Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission's Historical Preservation and Museum Program, which began on June 15, 1958, and for other purposes.

Mr. President, I am pleased that the Senate is acting on the House Concurrent Resolution, H. Con. Res. 325, which was introduced by Congressman Stupak and recognizes the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission's Historical Preservation and Museum Program. This anniversary, which will take place on June 15, 2008, honors the work of the Commission to protect, preserve, and communicate the rich history and natural wonders of Mackinac Island.

Located in the heart of the Great Lakes, between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island is an important part of this Nation's history. In colonial years, the island provided strategic fur-trading posts for French, British, and American settlements. During the Civil War, Britain's Fort Mackinac was established on this island and the fort was also used during the War of 1812. In 1817, the village of Mackinac was incorporated and served as the seat for the territorial county of Michilimackinac, which covered much of what is now Michigan. It also functioned as the seat of Mackinac County from 1849 through 1882. The island was considered a sacred place to Native Americans and functioned as a tribal gathering place and burial site. Today, the island is a popular tourism destination where people can relax, enjoy nature, and learn about history.

Since its inception in 1895, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission has been actively engaged in a variety of

restoration activities and has worked to interpret and communicate the multiple stories of this important island to millions of visitors. The Commission has participated in a number of initiatives, including archeological excavation, lighthouse restoration, and exhibit installation, to protect and manage the historic resources of the park.

The U.S. Congress recognized the significance of Mackinac when it established the Mackinac Island National Park in 1875, making it the Nation's second National Park after Yellowstone. In 1895, park ownership was transferred to the State of Michigan, creating Michigan's first State park. In 1958, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission established the Historical Preservation and Museum Program. This program has served as the primary caretaker and purveyor of the Island's considerable tale. I am pleased to extend my warmest congratulations to those individuals involved with this program who have painstakingly restored and preserved Mackinac Island for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 325, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission's Historical Preservation and Museum Program. This program is of special importance to the people of my state as it has preserved Mackinac's valuable history for generations to come.

From Mackinac's roots as an American Revolutionary War post, a battleground during the War of 1812, and a Civil War prison, Mackinac has been an important site in shaping American history. It was the Historical Preservation and Museum Program which restored the remarkable treasure of Fort Mackinac and opened its doors to eager and interested tourists in 1958. Now for 50 years, visitors have been able to step back in time and experience the setting of the old Northwest and frontier.

In addition to the undeniable preservation undertaken by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission's Historical Preservation and Museum Program, I value the strong impact the program provides the tourism economy of Michigan. Mackinac is a tourist destination because of its beautiful scenery and captivating history, and has welcomed more than 10 million visitors to the Mackinac State Historic Parks since 1958.

The people of Michigan are blessed to continue to share stories from our state that shaped the nation. We recognize the vital role the Mackinac Island State Park Commission's Historical Preservation and Museum Program has played in preserving our noteworthy history and conveying it in such an exciting way. The Commission's restoration and reopening of Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse in 2004, which further added to the rich traditions enjoyed on Michigan's waterways, is another example of history coming alive.

For these reasons and more the Mackinac Island State Park Commission's Historical Preservation and Museum Program deserves recognition for 50 years of preserving Michigan history while working to make history accessible and engaging.

I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 325) celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission's Historical Preservation and Museum Program, which began on June 15, 1958, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

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

House Concurrent Resolution 325, introduced by our colleague, Representative Bart Stupak, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission's Historical Preservation and Museum Program.

Mackinac Island was originally named our Nation's second national park in 1875. But it was turned over to the State of Michigan in 1895 when it became Michigan's first State park, and the Mackinac Island State Park Commission was created to care for and manage the park. Eighty percent of the island is still managed as a State park to preserve its geological wonders, wildlife, and wooded areas.

In 1958 Michigan granted authority to the commission to restore and interpret historical properties in the park. And so today we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of those efforts.

Our colleague Mr. Stupak is to be commended for his efforts on this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I support House Concurrent Resolution 325, and I urge its adoption today.

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

Mr. Speaker, I again urge Members to support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to support H. Con. Res. 325, Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission's Historical Preservation and Museum Program, which began on June 15, 1958.

In 1958, the State of Michigan granted authority to the Mackinac Island State Park Commission to restore and interpret Fort Mackinac and other historical properties at the Straits of Mackinac.

The Mackinac State Historic Parks complex is one of the most successful historic site complexes in North America. The Mackinac Island State Park Commission helps bring tourism to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and aids the local economy. This resolution commemorates the restoration and opening of Fort Mackinac to the public in 1958.

As a native Michigander, I have always enjoyed the beautiful and abundant natural resource that is Mackinac Island. All of my visits to Mackinac Island have been rewarding and fulfilling.

I join my fellow colleagues, in honoring the accomplishments and creation of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission's Historical Preservation and Museum Program, and to commemorate the 50th anniversary by supporting this resolution.

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

I rise in support of this resolution and commend the gentleman from Michigan for offering this resolution that recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission's Historical Preservation and Museum Program.

It is very clear that in America we do care about our natural resources, our natural beauty, and we find ways to show that. In the case of Michigan, this recognizes 50 years of, in fact, applauding and preserving the kinds of beauty that exist, I won't say only in Michigan, as a native Ohioan, but throughout the Midwest.

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

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.