[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 3, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H4838-H4841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE STATE OF MINNESOTA'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 923) recognizing the State of
Minnesota's 150th anniversary.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 923
Whereas Minnesota was established as a territory on March
2, 1849, and became the 32nd State on May 11, 1858;
Whereas Minnesota is also known as the ``Gopher State'',
the ``North Star State'', and the ``Land of 10,000 Lakes'';
Whereas Minnesota's name comes from the Dakota word
``minesota'', meaning ``water that reflects the sky'', and
Native Americans continue to play a defining role in
Minnesota's proud heritage;
Whereas the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul were
established after the completion of nearby Fort Snelling, a
frontier outpost and training center for Civil War soldiers;
Whereas more than 338,000,000 tons of Minnesota iron ore
were shipped between 1940 and 1945 that contributed to the
U.S. military victory in World War II, and an additional
648,000,000 tons of iron ore were shipped between 1945 and
1955 that boosted post-war economic expansion in the U.S.;
Whereas in 1889, the Saint Mary's Hospital, now known as
the Mayo Clinic, opened its doors to patients in Rochester,
Minnesota, and is now known worldwide for its cutting-edge
care;
Whereas Minnesota continues to be a leader in innovation
and is currently home to more than 35 Fortune 500 Companies;
Whereas Minnesota houses over 30 institutions of higher
education including the University of Minnesota, a world-
class research university where the first open heart surgery
and first bone marrow transplant was performed in the United
States;
Whereas farmland spans over half of Minnesota's 54 million
acres and the agriculture industry is Minnesota's second
largest job market, employing nearly 80,000 farmers;
Whereas Minnesota is the Nation's number one producer of
sugarbeets and turkeys;
Whereas Minnesota is a national leader in the production
and use of renewable energy,
[[Page H4839]]
which helps our Nation reduce its dependency on foreign
sources of oil;
Whereas the Mall of America located in Bloomington,
Minnesota, is the Nation's largest retail and entertainment
complex, spanning 9,500,000 square feet and providing more
than 11,000 jobs;
Whereas Minnesota has 90,000 miles of lake and river
shoreline, which includes the coast of Lake Superior, the
largest of North America's Great Lakes;
Whereas the Minneapolis-St. Paul area is nationally
recognized for its parks, museums, and cultural events; and
Whereas the people of Minnesota have a timeless reputation
of compassion, strength, and determination: Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates
the State of Minnesota on its 150th anniversary and the
contributions it continues to make to America's economy and
heritage.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
General Leave
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the
consideration of H. Res. 923, which recognizes the 150th anniversary of
the State of Minnesota and highlights its contributions to America's
economy and heritage.
H. Res. 923 was introduced by our colleague, Congresswoman Michelle
Bachmann of Minnesota, on January 16, 2008, and was considered by and
reported from the Oversight Committee on May 1, 2008, by voice vote.
This measure has the support and cosponsorship of 120 Members of
Congress, including all of the Members from the State of Minnesota.
On March 2, 1849, Minnesota was established as a territory, and it
became the 32nd State on March 11, 1858. Also known as the Gopher
State, the North Star State, and the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota's
name comes from the Dakota word ``minesota,'' meaning ``water that
reflects the sky.''
Minnesota has been and continues to be a leader in innovation in
science and education. It is home of the Mayo Clinic, which is known
for its cutting-edge medical work, and over 30 institutions of higher
education, including the University of Minnesota, a world-class
research university, which performed the first open heart surgery and
the first bone marrow transplant in America. I should also mention that
Minnesota is currently home to more than 35 Fortune 500 companies and
is leading the Nation in the production and use of renewable energy.
So, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota
for sponsoring the measure at hand. Given the 150th anniversary of
Minnesota's statehood and the enormous contributions Minnesota has made
to our Nation and the world, I urge passage of this resolution.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. FOXX. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution seeks to commemorate the 150th
anniversary of Minnesota becoming a State. In February of 1857,
Congress passed an enabling act that defined the State boundaries and
authorized the establishment of a State government for the people of
Minnesota. Among other things, it called for a convention to establish
a State constitution. As is normal in a democracy, the Democrats and
Republicans could not come to a final agreement on language, which
resulted in the drafting of two distinct constitutions.
