[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 139 (Wednesday, October 7, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  DANTE FASCELL BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTER DESIGNATION ACT

  The Senate proceeded to consider the bill (S. 2468) to designate the 
Biscayne National Park visitor center as the Dante Fascell Visitor 
Center at Biscayne National Park, which had been reported from the 
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, with an amendment, as 
follows:
  (The parts of the bill intended to be stricken are shown in boldface 
brackets and the parts of the bill intended to be inserted are shown in 
italic.)

                                S. 2468

       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 ``Dante Fascell Biscayne 
     National Park Visitor Center Designation Act''.

     SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF THE DANTE FASCELL VISITOR CENTER AT 
                   BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK.

       (a) Designation.--The Biscayne National Park visitor 
     center, located on the shore of Biscayne Bay on Convoy Point, 
     Florida, is designated as the ``Dante Fascell Visitor [Center 
     at Biscayne National Park''.] Center.''
       (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, 
     document, paper, or other document of the United States to 
     the Biscayne National Park visitor center shall be deemed to 
     be a reference to the ``Dante Fascell Visitor [Center at 
     Biscayne National Park''.] Center.''

  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I am pleased today to support, along with 
my colleague, Senator Mack, legislation to honor former Congressman 
Dante Fascell by naming the Biscayne National Park Visitors Center 
after the ex-Congressman of Florida. I had the pleasure to begin my 
political career as an intern in Congressman Fascell's office and am 
proud to have had the opportunity to serve with one of Florida's 
greatest representatives.
  Congressman Fascell's long history of public service began in the 
Florida House of Representatives after his service in World War II. He 
was elected to the Eighty-fourth Congress and spent the following 
thirty-six years in office. During this time Congressman Fascell was 
influential in both foreign and domestic policy.
  While in Congress, Dante Fascell influenced U.S. foreign policy by 
co-authoring the War Powers act and chairing the Committees on Foreign 
Affairs and Arms Control, International Security and Science. In 1969, 
Congressman Fascell led House action to establish the Department of 
Housing and Urban Development. This legislation was the first step in 
efforts to develop economically healthy communities and affordable 
opportunities for numerous families throughout the nation. He was also 
a devout supporter of both law enforcement and education on narcotics 
abuse.
  During his years in Congress, Dante Fascell was an outstanding 
environmental activist and improved the quality of Florida's natural 
habitats and wildlife. He battled to protect South Florida's national 
parks and led the successful effort to establish the national marine 
sanctuary in the Florida Keys during the 101st Congress.
  The Biscayne National Park visitor center introduces local, national 
and international visitors to the resources of the Biscayne National 
Park at Convoy Point, Florida. Its museum features exhibits simulating 
the park's four main ecosystems: the mangrove forest, Biscayne Bay, the 
Florida Keys, and the coral reef. The naming of this visitor center 
will serve as a lasting tribute to Congressman Fascell's persistent 
efforts to protect the environment for future generations.
  I ask for your support today for our bill which will pay tribute to 
the service of the former Florida Congressman, Dante Fascell.
  The committee amendment was agreed to.
  The bill (S. 2468), as amended, was considered read the third time 
and passed.
  The title was amended so as to read: ``A bill to designate the 
Biscayne National Park Visitor Center as the Dante Fascell Visitor 
Center.''.

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