A resolution recognizing the importance of the role of the Lander Trail in the settlement of the American West on the 150th anniversary of the Lander Trail.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a part of Wyoming's history that is celebrating its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary this year. The Lander Trail, which runs for 256 miles from South Pass, WY, to Fort Hall, ID, was an important part of the expansion of the American West in the 1800s when people took up the challenge to ``go west'' and settle new territory. In 1858, Frederick W. Lander began surveying and construction for the first federally funded road west of the Mississippi to provide a better route for emigrants headed to California, Oregon, and a new life on the frontier. Today, I would like to recognize the historical role the Lander Trail played in Wyoming and the American West.

It was tough going for emigrants going west in the 1850s. The dangerous journey halfway across the country could take 6 months or more. After the Lander Trail was completed, it was a better road through easier territory. Emigrants headed to California or Oregon could cut 7 days off their journey by following the Lander Trail, and there were good sources of food, water, and forage for livestock along the way. Thirteen thousand people traveled the Lander Trail on their way to homestead in western territories or to pan for gold in California. The Lander Trail is part of the National Historic Trails system and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Lander Trail can still be seen today in Wyoming and the land looks almost the same as it did when Frederick Lander first started surveying it. The work of groups in Wyoming like the Lander Trail Foundation have ensured that the history of this unique piece of my State is being preserved and that people today can go and see and experience the Lander Trail. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the role that the Lander Trail has played in the history of my State of Wyoming and the settlement of the American West.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged and the Senate now proceed, en bloc, to the consideration of the following resolutions: S. Res. 601, National Save for Retirement Week; S. Res. 623, Anniversary of the Lander Trail; S. Res. 650, National Good Neighbor Day; S. Res. 667, Prostate Cancer Awareness Week.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions be agreed to, the preambles be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, en bloc.