II 110th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 3247 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES July 10 (legislative day, July 9), 2008 Mr. Levin (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources A BILL To provide for the designation of the River Raisin National Battlefield Park in the State of Michigan.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the River Raisin National Battlefield Act.

2.

Findings

Congress finds that— (1)the War of 1812, often referred to as America’s Second War of Independence, was significant in the development of the United States because the War— (A)helped forge a national identity; (B)retained and solidified the northern border with Canada; and (C)firmly established the sovereignty of the United States; (2)in section 603 of division I of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 (16 U.S.C. 1a–5 note; Public Law 104–333), Congress found that the historical integrity of many Revolutionary War sites and War of 1812 sites is at risk; (3)the River Raisin battlefield is the site of a major engagement of the War of 1812; (4)the battles and subsequent massacre at the River Raisin were some of the most significant military events of the entire War; (5)approximately 65 United States prisoners were killed or burned alive the day after the second battle; (6)out of the nearly 1,000 United States soldiers and militia members who participated in the battle, only 33 escaped death or capture; (7)the defeat of the United States forces at Frenchtown, now Monroe, Michigan, the subsequent massacre, and the burning of the settlement were described by General William Henry Harrison as a national calamity; (8)the outrage stemming from the catastrophe aided recruitment efforts for the successful United States campaign in the spring of 1813; (9)soldiers marching to Canada the following summer passed through the ashes of Frenchtown and were so moved by the tragic scene that the soldiers were spurred on to victory at the Battle of the Thames, where the soldiers shouted the emotional battle cry, “Remember the Raisin!”; (10)the events that occurred on the River Raisin battlefield remain a significant moment in United States history; and (11)the River Raisin battlefield where so many citizens died defending the United States deserves the highest degree of Federal protection and interpretation.

3.

River Raisin National Battlefield Park

(a)

In general

If Monroe County or Wayne County, Michigan, or other willing landowners in either County offer to donate to the United States land relating to the Battles of the River Raisin on January 18 and 22, 1813, or the aftermath of the battles, the Secretary of the Interior (referred to in this Act as the Secretary) shall accept the donated land. (b)

Designation of Park

On the acquisition of land under subsection (a) that is of sufficient acreage to permit efficient administration, the Secretary shall designate the acquired land as a unit of the National Park System, to be known as River Raisin National Battlefield Park. (c)

Report

Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report describing the progress made with respect to— (1)acquiring real property under subsection (a); and (2)designating the River Raisin National Battlefield Park.