[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 200 (Thursday, December 22, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H10002-H10009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA ACT

  Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1529, I call 
up the bill (S. 1942) to standardize the designation of National 
Heritage Areas, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate 
consideration in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1529, the bill 
is considered read.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                S. 1942

       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 ``National Heritage Area 
     Act''.

     SEC. 2. NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA SYSTEM.

       (a) In General.--Subtitle I of title 54, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

                 ``DIVISION C--NATIONAL HERITAGE AREAS

             ``CHAPTER 1201--NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA SYSTEM

``Sec.
``120101. Definition of National Heritage Area.
``120102. Establishment of National Heritage Area System.
``120103. National Heritage Area studies and designation.
``120104. Evaluation.

     ``Sec. 120101. Definition of National Heritage Area

       ``In this chapter, the term `National Heritage Area' means 
     a component of the National Heritage Area System described in 
     section 120102(b).

     ``Sec. 120102. Establishment of National Heritage Area System

       ``(a) In General.--To recognize certain areas of the United 
     States that tell nationally significant stories and to 
     conserve, enhance, and interpret those nationally significant 
     stories and the natural, historic, scenic, and cultural 
     resources of areas that illustrate significant aspects of the 
     heritage of the United States, there is established a 
     National Heritage Area System through the administration of 
     which the Secretary may provide technical and financial 
     assistance to local coordinating entities to support the 
     establishment, development, and continuity of the National 
     Heritage Areas.
       ``(b) National Heritage Area System Components.--The 
     National Heritage Area System shall be composed of--
       ``(1) each National Heritage Area, National Heritage 
     Corridor, National Heritage Canalway, Cultural Heritage 
     Corridor, National Heritage Route, and National Heritage 
     Partnership designated by Congress before or on the date of 
     enactment of this chapter; and
       ``(2) each National Heritage Area designated by Congress 
     after the date of enactment of this chapter.
       ``(c) Relationship to the System.--
       ``(1) Relationship to system units.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     participation and assistance by any administrator of the 
     System unit that is located near or encompassed by a National 
     Heritage Area in local initiatives for the National Heritage 
     Area to conserve and interpret resources consistent with the 
     applicable management plan for the National Heritage Area; 
     and
       ``(B) work with local coordinating entities to promote 
     public enjoyment of System units and System-related 
     resources.
       ``(2) Treatment.--
       ``(A) In general.--A National Heritage Area shall not be--
       ``(i) considered to be a System unit; or
       ``(ii) subject to the authorities applicable to System 
     units.
       ``(B) Effect.--Nothing in this paragraph affects the 
     administration of a System unit located withinthe boundaries 
     of a National Heritage Area.
       ``(d) Authorities.--In carrying out this chapter, the 
     Secretary may--
       ``(1) conduct or review, as applicable, feasibility studies 
     in accordance with section 120103(a);
       ``(2) conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of, and 
     submit to Congress a report that includes recommendations 
     regarding the role of the Service with respect to, each 
     National Heritage Area, in accordance with section 120104;
       ``(3) enter into cooperative agreements with other Federal 
     agencies, States, Tribal governments, local governments, 
     local coordinating entities, and other interested individuals 
     and entities to achieve the purposes of the National Heritage 
     Area System;
       ``(4) provide information, promote understanding, and 
     encourage research regarding National Heritage Areas, in 
     partnership with local coordinating entities; and
       ``(5) provide national oversight, analysis, coordination, 
     technical and financial assistance, and support to ensure 
     consistency and accountability of the National Heritage Area 
     System.

     ``Sec. 120103. National Heritage Area studies and designation

       ``(a) Studies.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations, the Secretary may carry out or review a study 
     to assess the suitability and feasibility of each proposed 
     National Heritage Area for designation as a National Heritage 
     Area.
       ``(2) Preparation.--
       ``(A) In general.--A study under paragraph (1) may be 
     carried out--
       ``(i) by the Secretary, in consultation with State and 
     local historic preservation officers, State and local 
     historical societies, State and local tourism offices, and 
     other appropriate organizations and governmental agencies; or
       ``(ii) by interested individuals or entities, if the 
     Secretary certifies that the completed study meets the 
     requirements of paragraph (3).
       ``(B) Certification.--Not later than 1 year after receiving 
     a study carried out by interested individuals or entities 
     under subparagraph (A)(ii), the Secretary shall review and 
     certify whether the study meets the requirements of paragraph 
     (3).
       ``(3) Requirements.--A study under paragraph (1) shall 
     include analysis, documentation, and determinations on 
     whether the proposed National Heritage Area--

[[Page H10003]]

       ``(A) has an assemblage of natural, historic, and cultural 
     resources that--
       ``(i) represent distinctive aspects of the heritage of the 
     United States;
       ``(ii) are worthy of recognition, conservation, 
     interpretation, and continuing use; and
       ``(iii) would be best managed--

       ``(I) through partnerships among public and private 
     entities; and
       ``(II) by linking diverse and sometimes noncontiguous 
     resources and active communities;

       ``(B) reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and folklife 
     that are a valuable part of the story of the United States;
       ``(C) provides outstanding opportunities--
       ``(i) to conserve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic 
     features; and
       ``(ii) for recreation and education;
       ``(D) contains resources that--
       ``(i) are important to any identified themes of the 
     proposed National Heritage Area; and
       ``(ii) retain a degree of integrity capable of supporting 
     interpretation;
       ``(E) includes a diverse group of residents, business 
     interests, nonprofit organizations, and State and local 
     governments that--
       ``(i) are involved in the planning of the proposed National 
     Heritage Area;
       ``(ii) have developed a conceptual financial plan that 
     outlines the roles of all participants in the proposed 
     National Heritage Area, including the Federal Government; and
       ``(iii) have demonstrated significant support for the 
     designation of the proposed National Heritage Area;
       ``(F) has a potential management entity to work in 
     partnership with the individuals and entities described in 
     subparagraph (E) to develop the proposed National Heritage 
     Area while encouraging State and local economic activity; and
       ``(G) has a conceptual boundary map that is supported by 
     the public.
       ``(4) Report.--
       ``(A) In general.--For each study carried out under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
     Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report 
     that describes--
       ``(i) any correspondence received by the Secretary 
     demonstrating support for, or opposition to, the 
     establishment of the National Heritage Area;
       ``(ii) the findings of the study; and
       ``(iii) any conclusions and recommendations of the 
     Secretary.
       ``(B) Timing.--
       ``(i) Studies carried out by the secretary.--With respect 
     to a study carried out by the Secretary in accordance with 
     paragraph (2)(A)(i), the Secretary shall submit a report 
     under subparagraph (A) not later than 3 years after the date 
     on which funds are first made available to carry out the 
     study.
       ``(ii) Studies carried out by other interested parties.--
     With respect to a study carried out by interested individuals 
     or entities in accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(ii), the 
     Secretary shall submit a report under subparagraph (A) not 
     later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary 
     certifies under paragraph (2)(B) that the study meets the 
     requirements of paragraph (3).
       ``(b) Designation.--An area shall be designated as a 
     National Heritage Area only by an Act of Congress.