Ultimately, a conference committee of five members from each party
was formed in order to work out the differences and create one
constitution both sides could agree to. This happened in August of
1857. Although neither party agreed to sign along with members of the
other party, a consensus on the language was agreed upon and two copies
were made and signed. Minnesota's State constitution was born.
A few months later, on May 11, 1858, President James Buchanan signed
legislation granting statehood to Minnesota, making it the 32nd State
in the Union. Until that point, Minnesota held the status of a
territory for more than 9 years. Henry Hastings Sibley, the State's
first Governor, famously uttered Minnesota is finally free ``from the
trammels of territorial vassalage.''
On this occasion of the sesquicentennial, it is important that we
recognize all that Minnesota has to offer. It is truly a time of
celebration for the 5 million-plus residents of Minnesota, and there is
a lot to celebrate. Its geography and terrain are among the most
precious and beautiful our Nation has to offer. It is home to the
headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River, which has been so crucial
to the development of the economic viability of our Nation.
Minnesota is a land rich in natural resources and remains among the
leaders in agriculture and iron production. Minnesota's farming
industry feeds and nourishes many of our Nation's citizens today.
Minnesotans are known to be a people with a sense of pride in their
history and tradition. Many Minnesotans have had profound impact on the
lives of people all across our Nation.
{time} 1430
For instance, the founders of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Dr.
William Mayo and his two sons, William and Charles, began their
practice in Minnesota.
Minnesota is also the birthplace of one of America's greatest
literary figures and favorite authors, F. Scott Fitzgerald. His
literary works have reached millions and continue to have a great
impact on our youth. Fitzgerald's ``The Great Gatsby'' is regarded as
one of the great American novels.
In conclusion, the State of Minnesota is one that is rich in nature,
resources, and, most importantly, in people and heritage. For this
reason, I ask my colleagues to support H. Res. 923, recognizing the
State of Minnesota's 150th anniversary.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my
distinguished colleague from the State of Idaho (Mr. Sali).
Mr. SALI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman.
I rise in support of H. Res. 923, recognizing the 150th anniversary
of the great State of Minnesota. While I rise in support and
recognition of this anniversary, I also rise to remind my colleagues
that we must address rising fuel prices.
Some have blamed rising fuel prices on those who own and manage big
oil companies. In a recent study, however, Robert Shapiro,
Undersecretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs under President Bill
Clinton, found that the vast majority of oil and natural gas company
shares are owned broadly by middle-income Americans through mutual
funds, pension funds and individual retirement accounts, while a mere
1.5 percent of the shares of public oil companies are owned by company
executives. That means that when Congress levies additional taxes on
oil companies, the American public will pay for that tax in one of two
ways; either through their pension or mutual funds, or by paying a
higher price at the pump.
Mr. Speaker, increasing taxes is not the answer to rising fuel
prices.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the
sponsor of this resolution, my colleague from Minnesota (Mrs.
Bachmann).
Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North
Carolina for yielding to me.
This is a wonderful, delightful resolution to be able to speak on
this afternoon. It is the State of Minnesota's 150th birthday. We have
had a big party all year, we are going to continue to have a big party
all year, and it is my honor to be able to present this resolution
before our distinguished body and also to let the American people know
the entire Minnesota delegation has joined me on this resolution. All
Democrats, all Republicans, we are united in this great party of
celebrating Minnesota's 150th birthday.
[[Page H4840]]
Mr. Speaker, as this resolution's author, I rise to support House
Resolution 923. As Minnesota turns a very proud 150 years old, we are
no worse for the wear as a State, and I am very honored to recognize
the contributions that Minnesota has made to the United States economy
and to our great heritage of freedom and prosperity.
On March 3rd, 1849, Minnesota was established as a United States
territory as part of the Northwest Territory, and later we became the
32nd State in this great country, on May 11, 1858.
Minnesota is now home to over 5 million very lucky people. Minnesota
is renowned for our welcoming communities, our high quality schools and
our valuable natural resources. Minnesotans take advantage of those
resources every weekend that we can, our beautiful lakes, our forests,
our prairies. ``Minnesota Nice'' is more than a saying for us; it is
our way of life, and we welcome you to come and enjoy our hospitality
any time you get to our great State of Minnesota.
