Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park Act of 2008

Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Subcommittee on National Parks. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at 2:30 p.m., in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on the following bills: S. 1816, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish a commemorative trail in connection with the Women's Rights National Historical Park to link properties that are historically and thematically associated with the struggle for women's suffrage, and for other purposes; S. 2093, to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of the Missisquoi and Trout Rivers in the State of Vermont for study for potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; S. 2535, to revise the boundary of the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, and for other purposes; S. 2561, to require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a theme study to identify sites and resources to commemorate and interpret the Cold War; S. 3011, to amend the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site Act of 1991 to expand the boundaries of the historic site, and for other purposes; S. 3113, to reinstate the Interim Management Strategy governing off-road vehicle use in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina, pending the issuance of a final rule for off-road vehicle use by the National Park Service; S. 3148, to modify the boundary of the Oregon Caves National Monument, and for other purposes; S. 3158, to extend the authority for the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission; S. 3226, to rename the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site in the State of Kentucky as the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park; S. 3247, to provide for the designation of the River Raisin National Battlefield Park in the State of Michigan; and H.R. 5137, to ensure that hunting remains a purpose of the New River Gorge National River.

Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send it to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510-6150, or by email to [email protected] .gov.

For further information, please contact David Brooks at (202) 224- 9863 or Rachel Pasternack at (202) 224-0883.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the memory of Margaret Lois Pryor Queen. Born 86 years ago in Henderson County, North Carolina, Lois Queen was a tireless advocate throughout her life for children in western North Carolina.

In 1942, Lois Queen graduated from Western Carolina Teachers College as the first female majoring in physical education. Throughout the 1950's and 1960's, she worked as a schoolteacher and an elementary school principal in North Carolina and Fairfax County, Virginia. She earned a master's degree in education from American University in 1969, while serving as a school principal.

In 1972, Queen was instrumental in the creation of the Southwestern Child Development Commission, a nonprofit agency designed to coordinate and generate community resources to support high quality child care services, including developmental day care, in the westernmost seven counties of North Carolina. Queen became the director of the Southwestern Child Development Commission in 1972. The organization now has a staff of over 300, and serves more than 2,000 children per month.

In the 1980's, Lois Queen continued to advocate for children as the chair of the North Carolina Day Care Commission. Even during her retirement, she served on the boards of the Southwestern Child Development Commission and REACH of Haywood County.

Lois Queen leaves behind 5 children and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. I offer my sincere condolences to them. They are in my thoughts and prayers. I would also like to offer my gratitude to those who follow the legacy of Lois Queen, and work with the Southwestern Child Development Commission to advocate each day on behalf of the children of western North Carolina.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing remorse at to the passing of Lois Queen. Her life was an example of service and advocacy for all of us to follow.

Mr. President, I would like to introduce a bill to rename the ``Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site'' in the State of Kentucky as the ``Abraham Lincoln Birthplace Historical Park.''

In 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born at Sinking Spring Farm, near Hodgenville, Kentucky, making him the first President to be born outside the original Thirteen Colonies. A century later, in 1916, the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site was established to protect over 100 acres of this enshrined area.

In 1811, the Lincoln family moved from Sinking Spring Farm to Knob Hill Farm, Kentucky, until Abraham Lincoln was nearly 8 years old. At the age of 51, Abraham Lincoln wrote, ``My earliest recollection is the Knob Creek place.'' While at Knob Hill, Abraham Lincoln learned to talk and assume household duties, helping his family gather wood and water. It was also at Knob Hill, during his boyhood years, where Lincoln first saw African Americans being taken south along the Louisville-Nashville Turnpike, part of the old Cumberland Road, to be sold as slaves. Only 50 years later, Abraham Lincoln would successfully lead his Nation through its worst crisis to abolish slavery.

There is an inspiring climb from modest beginnings to the highest office in the land, along with a relentless spirit through the most distressing time in the history of our Nation, which opens us to the life of Abraham Lincoln.

As someone who is proud to share the same birth State with Abraham Lincoln, I believe there is a credible desire in Kentucky to continue the education and promotion among our citizens, particularly the young, to understand and appreciate his righteous leadership. It is difficult to name another person who has displayed the qualities and character of the U.S. as much as Abraham Lincoln.

Mr. President, I would like to introduce a bill to rename the ``Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site'' in the State of Kentucky as the ``Abraham Lincoln Birthplace Historical Park.''

In 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born at Sinking Spring Farm, near Hodgenville, Kentucky, making him the first President to be born outside the original Thirteen Colonies. A century later, in 1916, the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site was established to protect over 100 acres of this enshrined area.

In 1811, the Lincoln family moved from Sinking Spring Farm to Knob Hill Farm, Kentucky, until Abraham Lincoln was nearly 8 years old. At the age of 51, Abraham Lincoln wrote, ``My earliest recollection is the Knob Creek place.'' While at Knob Hill, Abraham Lincoln learned to talk and assume household duties, helping his family gather wood and water. It was also at Knob Hill, during his boyhood years, where Lincoln first saw African Americans being taken south along the Louisville-Nashville Turnpike, part of the old Cumberland Road, to be sold as slaves. Only 50 years later, Abraham Lincoln would successfully lead his Nation through its worst crisis to abolish slavery.

There is an inspiring climb from modest beginnings to the highest office in the land, along with a relentless spirit through the most distressing time in the history of our Nation, which opens us to the life of Abraham Lincoln.

As someone who is proud to share the same birth State with Abraham Lincoln, I believe there is a credible desire in Kentucky to continue the education and promotion among our citizens, particularly the young, to understand and appreciate his righteous leadership. It is difficult to name another person who has displayed the qualities and character of the U.S. as much as Abraham Lincoln.