[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 23, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H7642-H7646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
OKLAHOMA CITY NATIONAL MEMORIAL ACT OF 1997
Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
Senate bill (S. 871) to establish the Oklahoma City National Memorial
as a unit of the National Park System; to designate the Oklahoma City
Memorial Trust, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
S. 871
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Oklahoma City National
Memorial Act of 1997''.
SEC. 2 FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) few events in the past quarter-century have rocked
Americans' perception of themselves and their institutions,
and brought together the people of our Nation with greater
intensity than the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P.
Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City;
(2) the resulting deaths of 168 people, some of whom were
children, immediately touched thousands of family members
whose lives will forever bear scars of having those precious
to them taken away so brutally;
(3) suffering with such families are countless survivors,
including children, who struggle not only with the suffering
around them, but their own physical and emotional injuries
and with shaping a life beyond April 19;
(4) such losses and struggles are personal and, since they
resulted from so public an attack, they are also shared with
a community, a nation, and the world; and,
(5) the story of the bombing does not stop with the attack
itself or with the many losses it caused. The responses of
Oklahoma's public servants and private citizens, and those
from throughout the nation, remain as a testament to the
sense of unity, compassion, even heroism, that characterized
the rescue and recovery following the bombing.
(6) During the days immediately following the Oklahoma City
bombing, Americans and people from around the world of all
races, political philosophies, religions and walks of life
responded with unprecedented solidarity and selflessness; and
(7) Given the national and international impact and
reaction, the federal character of the site of the bombing,
and the significant percentage of the victims and survivors
who were federal employees the Oklahoma City Memorial will be
established, designed, managed and maintained to educate
present and future generations, through a public/private
partnership, to work together efficiently and respectfully in
developing a National Memorial relating to all aspects of the
April 19, 1995, bombing in Oklahoma City.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Memorial.--The term ``Memorial'' means the Oklahoma
City National Memorial designated under section 4(a).
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(3) Trust.--The term ``Trust'' means the Oklahoma City
National Memorial Trust designated under section 5(a).
SEC. 4. OKLAHOMA CITY NATIONAL MEMORIAL.
(a) Establishment.--In order to preserve for the benefit
and inspiration of the people of the United States and the
World, as a National Memorial certain lands located in
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, there is established as a unit of
the National Park System the Oklahoma City National Memorial.
The Memorial shall be administered by the Trust in
cooperation with the Secretary and in accordance with the
provisions of this Act, the Act of August 25, 1916 (39 Stat.
535; 16 U.S.C. 1 et. seq.), and the Act of August 21, 1935
(49 Stat 666; 16 U.S.C. 461-467).
(b) The Memorial area shall be comprised of the lands,
facilities and structures generally depicted on the map
entitled ``Oklahoma City National Memorial'', numbered OCNM
001, and dated May 1997 (hereinafter referred to in this Act
as the ``map''):
(1) Such map shall be on file and available for public
inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park
Service and the Trust.
(2) After advising the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Resources of the
House of Representatives, in writing, the Trust, as
established by section 5 of this Act, in consultation with
the Secretary, may make minor revisions of the boundaries of
the Memorial when necessary by publication of a revised
drawing or other boundary description in the Federal
Register.
SEC. 5. OKLAHOMA CITY NATIONAL MEMORIAL TRUST.
(a) Establishment.--There is established a wholly owned
government corporation to be known as the Oklahoma City
National Memorial Trust.
(b) Board of Directors.--
(1) In general.--The powers and management of the Trust
shall be vested in a board of Directors (hereinafter referred
to as the ``Board'') consisting of the following 9 members:
(A) The Secretary or the Secretary's designee.
(B) Eight individuals, appointed by the President, from a
list of recommendations submitted by the Governor of the
State of Oklahoma; and a list of recommendations submitted by
the Mayor of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and a list of
recommendations submitted by the United States Senators from
Oklahoma; and, a list of recommendations submitted by United
States Representatives from Oklahoma. The President shall
make the appointments referred to in this subparagraph within
90 days after the enactment of this Act.