     ``Sec. 120104. Evaluation

       ``(a) In General.--At reasonable and appropriate intervals, 
     as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may--
       ``(1) conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of a 
     National Heritage Area in accordance with subsection (b); and
       ``(2) prepare and submit to the Committee on Energy and 
     Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural 
     Resources of the House of Representatives a report that 
     includes recommendations for the continued role of the 
     Service with respect to each National Heritage Area in 
     accordance with subsection (c).
       ``(b) Components.--An evaluation under subsection (a)(1) 
     shall--
       ``(1) assess the progress of the applicable local 
     coordinating entity of a National Heritage Area with respect 
     to--
       ``(A) accomplishing the purposes of the applicable National 
     Heritage Area; and
       ``(B) achieving the goals and objectives of the management 
     plan;
       ``(2) analyze Federal, State, local, Tribal government, and 
     private investments in the National Heritage Area to 
     determine the leverage and impact of the investments; and
       ``(3) review the management structure, partnership 
     relationships, and funding of the National Heritage Area for 
     purposes of identifying the critical components for 
     sustainability of the National Heritage Area.
       ``(c) Recommendations.--Each report under subsection (a)(2) 
     shall include--
       ``(1) if the report contains a recommendation of the 
     Secretary that Federal funding for the applicable National 
     Heritage Area should be continued, an analysis of--
       ``(A) any means by which that Federal funding may be 
     reduced or eliminated over time; and
       ``(B) the appropriate time period necessary to achieve the 
     recommended reduction or elimination of Federal funding; or
       ``(2) if the report contains a recommendation of the 
     Secretary that Federal funding for the applicable National 
     Heritage Area should be eliminated, a description of 
     potential impacts on conservation, interpretation, and 
     sustainability in the applicable National Heritage Area.''.
       (b) Private Property and Regulatory Protections.--
       (1) In general.--Nothing in this section (including an 
     amendment made by this section)--
       (A) abridges any right of a public or private property 
     owner, including the right to refrain from participating in 
     any plan, project, program, or activity conducted within a 
     National Heritage Area;
       (B) requires any property owner to permit public access 
     (including Federal, State, Tribal government, or local 
     government access) to a property;
       (C) modifies any provision of Federal, State, Tribal, or 
     local law with respect to public access or use of private 
     land;
       (D)(i) alters any applicable land use regulation, land use 
     plan, or other regulatory authority of any Federal, State, or 
     local agency or Tribal government; or
       (ii) conveys to any local coordinating entity any land use 
     or other regulatory authority;
       (E) authorizes or implies the reservation or appropriation 
     of water or water rights;
       (F) diminishes the authority of a State to manage fish and 
     wildlife, including through the regulation of fishing and 
     hunting within a National Heritage Area in the State; or
       (G) creates or affects any liability--
       (i) under any other provision of law; or
       (ii) of any private property owner with respect to any 
     person injured on private property.
       (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 8004(f) of the Omnibus 
     Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; 
     Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1245) is amended by striking 
     paragraphs (2) through (4) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) requires any property owner to permit public access 
     (including Federal, State, Tribal government, or local 
     government access) to a property;
       ``(3) modifies any provision of Federal, State, Tribal, or 
     local law with respect to public access or use of private 
     land;
       ``(4)(A) alters any applicable land use regulation, land 
     use plan, or other regulatory authority of any Federal, 
     State, or local agency or Tribal government; or
       ``(B) conveys to any local coordinating entity any land use 
     or other regulatory authority;''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3052(a) of Public Law 
     113-291 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note) is amended by striking 
     paragraph (2).
       (d) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subtitle I of 
     title 54, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

                ``DIVISION C--NATIONAL HERITAGE AREAS''

``1201. National Heritage Area 
              System..........................120101''.

     SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF CERTAIN NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA 
                   STUDIES.

       (a) Kaena Point National Heritage Area Study.--The 
     Secretary of the Interior (referred to in this section as the 
     ``Secretary''), in consultation with State of Hawaii and 
     local historic preservation officers, State and local 
     historical societies, State and local tourism offices, and 
     other appropriate organizations and governmental agencies and 
     in accordance with section 120103(a) of title 54, United 
     States Code, shall conduct a study to assess the suitability 
     and feasibility of designating all or a portion of Honolulu 
     County on the island of Oahu as a National Heritage Area, to 
     be known as the ``Kaena Point National Heritage Area''.
       (b) Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area Study.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with State 
     and local organizations and governmental agencies, Tribal 
     governments, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate 
     entities and in accordance with section 120103(a) of title 
     54, United States Code, shall conduct a study to assess the 
     suitability and feasibility of designating the areas 
     described in paragraph (2) in the States of Virginia and 
     North Carolina as a National Heritage Area, to be known as 
     the ``Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area''.
       (2) Description of study area.--The areas to be studied 
     under paragraph (1) include--
       (A) the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and 
     Suffolk in the State of Virginia;
       (B) Isle of Wight County in the State of Virginia;
       (C) Camden, Currituck, Gates, and Pasquotank Counties in 
     the State of North Carolina; and
       (D) any other area in the State of Virginia or North 
     Carolina that--
       (i) has heritage aspects that are similar to the heritage 
     aspects of an area described in subparagraph (A), (B), or 
     (C); and
       (ii) is adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, an area 
     described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C).
       (c) Guam National Heritage Area Study.--The Secretary, in 
     consultation with appropriate regional and local 
     organizations or agencies, and in accordance with section 
     120103(a) of title 54, United States Code, shall conduct a 
     study to assess the suitability and feasibility of 
     designating sites in Guam as a National Heritage Area.

     SEC. 4. NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA DESIGNATIONS.