We are also known as the Gopher State. We are also known as the North
Star State and the Land of 10,000 Lakes. But, truth be told, we
actually have over 15,000 lakes in our great State. Our name comes from
the Dakota word ``minesota,'' which means ``water that reflects the
sky,'' in other words, sky blue waters. And it is that, and more.
Native Americans continue to play an extremely important role in
Minnesota and a defining role in our very proud heritage. The influence
of the Native Americans can be seen not only in the names of our local
towns, our local lakes and our natural landmarks, but also in the
enduring culture of conservation of the land and the great love that
every Minnesotan shares and our bond with the outdoors.
It was in 1889 that the Saint Mary's Hospital, now known as the world
famous Mayo Clinic, opened its doors to patients in Rochester,
Minnesota. They are now known worldwide for their cutting-edge care,
and quite often in the news we will hear of yet one more world leader
who makes their way to little Rochester, Minnesota, to receive what we
know in Minnesota is the finest health care system in the United
States.
Minnesota also houses, Mr. Speaker, over 30 institutions of higher
education. Education is a very strong value in the State of Minnesota,
including the world renowned University of Minnesota, a world class
research university of which we are all extremely proud and where the
Nation's and world's first open heart surgery was performed and also
the first bone marrow transplant was performed in the United States.
Minnesota continues to be a leader in innovation. In fact, Minnesota
is currently home to more than 35 Fortune 500 companies. Yes, we are
the State, Mr. Speaker, that gave you SPAM, and we are the State that
gave you the Post-it note.
But our rise in corporate and technological prominence has not
compromised our agricultural background. Farmland spans over half of
Minnesota's 54 million acres. My father was born on a farm and grew up
on a farm, and farming is a way of life for many of our Minnesota
people. The ag industry is a jewel in Minnesota and it is Minnesota's
second largest job market, employing nearly 80,000 farmers that serve
to feed the world.
At a time when energy costs and production are dominating the
headlines, Minnesota is a national leader in the protection and use of
renewable energy. We are very proud of this fact, and it helps our
Nation reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
For 150 years, Mr. Speaker, Minnesota has attracted a very special
caliber of people, marked by our spirit and by our character. The
citizens of the State of Minnesota are dedicated to our families.
Families are very important. Faith is very important in our State, our
communities, and also in our Nation. We are people of faith. We are
people of charity. We are people of hope and dedication, love and
compassion. We have a very high rate of giving in the State of
Minnesota.
Mr. Speaker, I hope you and my fellow colleagues will join me in
recognizing the rich history and the substantial contributions that
Minnesota and Minnesotans have made to this great Nation. We have a lot
to be proud of, Mr. Speaker, and this legislation marks yet one more
happy milestone in Minnesota's long history of success.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such
time as he may consume to one of the cosponsors of this resolution,
Representative Walz from Minnesota.
Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Thank you, Mr. Davis, for managing the bill. A
special thank you to my colleague from a little further upstate in
Minnesota, Mrs. Bachmann. Thank you for your kind words. Your pride and
enthusiasm for our State is evident, and I think all of us who live
there understand why.
I, too, rise to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the
great State of Minnesota, the 32nd State. It is our sesquicentennial,
150 years. From the natural beauty of the Mississippi River, across to
the plains near South Dakota, this is a State that amongst the stark
beauty has planted the seeds, as you heard my previous colleague talk
about, of innovation, from health care to computer technology to
agriculture.
I am especially proud to represent the southern area of the State,
the First District, those many towns, like Winona along the Mississippi
River, which were the stopping points near the upper end of the paddle
boats that brought our forebearers to Minnesota. The courthouses and
the city halls still represent that long heritage, that rich tradition
and that sense of community that had people staking out a new life in
the ``big woods,'' in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
I am proud to have the City of New Ulm in my district. New Ulm is, as
you might expect, a very, very German town. It boasts the ``Herman the
German'' statue that is the second largest brass statue behind only the
Statue of Liberty in the United States. There is the proud tradition of
the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame that captures the tradition of the
many musicians and folk artists that have come through and lived in
Minnesota. Both Winona and New Ulm were capitals of a day, and I am
very proud of them during the sesquicentennial celebration.
