[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 147 (Monday, October 20, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H9697-H9699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1445
CALIFORNIA MISSIONS PRESERVATION ACT
Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(H.R. 1446) to support the efforts of the California Missions
Foundation to restore and repair the Spanish colonial and mission-era
missions in the State of California and to preserve the artworks and
artifacts of those missions, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 1446
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 ``California Missions
Preservation Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The California missions represent some of our Nation's
oldest historical treasures.
(2) The first of the California missions was founded in
1769, and eventually a chain of 21 missions and various sub-
missions extended along the coast of California on El Camino
Real.
(3) The California missions contribute greatly to the rich
historical, cultural, and architectural heritage of
California and the American West.
(4) The knowledge and cultural influence of native
California Indians made a lasting contribution to the early
settlement of California and the development of the
California missions.
(5) More than 5,300,000 people visit the California
missions annually, and the historical importance of the
California missions extends worldwide as they have become a
frequent destination for foreign visitors to the United
States.
(6) The history of the California missions is an important
educational component in California schools, and the study of
the California missions is part of the Statewide fourth grade
curricula on California history.
(7) Restoration and repair of the California missions, and
the preservation of the Spanish colonial and mission-era
artworks and artifacts of the California missions, for the
public enjoyment will ensure that future generations also
have the benefit of experiencing and appreciating these great
symbols of the spirit of exploration and discovery in the
American West.
SEC. 3. SUPPORT FOR THE RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION OF THE
CALIFORNIA MISSIONS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) California missions.--The term ``California missions''
means the following historic Spanish missions located in the
State of California and designated as California Registered
Historical Landmarks:
(A) Mission La Purisima Concepcion, Lompoc.
(B) Mission La Soledad, Soledad.
(C) Mission San Antonio de Padua, Jolon.
(D) Mission San Buenaventura, Ventura.
(E) Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, Carmel.
(F) Mission San Diego Alcala, San Diego.
(G) Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana, Mission Hills.
(H) Mission San Francisco de Asis, San Francisco.
(I) Mission San Francisco Solano, Sonoma.
(J) Mission San Gabriel Arcangel, San Gabriel.
(K) Mission San Jose, Fremont.
(L) Mission San Juan Bautista, San Juan Bautista.
(M) Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.
(N) Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and its Asistencia
(sub-mission) of Santa Margarita de Cortona, San Luis Obispo.
(O) Mission San Luis Rey de Francia and its Asistencia
(sub-mission), Oceanside.
(P) Mission San Miguel Arcangel, San Miguel.
(Q) Mission San Rafael Arcangel, San Rafael.
(R) Mission Santa Barbara Virgen y Martir, Santa Barbara.
(S) Mission Santa Clara de Asis, Santa Clara.
(T) Mission Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz.
(U) Mission Santa Ines Virgen y Martir, Solvang.
(V) Asistencia San Antonio de Pala, Pala.
(2) California missions foundation.--The term ``California
Missions Foundation'' means the charitable corporation
established in the State of California in 1998 to fund the
restoration and repair of the California missions and the
preservation of the Spanish colonial and mission-era artworks
and artifacts of the California missions. The Foundation is
exempt from State franchise and income tax and is organized
and operated exclusively for charitable purposes under
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(b) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of the Interior may
make grants to the California Missions Foundation to support
the efforts of the California Missions Foundation to restore
and repair the California missions and to preserve the
artworks and artifacts associated with the California
missions. As provided in section 101(e)(4) of the National
Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470a(e)(4)), the
Secretary shall ensure that the purpose of a grant under this
section is secular, does not promote religion, and seeks to
protect those qualities that are historically significant.
(c) Application.--In order to receive a grant under this
section for the preservation of the California missions, the
California Missions Foundation shall submit to the Secretary
an application that includes--
(1) a status report on the condition of the infrastructure
and artifacts for each of the California missions; and
(2) a comprehensive program for restoration, repair, and
preservation of such infrastructure and artifacts, including
prioritized preservation efforts to be conducted over a 5-
year period and the estimated costs of such preservation
efforts.
(d) Matching Fund Requirement.--The Secretary shall require
the California Missions Foundation to match grant funds
provided under this section.
(e) Report.--As a condition of a grant under this section,
the California Missions Foundation shall submit to the
Secretary an annual report on the status of the preservation
efforts undertaken using grant funds provided under this
section. The Secretary shall submit a copy of each report to
Congress.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary a total of $10,000,000
during the five-fiscal year period beginning October 1, 2003,
to make grants under this section. Funds appropriated
pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in this
section shall be in addition to any funds made available for
preservation efforts in the State of California under the
National Historic Preservation Act.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Boozman). Pursuant to the rule, the
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) and the gentleman from New Jersey
(Mr. Pallone) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi).
Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1446, introduced by the gentleman from California
(Mr. Farr), would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to make
matching grants to the California Missions Foundation to support the
efforts of the foundation to restore and repair the California missions
and to preserve the artworks and artifacts associated with the
California missions. Currently, the 21 California missions of the El
Camino Real, or Royal Highway, have had to rely on nominal entrance
fees, sales from gift shops, donations and special events to cover
their operating expenses. Unfortunately, these sources of income have
not been enough to keep up with the increasing structural needs of
these aging missions that date back all the way to 1769, when Father
Serra founded Alta California, the first Spanish mission in California.
Today over 5 million people annually visit the mission system, and it
is obvious to many that outside financial help is needed.
The California Missions Foundation, a charitable corporation
established in California in 1998, is dedicated to raising funds for
the ongoing preservation, restoration, and maintenance needs of the
California missions to ensure that their historical legacy is kept
alive for future generations. As a condition of a grant, the foundation
must submit to the Secretary an annual report on the status of the
preservation efforts.
I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1446.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
(Mr. PALLONE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1446, introduced by the gentleman from
California (Mr. Farr), is a bipartisan and noncontroversial measure
that authorizes grants to support the restoration and preservation of
the historic
[[Page H9698]]
California missions. The California missions, dating back to the mid-
1700s, are important historical and cultural resources that made
significant contributions to the settlement of California and the
American West. In early California, these 21 missions were the center
of the social, economic, and religious development of the region.
The $10 million in historic preservation grants authorized by H.R.
1446 will help restore and preserve these historic missions for the
benefit of all Americans. Under the terms of the legislation, the
Federal funds must be matched by funds from non-Federal sources and
will be used for secular purposes to protect those qualities of the
missions that are historically significant.
Mr. Speaker, as I noted earlier, H.R. 1446 is bipartisan legislation.
It has the cosponsorship of 48 members of the California delegation.
The legislation is relatively small in terms of the amount of money,
but important in an effort to preserve these missions and the
historical and cultural history that they embody. I support the bill
and urge its adoption by the House today.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Farr).
Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1446, which is known
as the California Missions Preservation Act. This is truly a bipartisan
piece of legislation cosponsored by 48 of my California colleagues. I
also want to thank the efforts of the gentleman from California (Mr.
Pombo) and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) for moving
this legislation to the floor today.
Mr. Speaker, even before the fuse that led to the explosion of
American independence was lit at the Boston Tea Party, the first
California mission was established in San Diego in 1769. The last
mission in the chain was established in 1823 in Sonoma. All 21 missions
are California registered historical landmarks, seven of which have
Federal status of national historical landmarks. I am fortunate to have
five of the 21 missions in my congressional district extending along
the coast of California on what is known as the El Camino Real, or the
King's Highway, that would link the missions, now commonly known as
Highway 101. Those missions are in Santa Cruz, in San Juan Bautista, in
the city of Soledad, a mission called San Antonio de Padua which is in
Fort Hunter Liggett; and in my own hometown of Carmel, San Carlos
Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, known as Carmel Mission.
The California missions represent a historic vein running through the
State from the south to the north. They also symbolize the east to west
exploration that expanded our Nation to its four corners. Of all the
institutions that define California's heritage, none has the historic
significance and emotional impact of the chain of Spanish missions that
stretch from San Diego to Sonoma. The missions are an important part of
the State's cultural fabric and must be preserved as priceless historic
monuments. They are a living link to our past.
The missions stand as landmarks of more than 2 centuries and are
recognized for the important impact they have had on the development of
California, including California art, architecture, agriculture, food,
music, language, apparel, and recreation. The missions help drive
tourism, the State's third largest industry. These symbols of
California are the most visited historical attractions in the State,
attracting over 5.3 million visitors a year. They account for a sizable
contribution to the State's economy from millions of tourists,
including a large number of international visitors. And they have
become synonymous with the State's fourth grade curriculum. Students
build mission models and write research reports as part of California
history lessons. This serves as an important education function in
teaching young students about the role of missions in the history of
our State and our Nation.
For 230 years, the missions have stood as symbols of Western
exploration and settlement. Time, natural deterioration, and neglect
have taken a toll on the missions. Some are crumbling and are at risk
of full destruction. Most need preservation and seismic work to restore
their antique beauty and bring them up to modern safety standards.
Without immediate repairs, these centuries-old structures could be
lost. The need is urgent and of near-crisis proportions: rotting roofs,
cracking tiles, crumbling adobe. The backlog of needed repairs is long,
the price tag is high, and the message is clear: the California
missions need our help. Now.
H.R. 1446 will provide an important step toward addressing some of
the most severe problems the missions are facing. This legislation
provides authorization for funding of up to $10 million over 5 years.
In partnership with the State of California and in partnership with the
California Missions Foundation, a statewide funding campaign has begun.
