[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 87 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6803-S6804]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. CLINTON (for herself, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Jeffords, and Mr. 
        Schumer):
  S. 3618. A bill to establish the Champlain Quadricentennial 
Commemoration Commission, the Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration 
Commission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources.
  Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, it gives me pride and pleasure to 
introduce revised legislation to establish the Champlain 
Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission and the Hudson-Fulton 400th 
Commemoration Commission.
  I began this effort with legislation I introduced 4 years ago during 
the 107th Congress. Because my colleagues in the other body and I were 
not able to enact our bill that time, we returned in the 108th Congress 
with new legislation including needed revisions. I now lay down the 
next version of the bill that incorporates welcomed input and reflects 
a consensus reached among key leaders who share the goal of honoring 
important events in our Nation's and New York State's history.
  The United States of America has long been celebrated for its 
leadership in innovation, exploration, and ingenuity. These qualities 
have been evident dating back as far as 1609 when Englishman Henry 
Hudson became the first European to sail up the river later named for 
him in the vessel Half Moon. Also in 1609, French explorer Samuel de 
Champlain became the first European to see the lake later named for 
him, as well as the shores in Northern New York and Vermont.
  These explorations led to the establishment of trading posts, 
military posts, and settlements as far south as Lake George. From these 
early establishments came trade, commerce, cultural, and religious 
impact deep into the Mohawk Valley and as far west as Lake Erie. These 
settlements influenced our Nation's history, culture, law, commerce, 
and traditions of liberty that extend to the present day.
  Almost 200 years later, in 1807, Robert Fulton navigated the Hudson 
River from the city of New York to Albany in the steamboat Clermont, 
successfully inaugurating steam navigation on a commercial basis. This 
event helped revolutionize waterborne commerce on the great rivers of 
the United States and fostered international relations through 
transoceanic travel and trade.
  We are now almost 400 years removed from the voyages of Hudson and 
Champlain and 200 years removed from the voyage of Fulton. If America 
intends to continue in its role as a world leader in innovation, 
exploration, and ingenuity, it is important that we provide a suitable 
observance of those before us who have contributed to what our nation 
is today.
  The Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission and the 
Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission represents a unique 
opportunity to celebrate New York, Vermont and America's glorious 
heritage. In 1909, Americans celebrated the 300th anniversaries of 
these events with maritime celebrations and art exhibitions. The Dutch 
built the first replica of Hudson's ship, the Half Moon, and sent it up 
the Hudson River for the observance. In 1959, Congress recognized the 
350th anniversary by establishing a similar commission to coordinate 
federal participation in the celebrations.
  I ask that the Senate come together not only to honor these events 
that have contributed to our past, but to celebrate the effects they 
will have on our future.

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