[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 541 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

<DOC>






116th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 541

Recognizing and celebrating the 200th anniversary of the entry of Maine 
                    into the Union as the 23d State.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 11, 2020

    Ms. Collins (for herself and Mr. King) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing and celebrating the 200th anniversary of the entry of Maine 
                    into the Union as the 23d State.

Whereas the place now known as Maine is Wabanaki Homeland and is home to vibrant 
        indigenous cultures and communities;
Whereas Maine was a district of Massachusetts, 1 of the 13 original colonies of 
        the United States;
Whereas, by 1820, people living in Maine had built a thriving economy that 
        included farming, forestry, fishing, and shipbuilding industries;
Whereas, in March 1820, Congress and President James Monroe approved the 
        Missouri Compromise, authorizing the establishment of the State of Maine 
        and making Maine the 23d State of the United States;
Whereas Maine is characterized by hardworking, altruistic, and independent 
        people and a strong community spirit;
Whereas the State motto of Maine, ``Dirigo'', Latin for ``I lead'', reflects the 
        trailblazing nature of Maine and the 1,300,000 inhabitants of Maine;
Whereas Maine has 1 of the highest numbers of veterans per capita in the United 
        States, and is the home of Togus, the first veterans hospital in the 
        United States;
Whereas Maine contributes greatly to national defense through the Portsmouth 
        Naval Shipyard, Bath Iron Works, Pratt & Whitney, and numerous other 
        suppliers and installations whose skilled employees are a vital asset to 
        the United States;
Whereas distinguished statesmen from Maine include William King, Joshua 
        Chamberlain, Hannibal Hamlin, Margaret Chase Smith, and Edmund Muskie;
Whereas Maine is known as ``The Pine Tree State'' and ``Vacationland'' for the 
        extensive forests and spectacular scenery that draw millions of visitors 
        to Maine every year;
Whereas the majestic beauty of Mount Katahdin, 1 of the highest peaks in New 
        England and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, and other 
        unspoiled natural treasures beckon outdoor enthusiasts;
Whereas the rugged coastline and vibrant fall foliage of Maine are showcased in 
        particular splendor in Acadia National Park, 1 of the 10 most visited 
        national parks in the United States;
Whereas the pristine Atlantic waters off the coast of Maine support fishermen 
        and women and the iconic lobster industry, which is the most valuable 
        fishery in the United States and is known worldwide as a standard of 
        seafood excellence;
Whereas Maine is the most forested State in the United States, with a long 
        history of pulp and paper production and an exciting recent turn toward 
        innovation and diversification of forest products;
Whereas the fertile soils of Maine have helped farmers produce the best potatoes 
        and wild blueberries for generations, and have supported the increase of 
        organic agriculture operations;
Whereas March 15, 2020, marks the 200th anniversary of the attainment of 
        statehood by Maine; and
Whereas that bicentennial is a monumental occasion to celebrate and commemorate 
        the achievements of the great State of Maine: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate recognizes and celebrates the 200th 
anniversary of the entry of Maine into the Union as the 23d State.
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