Under this legislation, the process requires that each mission submit a
list to the foundation of its most urgent preservation needs. All
mission repairs and restoration projects are reviewed, approved, and
supervised by professionals qualified in the disciplines of history,
history archaeology, architectural history, planning, architecture,
folklore, cultural anthropology, curation, conservation, landscape
architecture, or related fields. Projects must be accomplished in
accordance with the applicable Secretary of the Interior's standards
for the treatment of historical properties. All repairs and capital
improvements must have competitive bids, which the foundation's funding
review committee reviews. The foundation board of directors assesses
the proposal and has final approval on all restoration projects funded.
The missions are required to submit timely progress reports and an
accounting to the foundation on all projects funded.
Since the Spanish friars and native peoples joined together in
building these settlements, the land we call California has been shaped
and influenced by what they accomplished in the most ambitious
undertaking. From the vineyards of Sonoma to the ranches of Santa
Barbara to the adobe arcades and red tile roofs of San Diego, the
California missions have left their mark on who we are and what we have
become.
H.R. 1446 presents us with the opportunity to address the needs of
the missions and to preserve an integral part of our Nation's history
and the heritage of the West that combines with the East to make this
truly the United States.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1446, the
California Missions Preservation Act. I would like to thank the
gentleman for introducing this bill, and I am proud to be an original
cosponsor.
The California Missions provide such an important part of
California's past and their history can be traced to 1493, just after
the discovery of America. The sixth district of California, north of
San Francisco and just over the Golden Gate Bridge, which I am pleased
to represent, is fortunate to have one of these missions and another
just outside of the sixth district that my constituents visit.
The San Raphael mission was originally built in 1817 as an outpost
chapel of the San Francisco mission. Named for Saint Raphael, the angel
of bodily healing, it was thought that the sunny hillside on the north
side of the bay would be a good place for the sick to convalesce. In
fact, it is the first known sanitarium in California. In five years it
was a healthy settlement and became an independent mission on October
19, 1822. After it was secularized, the mission fell into ruin and in
1854 the original mission was torn down. In 1947 a new mission was
built, near the original site, based on a painting of the old mission.
The San Francisco Solano Mission, founded in 1823, was the last and
most northerly of the 21 Franciscan missions of Alta California. Sonoma
Mission, as it is popularly called, was the dedicated goal of the young
and zealous Padre Jose Altimira. He headed into the northern wilderness
to find a more healthy location for a mission than the crowded San
Francisco de Asis Mission. In Sonoma Valley he found his ideal
location, with fertile soil and mild, sunny climate.
Secularization of the mission in 1834 was followed by neglect and
decay. In 1881 the church and padres' quarters were sold and used as a
hay barn, winery and blacksmith shop. However, the mission was rescued
from disintegration in 1903 when it was bought by the Historic
Landmarks League and turned over to the State. Full restoration began
in 1911.
There is still more to do to restore these historic treasures. It is
important that we save these missions so that we can pass on their
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history to future generations. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to
join me in support of this bill.
Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge my California
colleagues, Congressman Farr, Congressman Dreier, Congressman Calvert
and Congresswoman Capps for leading the effort on this important
legislation.
Preserving our California culture, art and history is a priority for
our entire delegation as evidenced by this bill's long list of
cosponsors. The $10 million this legislation provides for the 21
missions will stimulate our economy through tourism, the minds of our
youth through education, and will help preserve our history for
generations to come. I am a proud supporter of this bi-partisan
endeavor to save and restore our historic landmarks.
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of H.R.
1446, the California Missions Preservation Act. This legislation will
provide $10 million in matching grants for the preservation of
California's 21 historic missions, to be matched with $50 million in
private donations. The missions are the most frequently visited
historical attractions in the state, receiving more than 5.3 million
visitors annually.
As every California schoolchild learns, the missions shaped the
future of California. Built between 1769 and 1798, the missions were
the first European settlements in our region and formed a chain along
the coast from San Diego to Sonoma. Each mission became a bustling
settlement inhabited by Europeans and Native Americans.
Mission San Francisco de Asis, the sixth mission to be created, was
founded on June 29, 1776, just give days before the signing of the
Declaration of Independence on the opposite side of the continent.
Popularly known as Mission Dolores, it grew to become the great City of
San Francisco. It now lies near the geographic center of the city and
at the heart of the city's cultural and religious life.
Built with adobe and massive beams of sequoia wood, Mission Dolores
survived the devastating earthquake of 1906 practically without damage.
But as the oldest building in San Francisco, Mission Dolores is
suffering the ravages of time and heavy usage. The main altar, two side
alters, the statuary, the gardens, and the cemetery are in need of
repair and restoration. The mission museum must be enlarged and
upgraded to ensure that mission artifacts are properly preserved and
protected. Funds are needed for the construction of a memorial honoring
the Native Americans on whom the success and the very survival of the
mission depended.
While Mission Dolores needs significant repairs and improvements,
some of the other missions are at even greater risk, needing seismic
retrofits to ensure that they survive the next earthquake. If we lose
these missions, we will lose an essential strand in the fabric of our
state's history. I urge my colleagues to vote for the California
Missions Preservation Act.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) that the House suspend the rules and
pass the bill, H.R. 1446.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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