[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 131 (Friday, September 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             MANHATTAN PROJECT NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK ACT

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 19, 2012

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak regarding H.R. 5987, which 
establishes the Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak 
Ridge, Tennessee; Los Alamos, New Mexico; and Hanford, Washington.
  These American cities were the primary locations of the Manhattan 
Project--an unprecedented American research and development effort 
during World War II that harnessed the power of the atom to produce the 
world's first atomic weapons. The project produced the atomic bombs 
detonated over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that 
ultimately led to the surrender of Japan in August 1945.
  The Manhattan Project is worthy of national recognition as a 
scientific achievement and a historical turning point in the greatest 
conflict of the 20th century. However, the highest degree of 
sensitivity is required in doing so. The same blasts that ended 
America's war and brought joy to our streets resulted in the death of 
over 300,000 Japanese civilians.
  There are important questions about how the National Park Service 
will interpret this new monument. These questions should be answered 
before H.R. 5987 moves forward. While I do not oppose the establishment 
of a national historic park recognizing the Manhattan Project, I expect 
the necessary consultations with stakeholders to occur prior to passage 
of this legislation.

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