The City of Rochester, as you heard my colleague mention, the small
town on the prairie that the Mayo brothers opened the door to a
hospital and have established the most advanced critical hospital in
probably the world. The Mayo Clinic is a destination. You must fly
there to get there. There is not a large city to draw you there, but
there is the absolute guarantee of the most quality care that you can
receive anywhere in the world. They are leading the way not only in
innovations in medical research, they are leading the way in how we
deliver health care to all Americans.
Also the City of Austin, known for many, many things, and one also
you heard my colleague mention, the invention of SPAM and the SPAM
Museum. Mr. Speaker, I invite you and anyone to please visit this
wonderful place. You will find out how SPAM is made, first and
foremost, but it also is something about the Hormel Institute and this
other great company. They have a research lab that is there that is
called the Hormel Institute. By most accounts the Hormel Institute will
feature the international conference on carcinogens and in cancer
research, especially melanomas, and the Hormel Institute, when the
story of how cancer is solved, it will probably start in Austin,
Minnesota. It is something we are very proud of, a public-private
partnership.
Minnesotans have always prided themselves on their education, of
investing in their children. Garrison Keillor talks about all of our
children are above average. We know that we have a ways to go, but we
do take pride in that, from our many, many public schools and
institutions of higher learning, producing one of the highest
graduation rates in the country, and usually in the very top three of
all SAT and ACT scores. So there is a great pride in this.
It is those residents of Southern Minnesota that I am here today to
congratulate, people who have chosen to live in a somewhat harsh
climate, to take the opportunity to settle this land, to move into the
Upper Midwest and to settle and create not just places to live, but
communities that were vibrant and growing, and that understood that the
investments we put
[[Page H4841]]
back in them would benefit this country.
So, I am proud of our State. I am proud of what our State contributes
to this Nation, just like our other 49 States and territories do. This
Nation is strongest when we are altogether, and admission of Minnesota
as the 32nd State strengthened this great Union. Today I say
congratulations to all Minnesotans, and we are looking forward to the
next 150 years.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the opportunity to visit
Minnesota myself later this year. I urge our colleagues to support H.
Res. 923, recognizing the State of Minnesota's 150th anniversary, and
yield back the balance of my time.
Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, as this resolution's author, I rise to
support H. Res. 923. As Minnesota turns a proud 150 years old, I am
honored to recognize the contributions she has made to America's
economy and heritage.
On March 3, 1849, Minnesota was established as a U.S. territory and
later became the 32nd state on May 11, 1858. It is now home to over
five million people and is renowned for its welcoming communities,
quality schools and valuable natural resources. ``Minnesota Nice'' is
more than a saying; it's a way of life.
Minnesota is known as the Gopher State, the North Star State, and the
Land of 10,000 Lakes; and its name comes from the Lakota word minesota,
meaning ``water that reflects the sky.'' Native Americans continue to
play a defining role in Minnesota's proud heritage. Their influence can
be seen not only in the names of local towns and lakes and natural
landmarks, but also in the enduring culture of conservation and love
for the outdoors.
In 1889, the Saint Mary's Hospital, now known as the Mayo Clinic,
opened its doors to patients in Rochester, Minnesota and is now known
worldwide for its cutting-edge care.
And Minnesota houses over 30 institutions of higher education
including the University of Minnesota--a world-class research
university where the first open heart surgery and first bone marrow
transplant were performed in the United States.
Minnesota continues to be leaders in innovation. In fact, Minnesota
is currently home to more than 35 Fortune 500 Companies.
But our rise in corporate and technological prominence has not
compromised our agricultural background. Farmland spans over half of
Minnesota's 54 million acres and the agriculture industry is
Minnesota's second largest job market, employing nearly 80,000 farmers.
At a time when energy costs and production are dominating the
headlines, Minnesota is a national leader in the production and use of
renewable energy, which helps our nation reduce its dependence on
foreign oil.
For one-hundred and fifty years, Minnesota has attracted a special
caliber of people, marked by their spirit and character. The citizens
of our great state are dedicated to their families, their communities
and their country. They are people of faith and charity, hope and
dedication, love and compassion.
Mr. Speaker, I hope you and my fellow colleagues will join me in
recognizing the rich history and substantial contributions Minnesota
has made to its nation. Minnesotans have a lot to be proud of, and this
legislation marks another milestone in Minnesota's long history of
success.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would urge passage of this
resolution, and yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 923.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and
nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
____________________