[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 22, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H1518-H1522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1330
 OCMULGEE MOUNDS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK BOUNDARY REVISION ACT OF 2016

  Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 482) to redesignate Ocmulgee National Monument in the State 
of Georgia and revise its boundary, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                H.R. 482

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Ocmulgee Mounds National 
     Historical Park Boundary Revision Act of 2016''.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled 
     ``Ocmulgee National Monument Proposed Boundary Adjustment, 
     numbered 363/125996'', and dated January 2016.
       (2) Historical park.--The term ``Historical Park'' means 
     the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in the State of 
     Georgia, as redesignated in section 3.
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.

     SEC. 3. OCMULGEE MOUNDS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK.

       (a) Redesignation.--Ocmulgee National Monument, established 
     pursuant to the Act of June 14, 1934 (48 Stat. 958), shall be 
     known and designated as ``Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical 
     Park''.
       (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, 
     document, paper, or other record of the United States to 
     ``Ocmulgee National Monument'', other than in this Act, shall 
     be deemed to be a reference to ``Ocmulgee Mounds National 
     Historical Park''.

     SEC. 4. BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT.

       (a) In General.--The boundary of the Historical Park is 
     revised to include approximately 2,100 acres, as generally 
     depicted on the map.
       (b) Availability of Map.--The map shall be on file and 
     available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of 
     the National Park Service, the Department of the Interior.

     SEC. 5. LAND ACQUISITION; NO BUFFER ZONES.

       (a) Land Acquisition.--The Secretary is authorized to 
     acquire land and interests in land within the boundaries of 
     the Historical Park by donation or exchange only (and in the 
     case of an exchange, no payment may be made by the Secretary 
     to any landowner). The Secretary may not acquire by 
     condemnation any land or interest in land within the 
     boundaries of the Historical Park. No private property or 
     non-

[[Page H1519]]

     Federal public property shall be included within the 
     boundaries of the Historical Park without the written consent 
     of the owner of such property.
       (b) No Buffer Zones.--Nothing in this Act, the 
     establishment of the Historical Park, or the management of 
     the Historical Park shall be construed to create buffer zones 
     outside of the Historical Park. That an activity or use can 
     be seen or heard from within the Historical Park shall not 
     preclude the conduct of that activity or use outside the 
     Historical Park.

     SEC. 6. ADMINISTRATION.

       The Secretary shall administer any land acquired under 
     section 5 as part of the Historical Park in accordance with 
     applicable laws and regulations.

     SEC. 7. OCMULGEE RIVER CORRIDOR SPECIAL RESOURCE STUDY.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a special 
     resource study of the Ocmulgee River corridor between the 
     cities of Macon, Georgia, and Hawkinsville, Georgia, to 
     determine--
       (1) the national significance of the study area;
       (2) the suitability and feasibility of adding lands in the 
     study area to the National Park System; and
       (3) the methods and means for the protection and 
     interpretation of the study area by the National Park 
     Service, other Federal, State, local government entities, 
     affiliated federally recognized Indian tribes, or private or 
     nonprofit organizations.
       (b) Criteria.--The Secretary shall conduct the study 
     authorized by this Act in accordance with section 100507 of 
     title 54, United States Code.
       (c) Results of Study.--Not later than 3 years after the 
     date on which funds are made available to carry out this 
     section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
     Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate--
       (1) the results of the study; and
       (2) any findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the 
     Secretary.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Stewart). Pursuant to the rule, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock) and the gentlewoman from 
Massachusetts (Ms. Tsongas) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 482, introduced by Representative Sanford Bishop of 
Georgia, would redesignate the Ocmulgee National Monument in Georgia as 
the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and adjust the boundary of 
the historical park to include approximately 2,100 new acres.
  Additionally, the bill directs the Department of the Interior to 
conduct a special resource study to determine the feasibility of adding 
the Ocmulgee River corridor to the National Park Service. The study 
will also examine the national significance of the site, as well as the 
best methods and means for ensuring protection and interpretation of 
this area.
  This bill passed out of the committee by unanimous consent, and I 
urge my colleagues to vote in favor of its passage today.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time he may consume to the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop).
  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 482, the Ocmulgee 
Mounds National Historical Park Boundary Revision Act of 2016.
  First, I want to thank the coauthor of this legislation, my friend 
and colleague, Representative Austin Scott. He has been a tireless 
advocate on behalf of this legislation, and we would not be where we 
are today without his help, advice, and collaboration.
  I would also like to thank Chairman Rob Bishop and Ranking Member 
Grijalva of the full House Natural Resources Committee for their work 
in bringing this bill to the House floor this afternoon.
  Chairman Tom McClintock and Ranking Member Niki Tsongas of the 
Federal Lands Subcommittee have been extremely helpful, and I want to 
commend them and their staffs, especially Terry Camp and Brandon 
Bragato, for their efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, there are few, if any, historic sites in the United 
States that have evidence of continuous human habitation from so long 
ago, when the first nomadic people came to North America to hunt Ice 
Age mammals and began to settle the Macon Plateau.
  It is what makes the Ocmulgee National Monument so unique. On its 702 
acres, one can find archeological evidence from these first nomads, the 
mound builders of the Mississippian Period, British traders of the late 
17th century, and the Civil War.
  Our bipartisan legislation consists of three parts. First, it will 
expand the boundaries from approximately 702 acres to over 2,800 acres, 
providing protection to additional archeological resources, linking two 
noncontiguous areas, and improving the site's connection to the city of 
Macon-Bibb, Georgia.
  Most of the land will be donated from nonprofit associations and 
government agencies. Property would also be acquired only from willing 
donors or sellers, subject to the availability of funding.
  Second, the bill will change the name from Ocmulgee National Monument 
to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park, which would increase name 
recognition and draw additional visitors from across the country.
  Finally, H.R. 482 would authorize a resources study to explore the 
possibility of expanding the park even further and include additional 
opportunities for hunting, camping, fishing, and other recreational 
activities.
  The legislation enjoys widespread local support, including Macon-Bibb 
Mayor Robert Reichert, the Macon-Bibb Chamber of Commerce, the Macon-
Bibb Business Bureau, the Macon-Bibb Commission, the Macon-Bibb 
Economic Development Commission, the Ocmulgee National Park and 
Preserve Association, and the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five 
Civilized Tribes: Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and 
Seminole.
  Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record letters in support of this 
legislation.