(2) Terms.--Members of the Board appointed under paragraph
(1)(B) shall each serve for a term of 4 years, except that of
the members first appointed, 2 shall serve for a term of 3
years; and 2 shall serve a term of 2 years. Any vacancy in
the Board shall be filled in the same manner in which the
original appointment was made, and any member appointed to
fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of that term for
which his or her predecessor was appointed. No appointed
member may serve more than 8 years in consecutive terms.
(3) Quorum.--Five members of the Board shall constitute a
quorum for the conduct of business by the Board.
(4) Organization and compensation.--The Board shall
organize itself in such a manner as it deems most appropriate
to effectively carry out the authorized activities of the
Trust. Board members shall serve without pay, but may be
reimbursed for the actual and necessary travel and
subsistence expenses incurred by them in the performance of
the duties of the Trust.
(5) Liability of directors.--Members of the Board of
Directors shall not be considered Federal employees by virtue
of their membership on the Board, except for purposes of the
Federal Tort Claims Act and the Ethics in Government Act, and
the provisions of chapter 11 of title 18, United States Code.
(6) Meetings.--The Board shall meet at least three times
per year in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and at least two of those
meetings shall be opened to the public. Upon a majority vote,
the Board may close any other meetings to the public. The
Board shall establish procedures for providing public
information and opportunities for public comment regarding
operations maintenance and management of the Memorial; as
well as, policy, planning and design issues.
(7) Staff.--
(A) Non-national park service staff.--The Trust is
authorized to appoint and fix the compensation and duties of
an executive director and such other officers and employees
as it deems necessary without regard to the provisions of
title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the
competitive service, and may pay them without regard to the
provisions of chapter 51, and subchapter III of chapter 53,
title 5, United States Code, relating to classification and
General Schedule pay rates.
(B) Interim park service staff.--At the request of the
Trust, the Secretary shall provide for a period not to exceed
2 years, such personnel and technical expertise, as
necessary, to provide assistance in the implementation of the
provisions of this Act.
(C) Park service staff.--At the request of the Trust, the
Secretary shall provide such uniformed personnel, on a
reimbursable basis, to carry out day to day visitor service
programs.
(D) Other federal employees.--At the request of the Trust,
the Director of any other Federal agency may provide such
personnel, on a reimbursable basis, to carry out day to day
visitor service programs.
(8) Necessary powers.--The Trust shall have all necessary
and proper powers for the exercise of the authorities vested
in it.
(9) Taxes.--The Trust and all properties administered by
the Trust shall be exempt from all taxes and special
assessments of every kind by the State of Oklahoma, and its
political subdivisions including the county of Oklahoma and
the city of Oklahoma City.
(10) Government corporation.--
(A) The Trust shall be treated as a wholly owned Government
corporation subject to chapter 91 of title 31, United States
Code (commonly referred to as the Government Corporation
Control Act). Financial statements of the Trust shall be
audited annually
[[Page H7643]]
in accordance with section 9105 of title 31 of the United
States Code.
(B) At the end of each calendar year, the Trust shall
submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of
the United States Senate and the Committee on Resources of
the House of Representatives a comprehensive and detailed
report of its operations, activities, and accomplishments for
the prior fiscal year. The report also shall include a
section that describes in general terms the Trust's goals for
the current fiscal year.
SEC. 6. DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES OF THE TRUST.
(a) Overall Requirements of the Trust.--The Trust shall
administer the operation, maintenance, management and
interpretation of the Memorial including, but not limited to,
leasing, rehabilitation, repair and improvement of property
within the Memorial under its administrative jurisdiction
using the authorities provided in this section, which shall
be exercised in accordance with--
(1) the provisions of law generally applicable to units of
the National Park Service, including: ``An Act to establish a
National Park Service, and for other purposes'' approved
August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535; 16 U.S.C. 1, 2-4);
(2) the Act of August 21, 1935 (49 Stat. 666; U.S.C. 461-
467;
(3) the general objectives of the ``Memorial Mission
Statement'', adopted March 26, 1996, by the Oklahoma City
Memorial Foundation;
(4) the ``Oklahoma City Memorial Foundation
Intergovernmental Letter of Understanding'', dated, October
28, 1996; and
(5) the Cooperative Agreement to be entered into between
the Trust and the Secretary pursuant to this Act.
