[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 106 (Friday, July 1, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE 99TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSAGE OF THE NATIONAL PARK 
                              SERVICE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 1, 2016

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
centennial anniversary of the passage of the ``National Park Service 
Act''.
  Because of the ``National Park Service Act,'' the history and 
heritage of America is being preserved to teach and inspire future 
generations.
  Since the mid-19th century, the National Park Service is responsible 
for carrying out the Historic Sites, Buildings, and Antiquities Act, 
the National Historic Preservation Act, and other laws relating to 
protecting and preserving sites that illustrate America's history.
  The Centennial is about celebrating the achievements of the past 100 
years, but today is about the future.
  Today is the start of a second century of stewardship.
  As many as 407 national parks inspire community-based recreation, 
conservation, and history preservation programs that positively impact 
their own communities.
  According to the National Park Service, the economic contributions 
brought to the United States economy was $32 billion dollars in 
economic output and provided 295,000 jobs nationwide.
  Texas is a proud home to 14 National Parks, 20 National Natural 
Landmarks, and 46 National Historic Landmarks.
  In areas surrounding Houston, Texas, there are wonderful national 
parks including the Brazos Bend State Park, Galveston Island State 
Park, Huntsville State Park, Stephen F. Austin State Park and Lake 
Livingston State Park.
  Tourists also enjoy educational sites and centers in the Houston Area 
as well, including the Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental 
Learning Center, the Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site, and the San 
Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site.
  It's no wonder that in 2015, 5,044,926 people visited national parks 
in Texas.
  National Park Service estimates tourism in Texas contributed $372.6 
million in economic output and supplied 4,100 jobs statewide.
  The Centennial of the National Park Service is a day we acknowledge 
and celebrate the fruits of our investment, for every dollar invested 
in the National Park Service generates $10 in economic activity.
  Investing in protecting America's National Parks is the right thing 
to do for our environment, for our people, and for our economy.
  On the birthday of our nation's National Park Service, let us 
continue robust investment in protecting our environment and also 
improving the lives of millions of people.
  I also want to commemorate the bipartisan efforts made leading to 
this day through passing H.R. 1068, ``Title 54, United States Code, 
National Park System,'' becoming a law in December of 2014.
  As we recall the great efforts made by Congress in the past century, 
let us also bear in mind the importance of continued bipartisan support 
as we embark upon this next century of protecting our beloved national 
parks.

                          ____________________