                                          Office of the Mayor,

                                 Macon-Bibb County, June 12, 2015.
     Re HR-482 Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park Boundary 
         Revision Act of 2015.

     Hon. Tom McClintock,
     Chairman, Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental, 
         House Committee of Natural Resources, Washington, DC.
     Hon. Niki Tsongas,
     Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Public Lands and 
         Environmental, House Committee of Natural Resources, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman McClintock and Ms. Tsongas: Please accept 
     this letter as an enthusiastic endorsement of HR-482! 
     Ocmulgee National Monument became a part of the National Park 
     Service in the 1930's after an archeological excavation 
     revealed evidence of continual human habitation since the 
     last ice age, 12-14,000 years ago. In addition, Native 
     Americans built an earthen floor council chamber which is now 
     1,000 years old and is one of the best surviving examples of 
     their culture.
       On behalf of the 155,000 people living in Macon-Bibb County 
     and the 122,799 people from 48 states and 41 countries 
     covering six continents that visited the Ocmulgee National 
     Monument last year, I am writing to urge you to support HR-
     482 when it comes before your subcommittee on June 16. Its 
     passage would:
       Expand the park boundary to more than 2,000 acres from its 
     current 700 acres; and include additional artifacts and sites 
     which deserve federal protection; (There is no federal 
     funding for land acquisition; this bill merely authorizes 
     inclusion of additional property that may be voluntarily 
     contributed or acquired with private funds into the boundary 
     of the Park.)
       Change the name from Ocmulgee National Monument to 
     ``Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park'' to better describe 
     the site;
       Authorize a resource study (again to be privately funded) 
     to determine if the Park could be incorporated, along with 
     other properties, into a Natural Preserve along the Ocmulgee 
     River to provide hunting and fishing opportunities and 
     promote environmental education, health and wellness, and 
     public enjoyment.
       The expansion and reclassification of the National Monument 
     went through a very highly-publicized community input 
     process, and it was overwhelmingly supported by thousands of 
     people from our community, our region, and our state. We know 
     the people of Georgia are excited and anxious to take this 
     step and have this treasure in their backyard, both for their 
     own enjoyment and for the enjoyment of their families, 
     friends and visitors.
       The expansion of the Ocmulgee National Monument would be a 
     very positive development for our entire region, and it is 
     one of several initiatives Macon-Bibb County is undertaking 
     to provide additional green space