       (a) Designations.--Section 6001(a) of the John D. Dingell, 
     Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 
     116-9; 133 Stat. 768) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(7) Alabama black belt national heritage area.--

[[Page H10004]]

       ``(A) In general.--There is established the Alabama Black 
     Belt National Heritage Area in the State of Alabama, as 
     depicted on the map entitled `Alabama Black Belt Proposed 
     National Heritage Area', numbered 258/177,272, and dated 
     September 2021.
       ``(B) Local coordinating entity.--The Center for the Study 
     of the Black Belt at the University of West Alabama shall be 
     the local coordinating entity for the National Heritage Area 
     designated by subparagraph (A).
       ``(8) Bronzeville-black metropolis national heritage area, 
     illinois.--
       ``(A) In general.--There is established the Bronzeville-
     Black Metropolis National Heritage Area in the State of 
     Illinois.
       ``(B) Boundaries.--The National Heritage Area shall consist 
     of the region in the city of Chicago, Illinois, bounded as 
     follows:
       ``(i) 18th Street on the north to 22nd Street on the south, 
     from Lake Michigan on the east to Wentworth Avenue on the 
     west.
       ``(ii) 22nd Street on the north to 35th Street on the 
     south, from Lake Michigan on the east to the Dan Ryan 
     Expressway on the west.
       ``(iii) 35th Street on the north to 47th Street on the 
     south, from Lake Michigan on the east to the B&O Railroad 
     (Stewart Avenue) on the west.
       ``(iv) 47th Street on the north to 55th Street on the 
     south, from Cottage Grove Avenue on the east to the Dan Ryan 
     Expressway on the west.
       ``(v) 55th Street on the north to 67th Street on the south, 
     from State Street on the west to Cottage Grove Avenue/ South 
     Chicago Avenue on the east.
       ``(vi) 67th Street on the North to 71st Street on the 
     South, from Cottage Grove Avenue/ South Chicago Avenue on the 
     west to the Metra Railroad tracks on the east.
       ``(C) Local coordinating entity.--The Black Metropolis 
     National Heritage Area Commission shall be the local 
     coordinating entity for the National Heritage Area designated 
     by subparagraph (A).
       ``(9) Downeast maine national heritage area.--
       ``(A) In general.--There is established the Downeast Maine 
     National Heritage Area in the State of Maine, consisting of 
     Hancock and Washington Counties, Maine.
       ``(B) Local coordinating entity.--The Sunrise County 
     Economic Council shall be the local coordinating entity for 
     the National Heritage Area designated by subparagraph (A).
       ``(10) Northern neck national heritage area, virginia.--
       ``(A) In general.--There is established the Northern Neck 
     National Heritage Area in the State of Virginia, as depicted 
     on the map entitled `Northern Neck National Heritage Area 
     Proposed Boundary', numbered 671/177,224, and dated August 
     2021.
       ``(B) Local coordinating entity.--The Northern Neck Tourism 
     Commission, a working committee of the Northern Neck Planning 
     District Commission, shall serve as the local coordinating 
     entity for the National Heritage Area designated by 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(11) St. croix national heritage area, u.s. virgin 
     islands.--
       ``(A) In general.--There is established on the island of 
     St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, the St. Croix National 
     Heritage Area, consisting of the entire island of St. Croix.
       ``(B) Local coordinating entity.--The Virgin Islands State 
     Historic Preservation Office shall be the local coordinating 
     entity for the National Heritage Area designated by 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(12) Southern campaign of the revolution national 
     heritage corridor, north carolina and south carolina.--
       ``(A) In general.--There is established the Southern 
     Campaign of the Revolution National Heritage Corridor in the 
     States of North Carolina and South Carolina, as depicted on 
     the map entitled `Southern Campaign of the Revolution 
     Proposed National Heritage Corridor', numbered 257/177,271, 
     and dated September 2021.
       ``(B) Local coordinating entity.--The University of South 
     Carolina shall be the local coordinating entity for the 
     National Heritage Area designated by subparagraph (A).
       ``(13) Southern maryland national heritage area.--
       ``(A) In general.--There is established the Southern 
     Maryland National Heritage Area in the State of Maryland, as 
     depicted on the map entitled `Southern Maryland National 
     Heritage Area Proposed Boundary', numbered 672/177,225B, and 
     dated November 2021.
       ``(B) Local coordinating entity.--The Tri-County Council 
     for Southern Maryland shall be the local coordinating entity 
     for the National Heritage Area designated by subparagraph 
     (A).''.
       (b) Management Plans.--For the purposes of section 6001(c) 
     of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and 
     Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9; 133 Stat. 772), the local 
     coordinating entity for each of the National Heritage Areas 
     designated under the amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
     submit to the Secretary for approval a proposed management 
     plan for the applicable National Heritage Area not later than 
     3 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (c) Termination of Authority.--For the purposes of section 
     6001(g)(4) of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, 
     Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9; 133 Stat. 
     776), the authority of the Secretary to provide assistance 
     under that section for each of the National Heritage Areas 
     designated under the amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
     terminate on the date that is 15 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 5. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA 
                   AUTHORITIES.

