[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 4, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H1208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          SUPPORTING H.R. 1922

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mahoney) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
1922, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area Act of 
2007. And I would like to also thank Chairman Rahall and Subcommittee 
Chairman Grijalva and my good friend, Congressman Ron Klein, for 
helping me get this bill passed today in the House of Representatives.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1922 is an important piece of legislation, as it 
will establish the Jupiter Lighthouse and the surrounding 126 acres as 
an outstanding natural area, only the second in the country and the 
only one east of the Mississippi.

                              {time}  1930

  An outstanding natural area is a congressional designation to protect 
the unique, scenic, scientific, educational, and recreational 
contributions of a natural area to this and future generations.
  One of the reasons why I enthusiastically support the designation is 
because Florida's rich and diverse history is sometimes overlooked by 
the millions of tourists who visit from all across America. Of course, 
it's not hard to see why. With our pristine coastline, trendsetting 
hotels and restaurants, and ample eco-tourist activities, a typical 
family vacation in south Florida can pass, and very quickly without 
having the chance to see all other amazing aspects of Florida's 
ecology, culture, and history.
  The Jupiter Lighthouse area is one such example. It is a local and 
regional icon, and with this new designation, the United States 
Congress can say that Florida's rich history should be celebrated as an 
integral part of our larger American history.
  Situated where the Loxahatchee River and the Indian River Lagoon 
meet, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse area is home to a wide range of 
endangered species of flora and fauna, and it is one of the true scenic 
gems of south Florida.
  The lighthouse also tells a rich story of Florida's history and 
prehistory. Native Americans first used the area around the Jupiter 
Lighthouse over 4,000 years ago, and Europeans made contact with it in 
the 17th century. As trade increased in the 1800s, the need for the 
lighthouse became more urgent as shipwrecks increased off Florida's 
coast and, in particular, off the dangerous reefs near Jupiter.
  The United States Congress responded in 1853 by providing $35,000 to 
establish a lighthouse in Jupiter. Despite an intervening war with the 
Seminole Nation, the lighthouse was finally completed in 1860, the 
first built along Florida's coastline. I think it's fitting that 155 
years later the same distinguished body is poised to make the Jupiter 
Inlet Lighthouse an outstanding natural area. Doing so will preserve 
the natural and cultural significance of the area for future 
generations and will reaffirm that Florida's history is an important 
part of American history.
  Again, I'd like to thank my colleagues for passing this important 
legislation.

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