[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      EXTENDING AUTHORIZATION FOR CERTAIN NATIONAL HERITAGE AREAS

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                               speech of

                          HON. DAVID L. HOBSON

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 19, 2004

  Mr. HOBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4492, 
which contains the authorization of the National Aviation Heritage Area 
Act. I would first like to thank Chairman Pombo, the Members of the 
Resources Committee and their staff, for their leadership and 
cooperation in advancing this idea.
  I introduced legislation to create the National Aviation Heritage 
Area, which has been supported by Representative's Ralph Regula, Mike 
Turner, John Boehner, and all of the Ohio Delegation, to enhance 
significant historical resources of interest to all Americans and to 
further national awareness of Ohio's key role in the history of 
aviation. I can think of no better way to preserve and carry on the 
years of hard work and preparation leading up to last year's 100th 
anniversary of the first powered flight, than to establish this 
heritage area.
  Few technological advances have transformed the world or our Nation's 
economy, society, culture, and national character as the development of 
powered flight. Ohioans such as the Wright Brothers, John Glenn, and 
Neil Armstrong have been at the forefront of every major development 
associated with flight. But just as important are the inventors, 
scientists and engineers that have made it possible in less than 100 
years to not only fly between continents, but also to fly to the moon 
and maintain a presence in space.
  My provision is fully in the spirit of President Bush's recent 
``Preserve America'' executive order that declared, ``It is the policy 
of the Federal Government to provide leadership in preserving America's 
heritage . . . by promoting intergovernmental cooperation and 
partnerships for the preservation and use of historic properties.''
  The Members of Congress from Ohio have a long record of promoting the 
preservation of aviation sites in Central Ohio. We have previously 
worked together to secure funding for the U.S. Air Force Museum, the 
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, and the National 
Aviation Hall of Fame. We also worked closely with the community to 
make sure that last year's Centennial of Flight celebration was a huge 
success.
  For these reasons, it is vitally important that we move forward with 
this legislation, and I urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 4492.

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