March 5, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 39 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H2326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        COMMEMORATING THE 157TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HOMESTEAD ACT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Nebraska (Mr. Smith) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 157th 
anniversary of the Homestead Act passing the House of Representatives.
  The Homestead Act was instrumental in bringing settlers to the 
Midwest and forming the State of Nebraska, as it allowed any qualified 
person to claim up to 160 acres of Federally owned land in exchange for 
5 years of living on and improving the property.
  Homestead National Monument, which is located in Nebraska's Third 
Congressional District, commemorates this law.
  Unfortunately, the name of this facility does not represent its 
cultural and historical value, as many tourists show up looking for a 
physical monument rather than a park, which would more accurately 
describe it.
  For this reason, and at the request of the local community, I 
introduced a bill on Thursday, February 28, the law's anniversary, to 
reclassify Homestead National Monument as a national historical park.
  I ask my colleagues to support this bill in order to maximize its 
value in terms of education, tourism, and economic development for the 
surrounding community as it commemorates an important event in our 
Nation's history.

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