Recognizing Virginia's James River as "America's Founding River".

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Natural Resources be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 16) recognizing Virginia's James River as ``America's Founding River,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 16 would grant the recognition of the House to Virginia's James River as ``America's Founding River.''

The resolution was introduced by our colleague, Representative Jo Ann Davis of Virginia.

The James River rises in the Allegheny Mountains and flows to the Chesapeake Bay. It is one of the longest rivers in our country to lie in a single state.

Mr. Speaker, Native Americans gave the name of their great chief Powhatan to the river that nourished the tribes along its banks.

In 1607, when English colonists established their first permanent settlement in America, they named the river--and their new town--after King James the First.

The James River sustained those early settlers, supported the growth of the first colonial capital in American, and provided a route for the first westwardbound pioneers.

The land along the James was home to many of our founding fathers and presidents, and great mansions still grace its shores.

Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 16 would grant the recognition of the House to the historic, economic, recreational and environmental importance of the James River and encourages the people of the U.S. to celebrate the contributions of the river to our Nation's history as part of the ceremonies and activities during Jamestown's 400th anniversary.

The resolution also reminds us of our commitment in 2000, as part of the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act, to improving water quality in the bay's tributaries, including the James, and calls on us to recommit ourselves to protecting and restoring that great river.

Mr. Speaker, we have no objection to H. Res. 16, and urge its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend rollcall votes today, January 31, 2007. I would like to enter into the Record how I intended to vote on the missed rollcall votes:

On roll No. 64, On a Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H. Res. 59, Supporting the goals and ideas of National Engineers Week, I would have voted ``yes.''

On roll No. 65, On a Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H. Con. Res. 34, Honoring the life of Percy Lavon Julian, I would have voted ``yes.''

On roll No. 66, On Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 16, I would have voted ``yes.''

On roll No. 67, On Agreeing to the Resolution on H. Res. 16, I would have voted ``yes.''

On roll No. 68, On Consideration of the Joint Resolution for H.J. Res. 20, I would have voted ``yes.''

On roll No. 69, On Tabling the Motion to Reconsider re H.J. Res. 20, I would have voted ``yes.''

On roll No. 70, On Tabling the Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair re H.J. Res. 20, I would have voted ``yes.''

On roll No. 71, On the Motion to Recommit with Instructions re H.J. Res. 20, I would have voted ``no.''

On roll No. 72, On Passage of H.J. Res. 20, I would have voted ``yes.''

On roll No. 73, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H. Con. Res. 5, Establishing Hire A Veteran Week, I would have voted ``yes.''