[[Page H1520]]

     and passive recreational opportunities within our community. 
     This effort is so important to us. It is one of our top 
     projects detailed in our new government's first Strategic 
     Plan,
       HR-482 will be a significant part of, not only preserving 
     and protecting our heritage, but also, developing miles of 
     trail, greenspace, and a park along our Ocmulgee River. Your 
     support of this legislation will dramatically improve Middle 
     Georgia, and I hope it will receive your favorable 
     consideration,
       Thank you.
           Yours truly,
                                            Robert A. B. Reichert,
     Mayor.
                                  ____

                                                 Ocmulgee National


                                   Park & Preserve Initiative,

                                         Macon, GA, June 12, 2015.
     Please support HR 482: The Ocmulgee Mounds National 
         Historical Park Boundary Revision Act of 2015.

       Dear Members of the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands: 
     The Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative (ONPPI) is a 
     community-based group of Middle Georgia citizens working 
     together to further protect the current Ocmulgee National 
     Monument and eventually expand the current site into the 
     first National Park and Preserve east of the Mississippi 
     River. I am writing on behalf of myself and our 190 members 
     to urge your support of HR 482: The Ocmulgee Mounds National 
     Historical Park Boundary Revision Act of 2015, when it comes 
     before the subcommittee on Tuesday, June 16th.
       HR 482 would: 1) expand the current park boundary from 
     approximately 700 acres to over 2,000 acres; 2) change the 
     name from ``Ocmulgee National Monument'' to ``Ocmulgee Mounds 
     National Historical Park''; and 3) authorize a resource study 
     to determine if the park should be expanded further to 
     consolidate existing public lands, protect hunting, and 
     fishing, and provide additional opportunities for education, 
     recreation and public enjoyment.
       The Ocmulgee National Monument was authorized by Congress 
     in 1934 to protect a unique Native American cultural 
     landscape that the National Trust for Historic Preservation 
     has declared as ranking among the nation's richest 
     archaeological areas. Unfortunately, when the park was 
     created during the Great Depression, only a fraction of the 
     area could be preserved and many significant resources were 
     left unprotected. The current bill seeks to fulfill the 
     original intent of Congress by preserving a larger portion of 
     the area.
       This legislation has already received the endorsement of 
     over 15 local governments, chambers of commerce, and other 
     civic organizations in Georgia as they all recognize the 
     potential economic impact for their community and the state. 
     In addition, resolutions of support have been passed by 
     Oklahoma's Muscogee Creek Nation, as well as the Inter-Tribal 
     Council of the Five Civilized Tribes (Cherokee, Chickasaw, 
     Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole Nations), 
     representing more than 500,000 Indian people across the 
     United States.
       As you may know, Georgia's National Park units are major 
     drivers of the state's recreation and tourism economy. In 
     2013, they attracted nearly 7.5 million visitors and 
     generated over $375 million in visitor spending. The National 
     Parks receive just 1/15th of 1-percent of the federal budget, 
     or around $3 billion annually, yet the parks generate over 
     $30 billion in economic activity related to travel, tourism, 
     and outdoor recreation, drawing visitors from around the 
     globe to local gateway communities.
       HR 482 will honor the ancestral story of the Muscogee Creek 
     and other southeastern Native peoples, will promote tourism 
     and boost economic growth, and will provide new opportunities 
     for education and public enjoyment. For these reasons, we 
     urge you to co-sponsor and support passage of this bill.
       Thank you for your kind consideration of this request.
           Sincerely,

                                               Brian P. Adams,

                                    President, Board of Directors,
     Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative.
                                  ____

                                                September 1, 2015.
     Hon. Tom McClintock,
     Chairman, Subcommittee on Federal Lands, House Committee on 
         Natural Resources, House of Representatives, Washington, 
         DC.
     Hon. Niki Tsongas,
     Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Federal Lands, House 
         Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman McClintock and Ranking Member Tsongas: I 
     write in support of H.R. 482, the Ocmulgee Mounds National 
     Historical Park Boundary Revision Act of 2015, This important 
     piece of legislation would, if enacted: 1) rename and give 
     National Historical Park status to the Ocmulgee National 
     Monument; 2) considerably expand the park's boundaries; and 
     3) commission a special resource study of the Ocmulgee 
     corridor that focuses on how best to protect and develop this 
     area of land in the future, and in such a way as to allow for 
     expanded recreational activities such as hunting and fishing.
       Because of its rich archeological significance--which 
     chronicles the history of man and womankind from the last Ice 
     Age, through the Mound Builder period, and onwards to today--
     this land should be preserved so that future generations can 
     learn from, and enjoy, its cultural treasures. And for many 
     southeastern Native peoples, including the Muscogee (Creek), 
     who were forcibly removed from these lands and relocated to 
     the West, this land is of inestimable value. In fact, in 
     October of 2014, the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five 
     Civilized Tribes (Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee 
     (Creek), and Seminole Nations), representing over 500,000 
     Indian people throughout the United States, voiced its 
     support of the measures in this Act.
       Accordingly, I urge you to help ensure that this 
     legislation is enacted. Thank you for your time and 
     consideration.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Mary Fallin,
     Governor of the State of Oklahoma.
                                  ____