(b) Authorities.--
(1) The Trust may participate in the development of
programs and activities at the properties designated by the
map, and the Trust shall have the authority to negotiate and
enter into such agreements, leases, contracts and other
arrangements with any person, firm, association,
organization, corporation or governmental entity, including,
without limitation, entities of Federal, State and local
governments as are necessary and appropriate to carry out its
authorized activities. Any such agreements may be entered
into without regard to section 321 of the Act of June 30,
1932 (40 U.S.C. 303b).
(2) The Trust shall establish procedures for lease
agreements and other agreements for use and occupancy of
Memorial facilities, including a requirement that in entering
into such agreements the Trust shall obtain reasonable
competition.
(3) The Trust may not dispose of or convey fee title to any
real property transferred to it under this Act.
(4) Federal laws and regulations governing procurement by
Federal Agencies shall not apply to the Trust, with the
exception of laws and regulations related to Federal
Government contracts governing working conditions, and any
civil rights provisions otherwise applicable thereto.
(5) The Trust, in consultation with the Administrator of
Federal Procurement Policy, shall establish and promulgate
procedures applicable to the Trust's procurement of goods and
services including, but not limited to, the award of
contracts on the basis of contractor qualifications, price,
commercially reasonable buying practices, and reasonable
competition.
(c) Management Program.--Within one year after the
enactment of this Act, the Trust, in consultation with the
Secretary, shall develop a cooperative agreement for
management of those lands, operations and facilities within
the Memorial established by this Act. In furtherance of the
general purposes of this Act, the Secretary and the Trust
shall enter into a Cooperative Agreement pursuant to which
the Secretary shall provide technical assistance for the
planning, preservation, maintenance, management, and
interpretation of the Memorial. The Secretary also shall
provide such maintenance, interpretation, curatorial
management, and general management as mutually agreed to by
the Secretary and the Trust.
(d) Donations.--The Trust may solicit and accept donations
of funds, property, supplies, or services from individuals,
foundations, corporations, and other private or public
entities for the purposes of carrying out its duties.
(e) Proceeds.--Notwithstanding section 1341 of title 31 of
the United States Code, all proceeds received by the Trust
shall be retained by the Trust, and such proceeds shall be
available, without further appropriation, for the
administration, operation, preservation, restoration,
operation and maintenance, improvement, repair and related
expenses incurred with respect to Memorial properties under
its administrative jurisdiction. The Secretary of the
Treasury, at the option of the Trust shall invest excess
monies of the Trust in public debt securities which shall
bear interest at rates determined by the Secretary of the
Treasury taking into consideration the current average market
yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United
States of comparable maturity.
(f) Suits.--The Trust may sue and be sued in its own name
to the same extent as the Federal Government. Litigation
arising out of the activities of the Trust shall be conducted
by the Attorney General; except that the Trust may retain
private attorneys to provide advice and counsel. The District
Court for the Western District of Oklahoma shall have
exclusive jurisdiction over any suit filed against the Trust.
(g) Bylaws, Rules and Regulations.--The Trust may adopt,
amend, repeal, and enforce bylaws, rules and regulations
governing the manner in which its business may be conducted
and the powers vested in it may be exercised. The Trust is
authorized, in consultation with the Secretary, to adopt and
to enforce those rules and regulations that are applicable to
the operation of the National Park System and that may be
necessary and appropriate to carry out its duties and
responsibilities under this Act. The Trust shall give notice
of the adoption of such rules and regulations by publication
in the Federal Register.