       (a) Extensions.--
       (1) Illinois and michigan canal national heritage 
     corridor.--Section 126 of the Illinois and Michigan Canal 
     National Heritage Corridor Act of 1984 (54 U.S.C. 320101 
     note; Public Law 98-398; 98 Stat. 1456; 120 Stat. 1853), as 
     amended by section 119(a) of the Department of the Interior, 
     Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 
     (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``2023'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
       (2) John h. chafee blackstone river valley national 
     heritage corridor.--Section 10(a) of Public Law 99-647 (54 
     U.S.C. 320101 note; 100 Stat. 3630; 104 Stat. 1018; 128 Stat. 
     3804), as amended by section 119(b) of the Department of the 
     Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations 
     Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking 
     ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
       (3) Delaware and lehigh national heritage corridor.--
     Section 12 of the Delaware and Lehigh Navigation Canal 
     National Heritage Corridor Act of 1988 (54 U.S.C. 320101 
     note; Public Law 100-692; 102 Stat. 4558; 112 Stat. 3260; 123 
     Stat. 1293; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801), as 
     amended by section 119(c) of the Department of the Interior, 
     Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 
     (Public Law 117-103), is amended--
       (A) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``2023'' and 
     inserting ``2037''; and
       (B) in subsection (d), by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
     ``2037''.
       (4) The last green valley national heritage corridor.--
     Section 106(b) of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley 
     National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994 (54 U.S.C. 320101 
     note; Public Law 103-449; 108 Stat. 4755; 113 Stat. 1728; 123 
     Stat. 1291; 128 Stat. 3802), as amended by section 119(d) of 
     the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related 
     Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is 
     amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
       (5) National coal heritage area.--Section 107 of the 
     National Coal Heritage Area Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 
     note; Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat. 4244; 127 Stat. 420; 128 
     Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801), as amended by section 119(e)(1) 
     of the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related 
     Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is 
     amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
       (6) Tennessee civil war heritage area.--Section 208 of 
     division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management 
     Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110 
     Stat. 4248; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 129 Stat. 2551; 132 
     Stat. 661; 133 Stat. 778), as amended by section 119(e)(9) of 
     the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related 
     Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is 
     amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
       (7) Augusta canal national heritage corridor.--Section 310 
     of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands 
     Management Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 
     104-333; 110 Stat. 4252; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 129 
     Stat. 2551; 132 Stat. 661; 133 Stat. 778), as amended by 
     section 119(e)(7) of the Department of the Interior, 
     Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 
     (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``2023'' and 
     inserting ``2037''.
       (8) Rivers of steel national heritage area.--Section 408 of 
     the Steel Industry American Heritage Area Act of 1996 (54 
     U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat. 4256; 127 
     Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801), as amended by 
     section 119(e)(2) of the Department of the Interior, 
     Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 
     (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``2023'' and 
     inserting ``2037''.
       (9) Essex national heritage area.--Section 507 of division 
     II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 
     1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat. 
     4260; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801), as 
     amended by section 119(e)(3) of the Department of the 
     Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations 
     Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking 
     ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
       (10) South carolina national heritage corridor.--Section 
     607 of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Act of 
     1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat. 
     4264; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 129 Stat. 2551; 132 Stat. 
     661; 133 Stat. 778), as amended by section 119(e)(8) of the 
     Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies 
     Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by 
     striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
       (11) America's agricultural heritage partnership.--Section 
     707 of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands 
     Management Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 
     104-333; 110 Stat. 4267; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 
     Stat. 3801), as amended by section 119(e)(4) of the 
     Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies 
     Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by 
     striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
       (12) Ohio & erie national heritage canalway.--Section 809 
     of the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 
     1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat. 
     4275; 122 Stat. 826; 127 Stat. 420; 128

[[Page H10005]]

     Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801), as amended by section 119(e)(5) 
     of the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related 
     Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is 
     amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
       (13) Maurice d. hinchey hudson river valley national 
     heritage area.--Section 910 of division II of Public Law 104-
     333 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; 110 Stat. 4281; 127 Stat. 420; 
     128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801), as amended by section 
     119(e)(6) of the Department of the Interior, Environment, and 
     Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-
     103), is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
       (14) Motorcities national heritage area.--Section 109 of 
     the Automobile National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 
     note; Public Law 105-355; 112 Stat. 3252; 128 Stat. 3802), as 
     amended by section 119(f) of the Department of the Interior, 
     Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 
     (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``2023'' and 
     inserting ``2037''.
       (15) Lackawanna valley national heritage area.--Section 108 
     of the Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area Act of 2000 
     (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106-278; 114 Stat. 818; 
     127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3802), as amended by 
     section 119(g)(1) of the Department of the Interior, 
     Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 
     (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``2023'' and 
     inserting ``2037''.
       (16) Schuylkill river valley national heritage area.--
     Section 209 of the Schuylkill River Valley Heritage Area Act 
     (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106-278; 114 Stat. 824; 
     128 Stat. 3802), as amended by section 119(g)(2) of the 
     Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies 
     Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by 
     striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
       (17) Wheeling national heritage area.--Subsection (i) of 
     the Wheeling National Heritage Area Act of 2000 (54 U.S.C. 
     320101 note; Public Law 106-291; 114 Stat. 967; 128 Stat. 
     3802), as amended by section 119(h) of the Department of the 
     Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations 
     Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking 
     ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
       (18) Yuma crossing national heritage area.--Section 7 of 
     the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Act of 2000 (54 
     U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106-319; 114 Stat. 1284; 128 
     Stat. 3802), as amended by section 119(i) of the Department 
     of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies 
     Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by 
     striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
       (19) Erie canalway national heritage corridor.--Section 811 
     of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Act (54 
     U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106-554; 114 Stat. 2763A-295; 
     128 Stat. 3802), as amended by section 119(j) of the 
     Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies 
     Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by 
     striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
       (20) Blue ridge national heritage area.--Subsection (j) of 
     the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Act of 2003 (54 U.S.C. 
     320101 note; Public Law 108-108; 117 Stat. 1280; 133 Stat. 
     778), as amended by section 119(k) of the Department of the 
     Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations 
     Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking 
     ``2023'' and inserting ``2037''.
       (21) National aviation heritage area.--Section 512 of the 
     National Aviation Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; 
     Public Law 108-447; 118 Stat. 3367; 133 Stat. 2713) is 
     amended by striking ``September 30, 2022'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2037''.
       (22) Oil region national heritage area.--Section 608 of the 
     Oil Region National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; 
     Public Law 108-447; 118 Stat. 3372; 133 Stat. 2713) is 
     amended by striking ``September 30, 2022'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2037''.
       (23) Northern rio grande national heritage area.--Section 
     208 of the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area Act (54 
     U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1790), as 
     amended by section 119(l)(1) of the Department of the 
     Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations 
     Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking 
     ``September 30, 2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
       (24) Atchafalaya national heritage area.--Section 221 of 
     the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 
     note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1795), as amended by 
     section 119(l)(1) of the Department of the Interior, 
     Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 
     (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``September 30, 
     2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
       (25) Arabia mountain national heritage area.--Section 240 
     of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 
     320101 note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1799), as amended 
     by section 119(l)(1) of the Department of the Interior, 
     Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 
     (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``September 30, 
     2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
       (26) Mormon pioneer national heritage area.--Section 260 of 
     the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 
     320101 note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1807), as amended 
     by section 119(l)(1) of the Department of the Interior, 
     Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 
     (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``September 30, 
     2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
       (27) Freedom's frontier national heritage area.--Section 
     269 of the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area Act (54 
     U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1813), as 
     amended by section 119(l)(1) of the Department of the 
     Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations 
     Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking 
     ``September 30, 2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
       (28) Upper housatonic valley national heritage area.--
     Section 280B of the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage 
     Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109-338; 120 
     Stat. 1819), as amended by section 119(l)(2) of the 
     Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies 
     Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by 
     striking ``September 30, 2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 
     2037''.
       (29) Champlain valley national heritage partnership.--
     Section 289 of the Champlain Valley National Heritage 
     Partnership Act of 2006 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 
     109-338; 120 Stat. 1824), as amended by section 119(l)(1) of 
     the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related 
     Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is 
     amended by striking ``September 30, 2023'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2037''.
       (30) Great basin national heritage route.--Section 291J of 
     the Great Basin National Heritage Route Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 
     note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1831), as amended by 
     section 119(l)(1) of the Department of the Interior, 
     Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 
     (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``September 30, 
     2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
       (31) Gullah/Geechee cultural heritage corridor.--Section 
     295L of the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act (54 U.S.C. 
     320101 note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1837), as amended 
     by section 119(l)(1) of the Department of the Interior, 
     Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 
     (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking ``September 30, 
     2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
       (32) Crossroads of the american revolution national 
     heritage area.--Section 297H of the Crossroads of the 
     American Revolution National Heritage Area Act of 2006 (54 
     U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1844), as 
     amended by section 119(l)(1) of the Department of the 
     Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations 
     Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), is amended by striking 
     ``September 30, 2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
       (33) Abraham lincoln national heritage area.--Section 451 
     of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (54 U.S.C. 
     320101 note; Public Law 110-229; 122 Stat. 824) is amended by 
     striking ``the date that is 15 years after the date of the 
     enactment of this subtitle'' and inserting ``September 30, 
     2037''.
       (34) Journey through hallowed ground national heritage 
     area.--Section 411 of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act 
     of 2008 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 110-229; 122 Stat. 
     809) is amended by striking ``the date that is 15 years after 
     the date of enactment of this subtitle'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2037''.
       (35) Niagara falls national heritage area.--Section 432 of 
     the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (54 U.S.C. 
     320101 note; Public Law 110-229; 122 Stat. 818) is amended by 
     striking ``the date that is 15 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
       (36) Sangre de cristo national heritage area.--Section 
     8001(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54 
     U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1229) is 
     amended by striking ``the date that is 15 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 30, 
     2037''.
       (37) Cache la poudre river national heritage area.--Section 
     8002(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54 
     U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1234) is 
     amended by striking ``the date that is 15 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 30, 
     2037''.
       (38) South park national heritage area.--Section 8003(i) of 
     the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C. 
     320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1240) is amended by 
     striking ``the date that is 15 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
       (39) Northern plains national heritage area.--Section 
     8004(j) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54 
     U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1247; 123 
     Stat. 2929) is amended by striking ``the date that is 15 
     years after the date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2037''.
       (40) Baltimore national heritage area.--
       (A) Extension.--Section 8005(i) of the Omnibus Public Land 
     Management Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 
     111-11; 123 Stat. 1253) is amended by striking ``the date 
     that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act'' 
     and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
       (B) Boundary modification.--
       (i) Map.--Section 8005(a)(4) of the Omnibus Public Land 
     Management Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 
     111-11; 123 Stat. 1247) is amended by striking ``entitled'' 
     and all that follows through the period at the end and 
     inserting ``entitled `Baltimore National Heritage Area 
     Proposed Boundary',