                                                 State of Georgia,


                                       Office of the Governor,

                              Atlanta 30334-0900, August 26. 2015.
     Hon. Tom McClintock,
     Chairman, Subcommittee on Federal Lands, House Committee on 
         Natural Resources, House of Representatives, Washington, 
         DC.
     Hon. Niki Tsongas,
     Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Federal Lands, House 
         Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman McClintock and Ranking Member Tsongas: I am 
     writing at the request of Congressman Austin Scott and 
     Congressman Sanford Bishop, in my capacity as Governor of 
     Georgia, to express my support for H.R. 482, the ``Ocmulgee 
     Mounds National Historical Park Boundary Revision Act of 
     2015'' and to request your careful consideration and approval 
     of this legislation.
       The Ocmulgee National Monument, authorized by Congress in 
     1934 and created by land donations in 1936, preserves the 
     unique Native American history of the southeast, documenting 
     17,000 years of human presence in the region, from the last 
     Ice Age, up through the era of the Mississippian mound 
     builders, and on into the periods of Spanish exploration, 
     English colonization, and the early American frontier. In 
     addition to this incredible history, Georgia's national park 
     units are important drivers of a State recreation and tourism 
     economy that is valued at roughly $24 billion annually.
       The bipartisan bill now before Congress will achieve 
     numerous goals supported by the State, including the 
     following.
       Enhanced historical preservation for exceptional cultural 
     resources in a place described by the National Trust for 
     Historic Preservation as ranking among the nation's richest 
     archaeological areas, thereby honoring the ancestral story of 
     the Muscogee Creek and other southeastern Native peoples.
       Re-designation of the unit as a National Historical Park, 
     increasing the park's name recognition and the region's 
     standing as a national and international travel destination, 
     and enriching recreational amenities and the quality of life 
     for Georgia residents and military personnel stationed at 
     nearby Robins Air Force Base; all in keeping with actions 
     outlined in Georgia's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor 
     Recreation Plan (SCORP).
       Augmented protection within an extended area of important 
     wildlife habitat and natural resources that has been 
     identified as one of the highest priority landscapes for 
     conservation under Georgia's State Wildlife Action Plan 
     (SWAP).
       Authorization of a special resource study of the Ocmulgee 
     River corridor between the cities of Macon and Hawkinsville 
     that will, among other things, provide a mechanism for 
     examining options to safeguard public hunting areas and 
     hunting as an important recreational activity, as well as 
     ways that conservation of public hunting lands might 
     contribute toward enhancing base-compatible land use along 
     the eastern boundary of Robins Air Force Base, ensuring its 
     continued viability as a regional military and economic hub; 
     all in conformity with resolutions passed by both chambers of 
     the Georgia General Assembly in 2004 (Georgia HR 1256 & SR 
     755), urging ``. . . the Congress of the United States to 
     consider creating a national preserve . . . to protect land 
     and other natural resources and promote hunting and fishing . 
     . . in a continuous corridor of the Ocmulgee and Altamaha 
     Rivers . . .''
       Responsiveness to resolutions and letters in support of 
     H.R. 482 submitted by the following entities:
       the City of Macon--Bibb County Commission & Mayor,
       the City of Centerville Council & Mayor,
       the City of Perry Council & Mayor,
       the City of Hawkinsville Commission,
       the City of Warner Robins Council & Mayor,
       the Wilkinson County Board of Commissioners,
       the City of Jeffersonville & Twiggs County Development 
     Authority,
       the Middle Georgia Regional Commission,
       the Peach County Development Authority;
       the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce,
       the City of Hawkinsville--Pulaski County Chamber of 
     Commerce,
       the Georgia Small Business Lender Board of Directors,
       the Houston County Development Authority,
       the Historic Macon Foundation,
       the City of Macon--Bibb County Urban Development Authority,
       the Southeast Tourism Society,
       the Macon-Bibb County Convention & Visitors Bureau,

