To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating areas within the island of Guam as a National Heritage Area, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2899) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating areas within the island of Guam as a National Heritage Area, and for other purposes.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2899, introduced by my Committee on Natural Resources colleague, Delegate San Nicolas.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2899 authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designated areas within the island of Guam as national heritage areas. The study would cover the entire island of Guam and identify areas of natural, historic, and cultural importance that reflect the traditions, customs, beliefs, and folklife that represent distinct and nationally significant aspects of the American story.

I congratulate Delegate San Nicolas for his strong advocacy in promoting this legislation on behalf of his constituents, and I urge support from my colleagues on this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Guam (Mr. San Nicolas), the sponsor of the legislation.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON, LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2899, ``To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating areas within the island of Guam as a National Heritage Area, and for other purposes.''

Different from national parks, national heritage areas are community- based efforts that preserve and share stories about a region's history and character. Heritage areas contain a mixture of public and private property, including towns, historic sites, parks, trails, commercial districts, and even working farms.

National Heritage Areas are a grassroots, community-driven approach to heritage conservation and economic development. Through public- private partnerships, NHA entities support historic preservation, natural resource conservation, recreation, heritage tourism, and educational projects. Leveraging funds and long-term support for projects, NHA partnerships foster pride of place and an enduring stewardship ethic.

When an area is designated as an NHA, its inhabitants don't have to leave. An important aspect of NHAs is that they are intended as a celebration of a living environment, and they improve the local economy around them.

The National Parks Service estimates NHAs average $5.50 for every $1.00 of federal investment, bolstering the local economies through their unique ``heritage tourism.''

Not only are NHAs economically friendly, but they are also climate friendly. Many NHAs improve water and air quality in their regions through restoration projects and encourage people to enjoy natural and cultural sites by providing new recreational opportunities.

Guam is much more than sun, sea, and sand. The island is awash with a history that dates back to the Latte Period of 2000BC, the period of Ancient Chamorro life before a Spanish expedition led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived on March 6, 1521.

With 131 sites around the island listed on the National Register of Historic Places, these historical landmarks weave a fascinating tale of the island's struggles, resilience, and victories over thousands of years. Though the island's colorful history spans the Spanish era, the American period, and Japanese WWII occupation, today Guam is most widely celebrated for its native Chamorro culture and pride.

Chamorros are the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands of which Guam is the largest and southernmost on an island chain. Archeological evidence identified civilization dating back 5,000 years.

Their vernacular, called the Chamorro language, is interestingly not a Micronesian dialect but a distinct language with its own vocabulary and grammar.

Therefore, considering the richness of Guam's land and its peoples, it brings me much joy to rise in strong support of H.R. 2899. I urge my colleagues to do the same.

It is for that reason, Madam Speaker, that I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Madam Speaker, Guam would like to begin by thanking the committee chairman for his leadership on this measure, as well as the ranking member, the gentleman from Arkansas, for the unanimous support of the committee for this legislation, H.R. 2899, and the majority leader for us being able to bring this measure to the floor today.

Madam Speaker, this bill would authorize the National Park Service to conduct a study throughout the territory of Guam to identify sites that will be eligible for designation as national heritage areas.

The first such designation occurred in 1984, signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. Since that time, 54 other sites throughout the country have been so designated as national heritage areas, enjoying the rightful support of this Federal Government to preserve, promote, and enhance the significance of these sites in the fabric of America.

Madam Speaker, Guam, in relation to our capital, is our westernmost territory, situated closer to Asia than America. Our island possesses one of the largest contiguous coral reefs in the country; a deep history that includes sites of Imperial Japanese occupation, devastation, and decimation during World War II; over 300 years of Spanish colonization and subjugation; 124 years as a U.S. possession; and 3,000 years of present-day indigenous history carried on by the indigenous CHamoru people, who this month recognized CHamoru culture and history month with Mes CHamoru.

Guam holds stories of resiliency, loyalty, triumph over struggle, and the struggle that is our present-day unreconciled relationship with these United States. It is the birthplace of patriots who gave their lives for this country; veterans who proudly served; and Americans through and through, who patiently yet persistently seek full inclusion in this great Nation.

This legislation is but one of many steps we must take to fully acknowledge the fabric of the territory of Guam and all territories in the tapestry that is American democracy.

Our national heritage is not contiguous to a single landmass, nor is it homogeneous to any single people. It is, in fact, everything and everyone we are today and the confluence of circumstances that have brought us to this day.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues throughout this Congress to join our colleagues on the committee to secure unanimous passage of H.R. 2899 as symbolic of the unanimity of this great Nation, the United States, Tribes, and territories of America.

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

Madam Speaker, H.R. 2899, offered by Mr. San Nicolas of Guam, requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating areas within the island of Guam as a national heritage area.

Archaeological evidence indicates that the Mariana Islands were one of the first places settled by seafaring peoples. The last 400 years of Guam's history are marked by administrations of three different nations: Spain, the United States, and Japan. After the Spanish- American War in 1898, Guam was ceded to the United States as an unincorporated territory.

Guam's rich history and culture merit consideration for national heritage area status.

I support Congressman San Nicolas' bill to study areas within the island of Guam to determine whether they merit designation as a national heritage area in the future.

Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, again, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.