[[Page H10006]]

     numbered T10/179,623, and dated February 2022.''.
       (ii) Boundaries.--Section 8005(b)(2) of the Omnibus Public 
     Land Management Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public 
     Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1247) is amended by striking 
     subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
       ``(A) The area encompassing the Baltimore City Heritage 
     Area certified by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority in 
     July 2020.''.
       (41) Freedom's way national heritage area.--Section 8006(i) 
     of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C. 
     320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1260) is amended by 
     striking ``the date that is 15 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
       (42) Mississippi hills national heritage area.--Section 
     8007(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54 
     U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1267) is 
     amended by striking ``the date that is 15 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 30, 
     2037''.
       (43) Mississippi delta national heritage area.--Section 
     8008(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54 
     U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1275) is 
     amended by striking ``the date that is 15 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 30, 
     2037''.
       (44) Muscle shoals national heritage area.--Section 8009(j) 
     of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C. 
     320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1282) is amended by 
     striking ``the date that is 15 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 30, 2037''.
       (45) Kenai mountains-turnagain arm national heritage 
     area.--Section 8010(i) of the Omnibus Public Land Management 
     Act of 2009 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 111-11; 123 
     Stat. 1288) is amended by striking ``the date that is 15 
     years after the date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2037''.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated for each National Heritage Area extended 
     under an amendment made by paragraphs (1) through (45) of 
     subsection (a) not more than $1,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2023 through 2037, subject to any other applicable 
     provisions of, but notwithstanding any limitation on total 
     appropriations for the applicable National Heritage Area 
     established by, a law amended by that subsection.

     SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR CERTAIN NATIONAL 
                   HERITAGE AREAS.

       (a) Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area.--Section 409(a) 
     of the Steel Industry American Heritage Area Act of 1996 (54 
     U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat. 4256; 129 
     Stat. 2551; 133 Stat. 778) is amended, in the second 
     sentence, by striking ``$20,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$22,000,000''.
       (b) Essex National Heritage Area.--Section 508(a) of 
     division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management 
     Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110 
     Stat. 4260; 129 Stat. 2551; 133 Stat. 778) is amended, in the 
     second sentence, by striking ``$20,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$22,000,000''.
       (c) South Carolina National Heritage Corridor.--Section 
     608(a) of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Act 
     of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat. 
     4264; 122 Stat. 824; 133 Stat. 2714) is amended, in the 
     second sentence, by striking ``$17,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$19,000,000''.
       (d) America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership.--Section 
     708(a) of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands 
     Management Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 
     104-333; 110 Stat. 4267; 122 Stat. 824; 134 Stat. 1505) is 
     amended, in the second sentence, by striking ``$17,000,000'' 
     and inserting ``$19,000,000''.
       (e) Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway.--Section 810(a) 
     of the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 
     1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat. 
     4275; 122 Stat. 826; 133 Stat. 778) is amended by striking 
     ``$20,000,000'' and inserting ``$22,000,000''.
       (f) Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National 
     Heritage Area.--Section 909(c) of division II of Public Law 
     104-333 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; 110 Stat. 4280; 122 Stat. 
     824) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by 
     striking ``$15,000,000'' and inserting ``$17,000,000''.
       (g) MotorCities National Heritage Area.--Section 110(a) of 
     the Automobile National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 
     note; Public Law 105-355; 112 Stat. 3252; 133 Stat. 778) is 
     amended, in the second sentence, by striking ``$12,000,000'' 
     and inserting ``$14,000,000''.
       (h) Wheeling National Heritage Area.--Subsection (h)(1) of 
     the Wheeling National Heritage Area Act of 2000 (54 U.S.C. 
     320101 note; Public Law 106-291; 114 Stat. 967; 133 Stat. 
     778) is amended by striking ``$15,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$17,000,000''.
       (i) The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor.--
     Section 109(a) of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley 
     National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994 (54 U.S.C. 320101 
     note; Public Law 103-449; 108 Stat. 4756; 113 Stat. 1729; 123 
     Stat. 1292; 133 Stat. 2714) is amended, in the first 
     sentence, by striking ``$17,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$19,000,000''.
       (j) Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area.--Section 
     109(a) of the Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area Act of 
     2000 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106-278; 114 Stat. 
     818; 134 Stat. 1505) is amended by striking ``$12,000,000'' 
     and inserting ``$14,000,000''.
       (k) Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.--Subsection (i)(1) 
     of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Act of 2003 (54 
     U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 108-108; 117 Stat. 1280; 133 
     Stat. 778) is amended by striking ``$14,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$16,000,000''.