[[Page H1521]]

       the Macon Economic Development Commission, and
       NewTown Macon;
       as well as resolutions passed by the following tribal 
     governmental organizations in Oklahoma representing over 
     500,000 Indian people throughout the United States:
       the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and
       the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes.
       In closing, companion legislation to H.R. 482 has been 
     introduced in the United States Senate (S. 1696) by senior 
     Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson and co-sponsored by Georgia's 
     junior Senator David Perdue (S. 1696). In view of this 
     extraordinary level of support, I ask for your assistance in 
     gaining the timely enactment of H.R. 482.
           Thank you for your consideration.
     Nathan Deal.
                                  ____

                                                     Greater Macon


                                          Chamber of Commerce,

                                    Macon, Georgia, June 11, 2015.
     Hon. Tom McClintock,
     Chairman, Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental 
         Protection, House Committee of Natural Resources, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman McClintock: I am writing in strong support of 
     H.R. 482, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park 
     Boundary Revision Act of 2015 which states that the Ocmulgee 
     National Monument shall be known and designated as ``Ocmulgee 
     Mounds National Historical Park''.
       The boundary of the Historical Park will be revised to 
     include approximately 2,100 acres and will provide protection 
     of important archaeological resources. This revision will 
     provide additional recreational opportunities, leading to 
     increased visitation thus more economic impact. Macon 
     citizens are understandably proud to have this grand park 
     within the city limits, and are thankful that city leaders 
     realized the importance of the mounds back in 1936. That was 
     the year that the Ocmulgee National Monument was established 
     as a memorial to some of the original settlers on the North 
     American continent. We believe that adding the word 
     ``mounds'' to the monument's name will help Americans more 
     quickly understand the monument's connection to the 
     Mississippians and later, to the Creeks. After all, it is 
     ``mounds'' that attract visitors who come to learn about the 
     cultures that were here hundreds of years before the 
     Europeans came.
       Recently the National Park Service did an economic impact 
     study based on Ocmulgee's 2014 visitation and determined that 
     the park had a $6,887,000 impact on our local community. 
     Macon and its people are proud of the Monument, and we 
     believe that this change will help encourage even more 
     tourism and economic activity in the area.
       The Chamber fully supports H. R. 482 and appreciates your 
     support as well.
           Sincerely,
                                                    James M. Dyer,
     President & CEO.
                                  ____


         The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes


A Resolution Supporting United States National Park Service's Expansion 
of Ocmulgee National Monument and Requesting Congressional Enactment of 
                         Authorized Legislation

                          Resolution No. 14-31

       Whereas, the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized 
     Tribes (ITC) is an organization that unites the tribal 
     governments of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee 
     (Creek), and Seminole Nations, representing over 500,000 
     Indian people throughout the United States; and
       Whereas, the ITC strongly supports actions of its member 
     nations to preserve and to protect historic properties and 
     traditional cultural properties within respective ancestral 
     homelands in the American Southeast; and
       Whereas, the historic Ocmulgee Old Fields, an expansive, 
     culturally defining historic landscape on the Fall-line of 
     the Ocmulgee River at Macon, Georgia is of significant 
     importance to the Muscogee (Creek) people; and
       Whereas, the United States Congress, in recognition of the 
     significance of the many historic Muscogean properties 
     existing within the Ocmulgee Old Fields region, in 1934, 
     authorized the United States National Park Service to 
     establish the Ocmulgee National Monument as a means to 
     preserve the historic landscape; and
       Whereas, in 1966 the Ocmulgee National Monument was listed 
     on the National Register of Historic Places; and
       Whereas, in 1997 the National Park Service designated the 
     Ocmulgee National Monument as a Traditional Cultural Property 
     and the first recognized Traditional Cultural Property east 
     of the Mississippi River; and
       Whereas, the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, 
     was amended in 1992 to ensure that Tribes are provided a 
     meaningful role in federal decisions under Section 106 of the 
     Act; and
       Whereas, the National Park Service has now introduced 
     legislation within both houses of the United States Congress 
     requesting authorization to extend its protective stewardship 
     over a broader area of the historic Ocmulgee Old Fields 
     through its proposed incorporation of 2100 acres of the 
     Ocmulgee Old Fields landscape into the Ocmulgee National 
     Monument; and
       Whereas, the Government of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has 
     determined that the proposed National Park Service expansion 
     of the Ocmulgee National Monument boundary within the 
     historic Ocmulgee Old Fields region is consistent with and is 
     in accord with preservation interests within the Ocmulgee Old 
     Fields; and
       Whereas, the Government of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has 
     supported the proposed National Park Service expansion of the 
     Ocmulgee National Monument and is now engaged in active 
     support for legislation pending in Congress to authorize said 
     action.
       Now therefore be it resolved that, the ITC does hereby 
     support the proposed National Park Service expansion of the 
     geographic boundaries of the Ocmulgee National Monument 
     within the historic Ocmulgee Old Fields region and hereby 
     requests of the United States Congress deliberate and quick 
     action toward enacting authorizing legislation.