(h) Insurance.--The Trust shall require that all
leaseholders and contractors procure proper insurance against
any loss in connection with properties under lease or
contract, or the authorized activities granted in such lease
or contract, as is reasonable and customary.
SEC. 7. LIMITATIONS ON FUNDING.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--In furtherance of the purposes of this
Act, there is hereby authorized the sum of $5,000,000, to
remain available until expended.
(2) Matching requirement.--Amounts appropriated in any
fiscal year to carry out the provisions of this Act may only
be expended on a matching basis in a ratio of at least one
non-Federal dollar to every Federal Dollar. For the purposes
of this provision, each non-Federal dollar donated to the
Trust or to the Oklahoma City Memorial Foundation for the
creation, maintenance, or operation of the Memorial shall
satisfy the matching dollar requirement without regard to the
fiscal year in which such donation is made.
SEC. 8. ALFRED P. MURRAH FEDERAL BUILDING.
(a) Prior to the construction of the Memorial the
Administrator of General Services shall, among other actions,
exchange, sell, lease, donate, or otherwise dispose of the
site of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, or a portion
thereof, to the Trust. Any such disposal shall not be subject
to--
(1) the Public Buildings Act of 1959 (40 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.);
(2) the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of
1949 (40 U.S.C. et seq.); or
(3) any other Federal law establishing requirements or
procedures for the disposal of Federal property.
SEC. 9. GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE STUDY.
(a) Six years after the first meeting of the Board of
Directors of the Trust, the General Accounting Office shall
conduct an interim study of the activities of the Trust and
shall report the results of the study to the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources and the Committee on
Appropriations of the United States Senate, and the Committee
on Resources and Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives. The study shall include, but shall not be
limited to, details of how the Trust is meeting its
obligations under this Act.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Utah [Mr. Hansen] and the gentleman from Guam [Mr. Underwood] each will
control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Utah [Mr. Hansen].
Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1849 was introduced on June 10, 1997, by the
gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Lucas]. The purpose of the bill is to
establish the Oklahoma City National Memorial as a unit of the National
Park System, to designate the Oklahoma City Memorial Trust, and for
other purposes.
H.R. 1849 focuses on the terrorist bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah
Federal Building in Oklahoma City, OK, on April 19, 1995. The purposes
and findings refer to the death of 168 men, women, and children, the
heroic rescue efforts that followed in the aftermath, and the national
and international impact of this event.
H.R. 1849 establishes the Oklahoma City National Memorial as a unit
of the National Park System. The concept is to have an interactive
learning museum, an institute dedicated to the prevention of terrorism
and violence, and, finally, a landscape memorial consisting of the
formal Federal building site and surrounding area.
H.R. 1849 designates a wholly-owned governmental corporation, the
Oklahoma City Memorial Trust, to design, construct, interpret, operate,
and maintain the memorial under a cooperative agreement with the
National Park Service. The Trust will raise $14 million or more from
donations to carry out the provisions of this bill. The bill requires
that expenditures will be on a matching basis in a ratio of at least
one non-Federal dollar for each Federal dollar.
Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Lucas] should be
commended for the introduction of H.R. 1849. This is truly a unique
approach to the establishment of a unit of the National Park Service.
This is an extremely innovative initiative from citizens to local
government, to the State
[[Page H7644]]
government, and, finally, to the Federal Government, forming a
partnership that is coordinated with the private sector and citizen
involvement. This broad-based local and State approach to addressing
the national issue is what we in Congress should have been talking
about for years. The citizens of Oklahoma have presented a truly world
class memorial to the Congress to support.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all my colleagues to support this worthy
legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
(Mr. UNDERWOOD asked and was given permission to revise and extend
his remarks.)
Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, along with the rest of the world, I stood
in shock and silence on April 19, 1995, as I watched the TV news
accounts of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in
Oklahoma City.
My thoughts went immediately to the people who worked inside the
building. I wanted to believe that maybe the building was empty or
maybe the children in the daycare center were at a city park far away.