     SEC. 7. REDESIGNATIONS.

       (a) Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area.--
       (1) Redesignation.--The America's Agricultural Heritage 
     Partnership established by section 703(a) of division II of 
     the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 
     (Public Law 104-333; 110 Stat. 4266) shall be known and 
     designated as the ``Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage 
     Area''.
       (2) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, 
     document, paper, or other record of the United States to the 
     partnership referred to in paragraph (1) shall be deemed to 
     be a reference to the ``Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage 
     Area''.
       (b) Great Basin National Heritage Area.--
       (1) Designation of the great basin national heritage 
     area.--The Great Basin National Heritage Route Act (54 U.S.C. 
     320101 note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1824) is amended--
       (A) by striking ``the Heritage Route'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``the Heritage Area'';
       (B) by striking ``along'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``in'';
       (C) in the subtitle heading, by striking ``Route'' and 
     inserting ``Area'';
       (D) in section 291, by striking ``Route'' and inserting 
     ``Area'';
       (E) in section 291A(a)--
       (i) in paragraphs (2) and (3), by striking ``the Great 
     Basin Heritage Route'' each place it appears and inserting 
     ``the Great Basin National Heritage Area''; and
       (ii) in paragraph (13), by striking ``a Heritage Route'' 
     and inserting ``a Heritage Area'';
       (F) in section 291B, by striking paragraph (2) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(2) Heritage area.--The term `Heritage Area' means the 
     Great Basin National Heritage Area established by section 
     291C(a).'';
       (G) in section 291C--
       (i) in the section heading, by striking ``route'' and 
     inserting ``area''; and
       (ii) in subsection (a), by striking ``Heritage Route'' and 
     inserting ``Heritage Area''; and
       (H) in section 291L(d), in the subsection heading, by 
     striking ``in Heritage Route'' and inserting ``in Heritage 
     Area''.
       (2) Designation of great basin heritage area partnership.--
     The Great Basin National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 
     note; Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1824) is amended by 
     striking ``Great Basin Heritage Route Partnership'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``Great Basin Heritage Area 
     Partnership''.

     SEC. 8. EXTENSION OF DEADLINE TO COMPLETE CERTAIN MANAGEMENT 
                   PLANS.

       Section 6001(c)(1) of the John D. Dingell, Jr. 
     Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (54 U.S.C. 
     320101 note; Public Law 116-9; 133 Stat. 772) is amended by 
     striking ``3'' and inserting ``5''.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill shall be debatable for 1 hour, 
equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member 
of the Committee on Natural Resources or their respective designees.
  The gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko) and the gentleman from 
Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) each will control 30 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko).


                             General Leave

  Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and insert extraneous material on S. 1942.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I realize we are quickly reaching the end of the 117th Congress, and 
there is necessary business to finish before the end of the year. I do 
want to express my immense gratitude to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader 
Hoyer, Chairman Grijalva, and Ranking Member Westerman for recognizing 
the importance of S. 1942, the National Heritage Area Act, and finding 
the time to allow it to be considered today.
  National Heritage Areas are far too often overlooked, but they are so 
important to so many Members and the communities that they serve. There 
are 55 National Heritage Areas across our country, sites of cultural, 
historical, or natural significance that help tell our unique and very 
diverse American story.
  In New York's 20th Congressional District, these legendary sites 
include the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the Maurice D. 
Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Corridor named after our 
late colleague.
  For decades, these sites have opened wide the doors of economic 
opportunity

[[Page H10007]]

