[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    URGING PRESIDENT BUSH TO SIGN INTO LAW H.R. 1922, A RESOLUTION 
 DESIGNATING THE JUPITER INLET LIGHTHOUSE AND THE SURROUNDING FEDERAL 
 LAND IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA AS AN OUTSTANDING NATURAL AREA AND AS A 
                 UNIT OF THE NATIONAL LANDSCAPE SYSTEM

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 2008

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my 
deep appreciation for the House and Senate for passing H.R. 1922 and S. 
1143, resolutions which designate the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and 
surrounding areas as an Outstanding National Area. As a proud cosponsor 
of this legislation, I would like to express my deep appreciation to 
the efforts of my good friend from Florida, Congressman Tim Mahoney, 
for introducing this important legislation and for the House leadership 
for bringing it to the floor for a vote on March 4, 2008. The Senate 
version of the bill, S. 1143, was introduced by Senator Bill Nelson and 
was passed by the Senate on April 10, 2008.
  This legislation helps to promote the environmental and historic 
preservation of this important site and is a valuable step toward 
promoting these ideals throughout America. The historic significance 
attached to this lighthouse is truly remarkable. Besides guiding 
sailors through the nearby waters, it has also served as a symbol of 
local history and, indeed, our Nation's history as a whole.
  The need for a lighthouse in Jupiter arose because of coastal reefs 
which made nautical activity very dangerous in the region. The 
lighthouse was designed by then Army Lieutenant George Mead, who would 
later lead the Union Army to victory as a general at the Battle of 
Gettysburg. Not only did its designer win a decisive Civil War battle, 
but the lighthouse was also later used extensively by Union sailors, 
further aiding the fight against secession. However, preliminary 
construction of the lighthouse proved to be an arduous task, with 
malaria, other diseases, and raids from some of the local populations 
taking a significant toll.
  This lighthouse has served not only as a beacon for Florida's sailors 
but also as a reminder of the importance of our history. We must always 
remember the special circumstances concerning the history of the lands 
around the lighthouse. For centuries, Native Americans lived and 
flourished in that area. On numerous occasions, they quartered runaway 
slaves and welcomed them into their communities. Today, the influence 
of these native peoples can still be felt. In fact, both Jupiter and 
Hobe Sounds' names were derived from the Hobe Indians who once lived in 
the region.
  I would be remiss to not mention the natural beauty of the region. We 
are lucky to have such a pristine example of what Florida can offer to 
our nation's environmental diversity. The river itself is home to 
countless species of plant and animal life which live together in 
harmony and help to define the entire region. We have a duty to work 
toward preserving this land and all the species that thrive there.
  The lighthouse at Jupiter Inlet and the surrounding area have a deep 
historical connection to our country and are a testament to the 
necessity of conservation efforts in our nation's varied habitats. 
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for 
passing this bill, and I urge the President to sign this into law and 
designate the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse as a National Landscape System.

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