To authorize the Secretary of Interior to convey to The Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center Foundation, Inc. certain Federal land associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in Nebraska, to be used as an historical interpretive site along the trail.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Mexico.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3871, a bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey a Lewis and Clark visitor center in my district from the National Park Service to a well- respected nonprofit organization. As the sponsor of this bill, I encourage my colleagues to support this important legislation.

I would like to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), the chairman of the House Committee on Resources, and the distinguished gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce), the chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, for their outstanding work on bringing this legislation to the floor. We appreciate it.

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Nancy Hoch from Nebraska City, who has played such a key role in the construction of the visitor center and its ongoing operation. Her vision and leadership have been instrumental in making the center such an outstanding success.

The bill is very straightforward. It would simply convey certain Federal land near Nebraska City associated with the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center to the related nonprofit group, the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center Foundation, Incorporated.

The bill also authorizes $150,000 annually for 10 years to operate the facility. It is important to note that the National Park Service currently provides about $200,000 annually to subsidize operations at the center. As a result, enactment of this legislation would actually save the Federal Government about $50,000 per year.

It is also important to note that I worked with the National Park Service in drafting the language for the bill, and this proposed conveyance fits with the long-range plans for the center. I also believe that it would be the most cost-effective option for the Park Service.

H.R. 3871 is cosponsored by both of my colleagues from Nebraska, Representatives Lee Terry and Tom Osborne. A companion bill in the Senate, S. 1957, has the support of both Nebraska Senators, Chuck Hagel and Ben Nelson.

The Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center is an outstanding resource and an impressive facility. The nonprofit organization associated with it includes a committed group of individuals who have spent many years making the center a reality and ensuring that it provides a meaningful and educational experience for those who visit

it. This legislative action is needed to fulfill the original plan for operating the visitor center.

The Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is truly unique. It is the only visitor center or museum in the United States to focus on the flora and fauna and scientific discoveries recorded by Lewis and Clark.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition was a watershed mark in American history. Two centuries later, the courageous story of these two outstanding explorers and the Corps of Discovery continues to inspire Americans of all ages. This legislation will help ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to learn about this remarkable journey.

Again, Mr. Speaker, I would encourage my colleagues to vote for H.R. 3871.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3871) to authorize the Secretary of Interior to convey to The Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center Foundation, Inc. certain Federal land associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in Nebraska, to be used as an historical interpretive site along the trail, as amended.

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

H.R. 3871, introduced by Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center Foundation specified Federal land associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in Nebraska. This land would be used as an historic site and interpretive center for the trail.

I urge your support for H.R. 3871.

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

Mr. Speaker I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Fortenberry), the author of the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

(Ms. BORDALLO asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, this is a noncontroversial measure, and it contains appropriate safeguards regarding the property being conveyed for use as a visitor center for the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

We urge the adoption of H.R. 3871.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and so I yield back my time.