A resolution honoring the sesquicentennial of Oregon statehood.

Mr. President, we rise to offer this resolution in recognition of a historic day for my STATE and the people of Oregon. On February 14, 1859, 150 years ago, President James Buchanan signed the bill that admitted Oregon as the 33rd STATE to join this great union.

Mr. President, 150 years ago, there were barely 50,000 people living in Oregon. Pictures from that era show hearty men and women standing in mud streets in front of clapboard buildings. That would soon change as thousands migrated across the continent on the Oregon Trail, a trek that would become synonymous with the American spirit.

Those who made that arduous journey were not nomads aimlessly wandering the land looking for a quick buck. They came with a purpose: to work hard and to make a new start in a new land. And what a new land it was. Oregon was graced by providence with endless forests, rivers teeming with fish, fertile valleys, majestic mountains, a dramatic coast line, and rugged high deserts.

Today, more than 3,500,000 people live in Oregon, which continues to boast some of the NATION's most unique and beautiful forests, farm lands, mountains, coast line and high deserts. They still beckon to those who seek a better life, much in the same way as those who endured the Oregon Trail. In some parts of Oregon the tracks made by the pioneers covered wagons are still visible, forever etched in the landscape.

Oregon has its geographic icons such as the Columbia River, Crater Lake, and Mount Hood. It has its great names: Wayne Morse, Mark Hatfield, Tom McCall. It has been a national leader with innovations such as an initiative stem that dates back to the turn of the last century, a beach bill, a bottle bill and a statewide land use planning process to protect those things that brought people to Oregon in the first place.

Over its 150-year history, Oregon has earned a reputation as a progressive, forward thinking STATE. We Oregonians are not without our quirks, but we embrace them with enthusiasm and wear them with pride. We have watched our economy change from one based on forestry and wood products to one that has become a leader in high-tech innovation, from wood chips to silicon chips. Millions of people around the world know of Oregon because of companies like Nike, Intel, and Columbia Sportswear that call Oregon home.

As our STATE embarks on another 150 years, Oregon is already working to cultivate new economies grounded in alternative energy, green buildings, and clean technology. Wind, geothermal, and wave energy are either already being generated in Oregon or will be soon. The solar energy industry has recognized the quality of Oregon's workforce and is moving to our STATE in a big way.

But as Oregon embraces the new economy and new technology, we have not forgotten those places for which we have become famous. With the help of this body, thousands of acres of Oregon's most beautiful, rugged, and pristine areas are destined for permanent protection. The anticipated additions of the Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness, the Copper Salmon Wilderness, the Badlands Wilderness, the Spring Basin Wilderness, and the Cascade Siskiyou National Monument guarantee future generations of Americans will see firsthand why Oregon was the NATION's first destination resort.

We are all aware that these are serious times that require our full and undivided attention if we are going to restore America's greatness as an economic power and rebuild our reputation with the rest of the world. But at the same time, I believe there is value at looking back to celebrate a place which has done so much to help make this country great. Please join me at wishing the great STATE of Oregon a happy birthday and many more to come.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor Oregon's 150th birthday. On February 14 of this year, we will begin a year-long celebration of those who invested their lives in making Oregon a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

I was born in Myrtle Creek, OR, the son of a sawmill worker and grew up in Roseburg, OR. I later moved to East Multnomah County with my family and am truly blessed to call Oregon my home and share all of its natural beauty with my family.

There are so many diverse events that take place all across Oregon which give our State its unique character. The Shakespeare Festival held in Ashland, OR, draws tens of thousands of people from all over the country and is one of the oldest non-profit theater companies in the world. The Pendleton Roundup, located in Eastern Oregon, is one of the largest rodeos in the world and has been going strong for nearly one hundred years.

Oregon is one of the most geographically diverse States in the country and people from all across the state love to celebrate the great Oregon outdoors. The Hood to Coast Relay, which starts at Mount Hood and ends in Seaside Oregon, is the largest relay in the world. Every year, Oregonians compete in six events at the Pole Peddle Paddle in Bend, OR, a relay race that begins at the top of Mount Bachelor and ends on the grassy banks of the Deschutes River. The Pole Peddle Paddle consists of a leg in alpine skiing/snowboarding, cross-country skiing, biking, running, canoe/kayaking and a sprint to the finish line.

Each of these events and the many other cultural, artistic and civic festivals held in the State--will have a special resonance this year as we honor our sesquicentennial.

But even more than the beautiful vistas of Oregon or the countless celebrations, Oregon is defined by the people who live there. I've traveled all over the State and met so many amazing Oregonians who continue to carry on the legacy of innovation and hard work that has transformed our State into an influential civic laboratory and high tech hub. Oregon has taken the lead on issues vital to our natural resources and led the way in producing of some of the finest goods in the country. As a United States Senator, I couldn't be prouder to represent such a wonderful State, filled with people who are incredibly kind and welcoming.

I encourage my fellow Oregonians to commemorate Oregon's 150th birthday by taking part in local celebrations of our culture and history and volunteering some of your time to a service project in your community. I invite my colleagues here in the Senate, your constituents, and citizens from around the world to come to Oregon this year and experience all our wonderful State has to offer. Regardless of where you live whether you are in North Carolina or Texas or Europe or South America a world of opportunity awaits you in Oregon. Come see how together we can make Oregon's next 150 years even more memorable.

(Mr. MERKLEY assumed the Chair.)

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 48, submitted earlier today.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and that any statements relating to the resolution be printed in the Record.