But seeing the destruction, I knew of the carnage that would be. The
building was filled with people, and 168 innocent victims lost their
lives.
Then, just as we were trying to grasp the tragedy before us, we were
forced to face the realization that this horrendous act was carried out
by an American and the victims selected solely because they worked for
the Federal Government.
Mr. Speaker, my thoughts were then and continue to be with the
families and friends of those killed or wounded in the blast. To lose a
loved one under any circumstances is painful, but to have it happen
through such a random and cowardly act must be almost unbearable. It
is, therefore, extremely appropriate that a memorial be established at
the scene of the attack and supported by the Federal Government.
I agree with the recommended themes developed by the Memorial Task
Force, which spent a year talking and listening to people about a
fitting memorial site. As recommended, this site should be a place of
remembrance of both victims and survivors as individuals.
It should bring peace to the visitor, along with spirituality and
hope. The cherished children need their own place within the memorial
designed for their size and their ability to learn. Further, the
memorial should be a comfort to any visitor, and provide recognition
for all those who responded to help those in need.
Finally, the memorial needs to be a place of learning for all those
who visit, so the tragedy is never to be forgotten.
This legislation establishes the Oklahoma City National Memorial as a
unit of the National Park System. The memorial will be managed by the
Oklahoma City National Memorial Trust through a cooperative agreement
with the National Park Service. Working together, I am sure the Trust
and the National Park Service will provide a fitting memorial to a
tragic day in American history.
I ask all Members to support this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
distinguished gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Lucas], the sponsor of this
legislation.
Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S.
871, the Oklahoma City National Memorial Act of 1997. I am a sponsor of
the companion language, H.R. 1849, which was reported out of the
Committee on Resources by unanimous vote on Wednesday, September 17. An
amendment in the nature of a substitute was offered by the gentleman
from Colorado [Mr. Hefley]. The language in the substitute amendment
was agreed upon by all parties involved.
Mr. Speaker, I commend Chairman Hansen's Subcommittee on National
Parks and Public Lands and their staff for their hard work they have
done on this legislation.
I would also like to thank the gentleman from Alaska, Chairman Young,
and the ranking member, the gentleman from California, Mr. Miller, of
the Committee on Resources for their support and efforts to move this
legislation as expeditiously as is possible.
This historic legislation is a huge step in the healing process for
the people of my State and the entire Nation. When a massive bomb
exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19,
1995, it shook Oklahoma City's foundations and shocked the Nation. Few
events in history have rocked America's perception of themselves and
their institutions and brought together the people of our great Nation
with the intensity equal to this devastating crime.
{time} 1715
Although those losses and struggles are personal, they resulted from
a public attack and are shared by my heartland community, the Nation,
and the world.
One of my district offices is less than a block and a half away from
that ill-fated building. When I saw the damage to my office, so near to
ground zero, the disbelief that I shared with my staff will never be
forgotten.
As my colleagues can well imagine, there is no legislative road map
to follow in the wake of this tragic event. It is both gratifying and a
bit disheartening to realize that much of my legislative agenda in my
short career in the House has been shaped by such an evil act.
Over the past years, I have had the privilege and opportunity to help
ease the burden on Oklahoma City that it has borne as a result of this
devastating tragedy, and this is what brings me here today. Given the
national and international impact and reaction, the Federal character
of the site of the bombing and the significant percentage of victims
and survivors who were Federal employees, a national memorial
designation is highly appropriate. This legislation heralds the spirit,
determination and hopes of Oklahomans and all Americans who have
persevered in the wake of such a tragic event.
This memorial will be established, designed, managed, and maintained
to educate present and future generations. Through a comprehensive
cooperative agreement, the Oklahoma City Memorial Trust will work
together efficiently and respectfully with the National Park Service in
developing a national memorial relating to all aspects of the April 19,
1995 bombing. Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly believe this memorial
deserves to be designated a national memorial.
