Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark Act

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2059) to designate Fort Bayard Historic District in the State of New Mexico as a National Historic Landmark, and for other purposes.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2059. First I would like to take this opportunity to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Pombo); the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich); along with the ranking member, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), for allowing the Committee on Resources to consider H.R. 2059 in an expedited manner and for allowing it to be considered on the House floor today.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2059 would designate Fort Bayard Historic District in the State of New Mexico as a National Historic Landmark.

On August 21, 1866, troops under the command of Lt. James Kerr, Company B, 125th United States Colored Infantry, began building a new post in Apache country near the mining communities of Pinos Altos and Silver City, New Mexico. The infantry troops stationed at Fort Bayard were nicknamed ``Buffalo Soldiers'' by the Cheyenne and Comanche Indians. The post was named after Brigadier General George D. Bayard, who had been killed in the battle of Fredericksburg.

After Geronimo's surrender, Fort Bayard as a military post was no longer needed. As a result, in 1899 Fort Bayard became the first sanatorium dedicated to the treatment of soldiers suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis.

In 1922, Fort Bayard came under the jurisdiction of the Veterans' Administration and became a treatment center for veterans. During World War II, Fort Bayard housed German prisoners of war.

Today, the post is operated as a hospital by the State of New Mexico and presently employs approximately 400 employees. To this day, Fort Bayard continues to play a vital role in the health care of Grant County, New Mexico, and the surrounding area.

Designation of Fort Bayard as a National Historic Landmark is important for the preservation of its historical significance. It is also very important to southeastern New Mexico's economic development. The region is currently suffering from high unemployment and stagnant economic growth. This designation would allow Fort Bayard to attract more tourism to the area and would bring in much-needed economic revenue, which could help fuel more investment in the region.

H.R. 2059 has the unanimous support of the New Mexico Congressional delegation, is cosponsored by the entire delegation, and also has very strong public support.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2059.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2059 is the companion measure to the Senate bill, S. 214, introduced by Senator Bingaman, which passed the Senate on March 4, 2003, and has been referred to the Committee on Resources. The legislation provides for the establishment of the Fort Bayard National Historical Landmark in the State of New Mexico. The legislation also authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical and financial assistance to the site.

The fort has a long history of use as a military post and medical facility. The site is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

While no hearings have been held on this bill, the Committee on Resources ordered it reported to the House in July. We will not object to the consideration of H.R. 2059 by the House today, but I would note for the record that taking up the House bill, when the companion Senate bill has been pending in the House since March, only serves to needlessly complicate the process of enactment.

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

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 286, H.R. 2059.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read the third time, passed, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table; that any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record as if read, without intervening action or debate.