                             CERTIFICATION

       The foregoing resolution was adopted by the Inter-Tribal 
     Council of the Five Civilized Tribes meeting in Durant, 
     Oklahoma on this 10th day of October, 2014, by a vote of 5 
     for, 0 against, and 0 abstentions.
     Bill Anoatubby,
       Governor, The Chickasaw Nation.
     Gary Batton,
       Chief, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
     Bill John Baker,
       Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation.
     George Tiger,
       Principal Chief, Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
     Leonard M. Harjo,
       Principal Chief, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. In short, I believe that H.R. 482 will 
strengthen the current Ocmulgee National Monument and bolster the 
economy and cultural life of Georgia, and beyond. I urge my colleagues 
to support this legislation.
  Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Austin Scott), my friend and the 
cosponsor of this measure.
  Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H.R. 482, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park Boundary Act of 
2016.
  I would like to thank my colleague, Congressman Sanford Bishop of 
Georgia. We have had many meetings in Washington, as well as back in 
the district, on this particular issue. Certainly I have enjoyed 
working with him on it.
  Today's vote marks an important milestone in many years of effort to 
bring about increased recognition and enhance cultural preservation of 
the Ocmulgee National Monument.
  The Ocmulgee National Monument was originally authorized by Congress 
in 1934 to protect the Old Ocmulgee Fields, which includes a network of 
very well-preserved Indian mounds of great historical importance. The 
history of the fields can be traced back to Native Americans who first 
came to the site during the Paleo-Indian period to hunt Ice Age 
mammals.
  The park is unique in that it vividly displays the story of many 
stages of prehistoric cultural development, including the Mound Builder 
period, and highlights the important role of agriculture in the region.
  I am proud to represent this area of middle Georgia, along with 
Congressman Sanford Bishop. Our offices have worked, along with many 
regional community partners, to advance this goal.
  By expanding the current Ocmulgee National Monument from 700 acres to 
over 2,000 acres and redesignating the area as a National Historic 
Park, this legislation will provide significant economic, educational, 
and cultural benefits to middle Georgia.
  Additionally, H.R. 482 will reauthorize a study for future expansions 
and include increased opportunities for hunting, fishing, camping, and 
other recreational activities.
  The expansion of the Ocmulgee National Monument area provides for 
critical preservation of additional archeological locations through the 
Old Ocmulgee Fields. Because of its significant historical and 
archeological importance, the future Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic 
Park must be preserved.
  The expanded park also will generate additional tourism in middle 
Georgia, while educating visitors on the fascinating history of the 
many civilizations that have thrived in the region. However, it should 
be noted that the property in the proposed expansion area would be 
acquired only from willing donors or sellers using private

[[Page H1522]]

funds, and that no Federal dollars will be used to achieve expansion.
  I want to take this time to thank Chairman Bishop and Ranking Member 
Grijalva, as well as all the members of the House Committee on Natural 
Resources, for their work to bring this legislation to the floor today.
  I want to close by noting that this legislation is a true example of 
what can be achieved when local, State, and Federal leaders work 
together towards a common goal.
  The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park Boundary Act was created 
from the ground up with many letters of support from the Macon-Bibb 
area and well over 3,000 comments from individuals and community groups 
in support of the expansion. Without this collaboration at every level, 
none of this would be possible.
  I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 482, the Ocmulgee 
Mounds National Historical Park Boundary Act of 2016.
  Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, due to its rich and diverse history, it is really only 
fitting that the future Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park be 
preserved as a lasting memorial to the native cultures, historic 
structures, and priceless natural resources that reside on the land.
  I want to thank Representative Sanford Bishop, who worked in 
partnership with Representative Austin Scott--both of Georgia--for 
their work on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support its 
adoption.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to recommend this bill 
to the House, and I urge its adoption.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 482, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________