So as to not further burden the Federal Government and the National
Park Service, this legislation is unique in its approach toward
establishing a unit of the National Park System. The memorial will be a
local, State and Federal Government partnership, with coordination with
private sector and public donations. It will consist of three distinct
components: an interactive learning museum, an institute dedicated to
the prevention of crime and violence, and a remembrance component. The
memorial's remembrance component design was unanimously chosen through
an extensive international design competition, which drew entries from
all 50 States and 23 countries.
The love and respect Oklahoma City has received since being thrust
into the national spotlight was most evident in the vast participation
and outpouring during the international design competition. The winning
design will be a fabulous beacon drawing mankind to a site that will
remind us of our Nation's greatness. This Nation, as has been proven
many times in the past, will not be defeated by forces that seek to
divide us. On August 13, President Clinton put his seal of support on
this memorial and embraced the design in a Rose Garden ceremony.
S. 871 provides for establishment of a unit of the National Park
Service and authorizes a wholly-owned government corporation, the
Oklahoma City National Memorial Trust. As the entity responsible,
through a cooperative agreement with the Park Service for the
administration, operation, maintenance, management and interpretation
of the site, the cooperative agreement, as provided by this
legislation, states that the Secretary of the Interior will provide
technical assistance for planning, preservation, maintenance, curator
management and the interpretation
[[Page H7645]]
of the site as mutually agreed to with the Trust.
What has been most gratifying to me during this process is the good
character of Oklahomans that continue to be on display in their asking
the Federal Government for financial assistance for this meaningful
project. The memorial trust is refusing to accept a dollar of Federal
funding unless it is matched dollar for dollar by private donations.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this worthwhile
legislation.
Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Vento].
Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the measure, and I want
to commend my colleagues from Oklahoma who have worked on this, as well
as the staff from the Committee on Resources and the gentleman from
Utah [Mr. Hansen], the chairman of the subcommittee; and the gentleman
from Alaska [Mr. Young], chairman of the full committee; and others
that were interested and instrumental in bringing this bill forward.
It is an unusual designation of a national park site in this
legislation in that the principal responsibilities will reside with the
local community and the State of Oklahoma. There is, as my colleagues
are well aware, a great enthusiasm for our National Park System, and
many would like to have the park arrow or the bison added to their
brochures or to their materials in terms of indicating that they are
associated with the National Park System, and that is as it should be.
Candidly, when we add a Park Service designation or designate a
national park unit, such as we are doing in this legislation today,
with it I think inherently is the understanding that the
responsibilities to protect that resource and to interpret it properly
have to also meet those national standards.
This legislation attempts to do that in an unusual way. First of all,
it references the 1916 Organic Act and prescribes that as a program to
be followed by the entity that is managing this resource, plus the 1935
Historic Preservation Act.
Furthermore, of course, on page 12 of the legislation, as we passed
it out of committee and as I know has been changed, the Senate measure
has been changed, we provide for mutual consent in the implementation
of a cooperative agreement which must be addressed by the Department of
the Interior and by the Park Service, that that cooperative agreement
would deal with most of the specifics. The Secretary shall provide such
technical assistance, but then must mutually agree to most of the
precepts in this legislation. Hopefully, this model will accomplish the
goals of making certain that our national parks have consistent
standards, that they are consistently maintained, in fact, when we have
the designation that it achieves the objective.
This, I think, will bear close scrutiny. I do not suspect that there
are problems with this, but there is the potential for issues to arise
and misunderstandings to occur with regards to this. So I will be
closely watching this, as I am certain will the Members of Congress, to
see that this is executed properly and that it does attain those high
standards.
People around the world, frankly, have come to expect a certain
degree of excellence from our National Park Service, a system and an
organization, I think, which most of us are very proud of, and we hope
that this model, these amendments that were added to it, after some
discussion in the House, will accomplish the objective of keeping that
quality intact in this particular park unit and across the 375 units
that comprise the National Park System today.
Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Istook].
