[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 26, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HISTORY OF THE HOUSE AWARENESS AND PRESERVATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 25, 1999

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
2303, the History of the House Awareness and Preservation Act. As an 
original co-sponsor of H.R. 2303, I believe the private and public 
sectors of this country would benefit substantially from the commission 
proposed by my colleagues from Connecticut and Missouri. This 
comprehensive history of the House of Representatives would provide an 
accurate, non-partisan picture for all those who are interested in 
American history and public policy.
  In addition, this tax-free effort would be beneficial for current and 
future Members of Congress. H.R. 2303 includes a provision to authorize 
the Library of Congress to improve its collection of oral histories 
from former Members. Also, I am in support of the sense of the Congress 
provisions that create a historical orientation program for new 
Members, as well as a Speaker's lecture series. The Majority Leader's 
lecture series has been a success in the other body, and I expect this 
forum would be the same.
  Furthermore, I believe this commission would be successful because a 
select board will choose prominent historians who will focus primarily 
on procedures and policy, as well as personalities. In conclusion, I am 
reminded by an aphorism that states ``Anybody can make history--only a 
great man can write it.'' Mr. Speaker, I hope we will find great 
individuals to write this important book of history