[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 16 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                         July 30, 2007.
Whereas Virginia's James River is considered a great natural asset of the United 
        States for its historical, environmental, and economic significance;
Whereas the first permanent English settlement in America was founded on the 
        banks of the James River at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607;
Whereas, prior to European settlement, the James River was known as Powhatan 
        River, a name associated with Chief Powhatan, who was a key figure in 
        the relationship between the Native American tribes and the Jamestown 
        settlement;
Whereas, for thousands of years, the James River provided a source of 
        nourishment and enrichment to the Native American tribes that lived 
        along its course;
Whereas the James River played a critical role in the founding of America by 
        sustaining the early settlers with its bounty, providing valuable 
        commodities to build the emerging economy of a new colony, and serving 
        as a strategic transportation corridor that shaped the settlement and 
        commerce of the region;
Whereas the James River is one of America's most historic rivers with over 1,100 
        historic landmarks within its watershed;
Whereas the James River watershed is home to the first colonial capital in 
        America and to numerous founding fathers and presidents, including 
        Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, James Monroe, James Madison, William 
        Henry Harrison, and John Tyler;
Whereas the James River's natural resources, scenic beauty, and recreational 
        opportunities continue to enhance the quality of life of visitors and 
        the people living along it;
Whereas Congress passed the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act of 2000, committing 
        the Federal Government to achieve improved water quality and 
        improvements in the productivity of living resources in the James River, 
        as a tributary to the Chesapeake Bay;
Whereas the year 2007 marks the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown; 
        and
Whereas, throughout 2006 and 2007, many events are planned as part of America's 
        400th Anniversary, which is an 18-month commemoration of the historic 
        events that occurred on and around the James River in 1607 and the 
        enduring world-wide significance of those historic events: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes Virginia's James River as ``America's Founding 
        River'';
            (2) recognizes the extraordinary historic, economic, recreational, 
        and environmental importance of the James River;
            (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe and 
        celebrate the James River's contribution to our Nation's history with 
        appropriate ceremonies and activities during America's 400th 
        Anniversary; and
            (4) recommits itself to protecting and restoring the James River for 
        the enjoyment and prosperity of current and future generations.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.