Mr. ISTOOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation
regarding the Oklahoma City memorial. I commend my friend, the
gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Lucas], for shepherding this through the
legislative process, as, of course, in the Senate, Senator Nickles has
done likewise.
Mr. Speaker, I think this is a unique arrangement for this particular
memorial because of the unique manner in which things occurred in
Oklahoma City. The Federal money to be expended on this memorial
ultimately will be outweighed by four to five times as much additional
money that will come from other sources, from private sources, perhaps
someone from State and local government sources as well. So even though
it will be a national memorial, actually, the Federal Government will
only bear one-fourth or one-fifth of the cost.
Mr. Speaker, that is the way that it should be, because the terrorist
act in Oklahoma City, taking the lives of 168 persons, was not just
something that influenced Oklahoma. We all know about the people who
came to Oklahoma City as rescue workers to assist, and we know that the
assistance in building this memorial will come from places around the
country, too. But more than anything else, just like the participation
in the rescue efforts, just as the outreach to the rescue workers, to
make them know how appreciated they were, came from Oklahomans, so too
most of the resources for this memorial will come from Oklahomans. It
will be a memorial that is designed by people acting under the
community's guidance, under the guidance of the people who are
survivors, under the guidance of those who had loved ones and family
members who were killed or severely injured or otherwise impacted in
the explosion at the Murrah Building.
People came from across the country, and the donations for this will
come from businesses, from individuals, from housewives, from school
children, from family and friends, and it is going to remind me, Mr.
Speaker, of the phenomena that we saw. There are a lot of people who
were doing rescue work in Oklahoma, and they would take a dollar bill
out of their pocket and they would say, that is an Oklahoma dollar,
because when I was with one of the rescue teams that came to Oklahoma,
they would say, I tried when I had time away to buy a meal or to pay
for something, but as soon as somebody knew that I had come to help,
they would not let me spend my money. Everything was given to me, was
provided, by the good people of this State, and that is the same spirit
in which this memorial is being created.
Now, to some, they say, well, this ought to be like any other
national monument. After all, these people were Federal workers that
were killed; it was a Federal building that was bombed, and that was
the reason that it was singled out by terrorists as a target. Mr.
Speaker, to some people, perhaps, they were just Federal workers, they
were people that worked with Social Security or General Services or the
Secret Service, but to folks in Oklahoma City, these are the neighbors
who coached the Little League teams and the soccer teams; they are the
ones who drove the carpools, who attended the parent-teacher
conferences, who taught Sunday school, who we saw when we bought
gasoline and groceries, who played the piano, and ordered pizza, and
sang in choirs and took their kids to the zoo. They were not just
Federal workers, they were Mom and Dad, and children and grandparents,
and friends and neighbors.
I believe that this memorial is in the highest example and the
highest manner of personal involvement, because Oklahoma has taken the
lead in this. Despite the Federal contribution, most of the effort will
come from the people who saw the victims not as Federal workers, but as
friends and neighbors and family and want to be responsible for taking
care of our own. For in Oklahoma, Mr. Speaker, we do believe, and we
will always believe, that we are our brother's keeper.
I certainly urge adoption of this act, and I appreciate the support
of my colleagues
Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to
the gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. Jackson-Lee].
(Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise
and extend her remarks.)
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I do want to acknowledge the
good work of the gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Lucas]. I rose to the
floor in particular because we are neighbors, and I am very proud to
say that many Houstonians, including the Houston
[[Page H7646]]
Fire Department, joined the people of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City.
I certainly thank the subcommittee chair and ranking member, but I do
want to focus on the gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Lucas] and his
district, because I want it to be mentioned, although there are some
technical nuances that have brought this particular legislation to the
floor, I will step aside from that as I am not a member of the
committee.
{time} 1730
I rise to state that this monument is a recognition of the heroism of
Oklahomans and Oklahoma City residents. They are American heroes. I
think this should be the point of this monument and this park, as we on
the floor of the House are acknowledging that the death of the 168 and
those that were maimed and injured was in fact in support of the
freedom of this Nation. They died because this nation is a free Nation,
and we should never forget the sacrifice that was made by them. I
wanted to acknowledge and commend this effort and this acknowledgment
of this sacrifice.
