.