Mr. Speaker, let me also acknowledge that I did not arrive on the
floor in time to support the naming of the former U.S. Federal Building
in New York for Ronald H. Brown, and I do want to enthusiastically
support that particular legislation for the great American, Mr. Brown.
In conclusion, sometimes the naming of buildings are taken lightly.
These monuments are sometimes taken lightly. I hope the American people
understand that in many instances we rise to commemorate great
Americans, great heroes, and great members of our Nation that
sacrificed their lives so we might live in freedom.
I rise in tribute to the citizens of Oklahoma and in tribute to Ron
H. Brown.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 29 which would
redesignate a U.S. Federal building in New York, in the name of Ronald
H. Brown. Ronald H. ``Ron'' Brown, former chairman of the Democratic
National Committee during the 1992 Presidential election and Secretary
of Commerce in the first Clinton administration, was a man who served
his country and its people above and beyond the call of duty. His
performance in every area of his public life maintained and sustained a
standard of excellence surpassed by few.
In particular, Mr. Brown was a gift to the African-American
community. As the first African-American Secretary of Commerce, Mr.
Brown remains a symbol of what we can all achieve when we strive to be
the very best. While growing up in Harlem as a boy, often at his
family's business, the famed Hotel Theresa, young Ron regularly
interacted with the cutting edge leaders in the African-American
community. From these experiences he learned the subtle nuances of
leadership and sought to apply them in both his professional and
political careers.
As a trained and practicing attorney, Mr. Brown regularly
distinguished himself as more than simply competent, but exceptional.
It was this drive and natural ability that propelled Ron to the Chair
of the Democratic National Committee, and through his brilliant
tactical leadership helped to put our current President in office.
President Clinton, in return, rewarded the brilliant mind which had
helped to make the White House a reality for him, by appointing Ron
Brown to be the Secretary of Commerce. For 3\1/2\ years, Ron Brown
pushed a new and exciting international commercial agenda to benefit
parties both home and abroad until his tragic airplane accident in
April 1996 near Bosnia. Secretary Brown lost his life in the service of
his country, and for that, he stands as a hero for millions of
Americans.
Athough the loss to his family and loved ones can never be replaced,
the least we can do, as a body, as a nation, is to show our eternal
gratitude. So by the rededication of this Federal building, we remember
and honor his life, his loss, and his legacy; on these grounds, I
implore the whole House to vote in favor of H.R. 29.
Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congressman Lucas
for introducing the Oklahoma City National Memorial Act of 1997. I
applaud Congressman Lucas's efforts in realizing the importance of this
legislation to all the people of Oklahoma.
April 19, 1995 was a terrible day for the State of Oklahoma. The
whole world witnessed what minutes before seemed like an unthinkable
act of terrorism. We, as a state and a country, pulled together as one
to help all of those in need. Everyone was awed by the outpouring of
love and generosity during this time of tragedy in our State.
A national memorial for the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing will
help continue the healing process in Oklahoma. This will serve as a
central place where all people, who were either victimized or lost a
family member or friend, can go to remember not only the day of the
tragedy but also the love and support offered by the people of this
great Nation.
We must not forget the horrific actions that occurred on the morning
of April 19th, 1995. This memorial will allow us to reflect on that day
and all those who were affected by this tragedy. It will serve as a
memorial of hope, showing future generations of Americans how we as
country came together during a time of unimaginable tragedy.
Thank you again Congressman Lucas for introducing this bill. All of
Oklahoma thanks you for your efforts in the passage of this
legislation.
Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Gutknecht). The question is on the
motion offered by the gentleman from Utah [Mr. Hansen] that the House
suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill, S. 871, as amended.
The question was taken.
Mr. CONDIT. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not
present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 5 of rule 1 and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
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