and community engagement for constituents in my district and well 
beyond. I am so grateful to Bob Radcliff and Meg Downey for their 
leadership and commitment that drives the success of the sites in my 
district.
  Across our country, heritage areas touch 34 States and nearly 600 
counties. They create local jobs, boost local economies, and certainly 
bind communities together in every corner of America.
  In total, heritage areas have a nearly $13 billion annual economic 
impact and support almost 150,000 jobs nationwide. They also return an 
average of $5.50 for every Federal dollar appropriated by effectively 
leveraging public and private partnerships in the communities which 
they serve.
  Despite broad, bipartisan support and continued interest in the areas 
from communities, these sites have faced inconsistent treatment before 
Congress. There is no standardized programmatic system of 
administration for our heritage areas, which has required each area to 
pursue individual funding extensions and reauthorizations, often with 
last-minute congressional action.
  Even in this year's omnibus agreement, several sites required 
extensions. This stopgap model puts a burden on local coordinating 
entities.
  Heritage areas have been made to function over the past few years 
through multiple short-term stopgap reauthorizations while Congress has 
failed to provide long-term certainty. We cannot let that continue into 
next year as some 45 of our 55 areas face expiration dates during the 
upcoming 118th Congress.
  For years, I have worked alongside my colleagues in the House and 
passionate partners from local heritage areas to pass the bipartisan 
National Heritage Area Act, beginning with the efforts of our former 
colleague, Representative Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania.
  That effort has continued to grow as more and more Members have begun 
to understand the rich value that heritage areas play in their given 
districts.
  H.R. 1316, the House companion to the bill we are considering today, 
was introduced with Congressmen   David McKinley, Glenn Thompson, and 
135 other Members, and it has already passed the House this Congress as 
part of the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act. In 
the 116th Congress, it was passed as a suspension.
  This bill is not controversial. It has widespread support. 
Importantly, it will finally bring stability and, very importantly, 
predictability to these sites, allowing them to continue to serve their 
communities and strengthen surrounding economies with minimal Federal 
support.
  The National Heritage Area Act would end the current system of 
piecemeal reauthorizations through a 15-year authorization of all 
existing areas; it would establish the first-ever standardized criteria 
for designating new heritage areas; it would include new study 
authorizations and designations, most of which have already passed the 
House on suspension; and, finally, it would ensure that private 
property rights are never affected by heritage area activities.
  National Heritage Areas are an incredibly popular, bipartisan way of 
preserving American history and culture while supporting local 
economies, creating a deeply rooted sense of destination. Congress now 
has the opportunity to ensure these sites can be enjoyed for 
generations to come by finally making our National Heritage Area Act 
law.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage Members to support this bill, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, while I rise today in support of S. 1942, the National 
Heritage Area Act, I also have serious concerns with the process by 
which it came to the floor.
  Americans have long been known for our ingenuity. From hearing aids 
and cardiac defibrillators to traffic lights and microwave ovens, 
Americans have been developing effective solutions to problems for 
hundreds of years.
  George Washington Carver discovered more than 300 uses for peanuts 
and more than 80 uses for sweet potatoes. Americans invented Coca-Cola, 
Whoppers, Big Macs, the Chick-fil-A sandwich, and chocolate chip 
cookies. You would think Congress would hold to a legislative process 
that was more appetizing and didn't end up trying to force feed us a 
4,000-page stink sandwich at Christmas.
  Americans invented countless methods to efficiently and effectively 
move people across the country. We invented automobiles, airplanes, and 
the GPS system. We put people on the Moon and built the Panama Canal.
  So why can't Congress invent an efficient way to move bills through a 
hearing, markup, over to the Senate, and finally to the President on 
time, on budget, and with transparency and clear direction?
  Americans invented the team sports of football, baseball, and 
basketball.
  Why can't Congress work together to solve our problems of the day 
instead of having a small group determine what the Congress must pass 
without giving us an opportunity to actually legislate, as we all were 
elected to do?
  Americans discovered electricity, invented the light bulb, and the 
laser.
  Why can't Congress operate in the light and be transparent with 
Americans instead of producing 4,000-plus page bills, like the omnibus 
that will be before us in the final days of this session?
  Americans have invented countless ways to communicate. We invented 
the telegraph, the telephone, radio, TV, Al Gore's internet, the 
iPhone, voicemail, email, Google, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
  You would think the House of Representatives could come up with a 
better process to communicate with the Senate and the White House so it 
can pass appropriation bills by September 30 and stop the madness that 
has become the omnibus process. If we did that, maybe we wouldn't have 
to be here today debating bills that could have and should have been 
completed long ago.
  There is a glimmer of hope before us today. This National Heritage 
Area Act could have easily been buried in the omnibus, adding even more 
pages, but here we are with the clock running out, doing something 
that, again, could have and should have been done months ago.
  It is amazing that when this bill was not agreed to in the omnibus, 
the Senate magically found time to pass it and send it to the House.
  I can find many shortcomings in the process that got us to the point 
that we are at today, but I would like to focus on the positive things 
we can take from it. As the gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko), my 
friend, said about this National Heritage Area Act, it is important to 
many of my colleagues across the Nation who have very successful 
National Heritage Areas. These areas have private entities that work 
very hard to promote their local communities and conserve their unique 
heritage.
  This bill, as proposed today, has bipartisan support, and while the 
process that brought it to the floor leaves much to be desired, again, 
at least it was not tucked into yet another omnibus spending bill.
  In fact, if all the authorizations were removed from the omnibus, it 
would have been 2,238 pages shorter and would be truly about funding 
the government. Let me repeat that. If we took the authorizations out 
of the appropriation bill, it would be 2,238 pages shorter. Maybe 
somebody would have time to read it then.
  Considering bills on the floor shows us a process that can work the 
way it was intended. My commitment as chairman of the Natural Resources 
Committee in the next Congress is to work extremely hard, to have 
hearings, markups, and pass authorization bills out of the committee, 
off the floor, and send them to the Senate using a regular order 
process.

                              {time}  1045

  Moving legislation the right way will also prevent the need for 
authorization bills to be tucked into massive spending bills.
  But that is only part of the equation. We have to work together to 
fix the process that gives us bloated omnibus bills in the first place. 
We should all commit to passing a budget, passing individual 
appropriation bills, and sending them to the Senate with the 
understanding that the ball is in their court, and there is not another 
option, except possibly a continuing resolution--

[[Page H10008]]

which we all know is not a popular way to fund the government.
  I have talked to many House Members and Senators on both sides of the 
aisle throughout this omnibus process. Interestingly, not one person 
has told me they like this process, and everyone thinks it needs to be 
changed. Maybe I just haven't talked to the people that are benefiting 
the most from this broken process, but I do believe that those of us 
whose constituents are suffering from it make up a vast majority and 
can change it.
  Our constituents think that Washington is broken. It is time for us 
to work as a team to develop another effective and efficient solution 
to American problems.
  With all that being said, I support S. 1942, the National Heritage 
Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Nevada (Mr. Horsford.) Representative Horsford, who I thank for his 
advocacy, represents the Fourth District of Nevada and includes in his 
terrain the Great Basin National Heritage Area and Mormon Pioneer 
National Heritage Area.
  Mr. HORSFORD. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Tonko, for 
yielding the time and for leading on this legislation on the floor 
today.
  I come here today to discuss my bipartisan, bicameral legislation, 
the Great Basin National Heritage Area and Mormon Pioneer National 
Heritage Area Extension Act, which was included as part of the National 
Heritage Area Act, which we are debating today.
  The overall bill would reauthorize all 55 National Heritage Areas for 
15 years, providing the certainty that NHAs need to build long-term 
partnerships and leverage public and private dollars while increasing 
transparency and accountability for the program.
  The Great Basin National Heritage Area is a remote region spanning 
the border of Nevada and Utah with rich cultural roots, rugged 
landscape features, and is home to many historical sites.
  While the Great Basin National Heritage Area region is sparsely 
populated with only 21,000 people calling these two counties home, what 
the area lacks in people, it makes up for in historical sites, sweeping 
landscape formations, and cultural attractions, including some of the 
best stargazing people can see and outdoor recreation.
  Since the initial designation, Great Basin and Mormon Pioneer have 
received $6 million in Federal funds, which have produced projects and 
programs valued at over $50 million.
  National Heritage Areas are critical for our rural communities that 
are vast beautiful landscapes that protect our lands and bring tourists 
from around the world.
  This designation does not result in any change in land-use 
regulations or ownership. Reauthorization of the NHA distinction would 
also not affect water rights, grazing rights, or mineral rights.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I yield the gentleman from Nevada an 
additional 30 seconds.
  Mr. HORSFORD. Madam Speaker, this would only allow for a continuation 
of National Heritage Areas, including Great Basin National Heritage 
Area, which just this past August celebrated its 100-year anniversary, 
which I was proud to attend.
  This legislation is critical to protect and promote National Heritage 
Areas across the country, so I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' in 
favor of this legislation. I am proud to stand up today for the 
National Heritage Area Act.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson).
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend 
from Arkansas for his leadership on this bill.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 1942, the 
National Heritage Area Act.
  National Heritage Areas provide countless economic benefits to the 
communities that they serve, while preserving important cultural, 
historical, and nationally significant areas across the country.
  In my district, I am proud to represent the Oil Region National 
Heritage Area, which is home to the birth of the petroleum industry 
located in Venango County, Pennsylvania.
  The Oil Region National Heritage Area includes oil artifacts, scenic 
communities, farmlands, woodlands, and industrial landscapes, which 
provide valuable information and insight into the world's first 
successful commercial oil well, the Drake Well, and the legacy of the 
petroleum industry.
  This successful public-private partnership has maximized Federal 
dollars, increased economic investment, and preserved places of local 
and national significance throughout northwest Pennsylvania.
  This legislation before us will provide increased certainty to the 
Oil Region National Heritage Area and all National Heritage Areas by 
creating a National Heritage Area System to extend technical and 
financial assistance to the entities that support the maintenance and 
operation of existing heritage areas.
  This bill will also provide a clear set of criteria for establishing 
new National Heritage Areas, and this bipartisan legislation is long 
overdue.
  I urge all my colleagues to support the passage of S. 1942.
  Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

  Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Wittman).
  Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Westerman for his 
leadership and for all that he does for our efforts on the Natural 
Resources Committee.
  I rise today in support of S. 1942, the National Heritage Area Act.
  S. 1942 includes my bill, the Northern Neck National Heritage Area 
Act. The Northern Neck of Virginia's lands and waters showcase natural 
beauty unlike any other. As a long-time resident of the Northern Neck, 
I know our heritage is unique and worth preserving.
  With a history profoundly intertwined with that of the entire Nation, 
it is only right for us to recognize the Northern Neck as a National 
Heritage Area.
  The Northern Neck National Heritage Area Act will deliver critical 
Federal resources; it will encourage public-private partnerships; and 
assign a specific entity, the Northern Neck Tourism Commission, to help 
protect the Northern Neck's natural, cultural, scenic, and recreational 
resources.
  Under this legislation, the National Heritage Area designation would 
apply to the land between the Potomac River and Rappahannock River 
spanning King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and 
Westmoreland counties.
  The Northern Neck has been working together for over 20 years in 
pursuit of the National Heritage Area designation. With this 
designation, the Northern Neck region will have a greater voice in 
sharing its stories which contribute to the understanding of the early 
origins of our Nation.
  It also aligns with the region's tourism strategy as an important 
economic driver in this rural part of the Commonwealth.
  I was proud to have worked with Senators Warner and Kaine on this 
bipartisan effort and thank them for their work in bettering the 
Northern Neck.
  Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  I encourage support of this bill, which should have been done a long 
time ago. It could have been done a long time ago, but I am grateful to 
see it is not part of the omnibus spending bill. We are actually voting 
on it on the floor like we should be doing with all authorization 
bills.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage passage of this bill, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself balance of my time.
  Again, I want to thank Chair Grijalva and Ranking Member Westerman 
for their help with this measure. This bill certainly would not have 
been possible without the incredible leadership, and I might add 
passion, of Sara Capen of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas, of 
Alan Spears of NPCA, and so many other stakeholders and supporters. 
These advocates of this concept have been tremendously passionate. That 
is an understatement, and they deserve this response.

[[Page H10009]]

  I also want to recognize the great work by the staff who have fought 
for years to bring this bill to the floor: David Watkins, Brandon 
Bragato, Henry Wykowski, and Lora Snyder of the House Natural Resources 
majority staff, and indeed, Miranda Miller and Emily Silverberg from my 
office.
  Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of S. 1942 to finally provide the 
certainty and, yes, the predictability that National Heritage Areas 
need to continue to serve local communities and strengthen local 
economies all across our great United States.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1942, the 
National Heritage Area Act.
  We currently have 55 National Heritage Areas in operation 
nationwide--these are sites of important cultural significances that 
also spur jobs and have a positive economic impact.
  And yet, no standardized process for administering National Heritage 
Areas exists. This has led to inconsistent oversight and management, as 
well as uncertainty for the future of these sites and future sites. The 
bill we are considering today would fix this.
  This bill would also include legislation I led this Congress that 
would extend the authorization of the MotorCities National Heritage 
Area in Michigan.
  The stories told by MotorCities cannot be told anywhere else. They 
are the stories of how auto tinkerers became titans, how the area 
helped establish and expand the United States as an industrial power, 
and how the automotive industry helped create the middle class.
  Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this important 
bill. And I thank Representative Tonko and Senator Stabenow for 
spearheading this effort, and I thank leadership for moving quickly to 
bring this bill to the floor before the 117th Congress closes.
  Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I stand here in full support of the passage 
of S. 1942, the National Heritage Area Act, which includes provisions 
from my bill, the Baltimore National Heritage Area Act, and creates a 
full reauthorization of the Baltimore National Heritage Area. The 
Baltimore National Heritage Area stretches over a majority of 
Maryland's 7th Congressional District, and includes important sites 
such as the Basilica of the Assumption, Mt. Clare Station and 
Roundhouse, and Edgar Allen Poe House. By reauthorizing this National 
Heritage Area through 2037 and updating the Area's map, this bill will 
secure federal support for Baltimore's most precious sites.
  I grew up in Baltimore, amongst many of these historical sites, and I 
am thrilled to have provided this federal support to help preserve and 
celebrate the place I call home.
  With reauthorization, federal support will continue to go towards 
local agencies and nonprofits who preserve and promote Baltimore's 
pivotal role in our nation's story and make strategic investments in 
cultural heritage tourism projects.
  The annual economic impact of the Baltimore National Heritage Area is 
more than $750 million, 6,400 jobs and $61 million in state and tax 
revenue. The Heritage Area has served more than 15,000 youth from 
underserved communities and provides continuous operation and program 
support to 35 historic museums, cultural attractions, and historic 
neighborhoods through a competitive grant program. I would like to 
thank Mr. Sarbanes and Mr. Ruppersberger of the Baltimore delegation 
for helping me advocate for this reauthorization, and thank Senator 
Cardin for introducing an identical reauthorization bill in the Senate. 
I urge full passage of this bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate has expired.
  Pursuant to House Resolution 1529, the previous question is ordered 
on the bill.
  The question is on the third reading of the bill.
  The bill was ordered to be read a third time, and was read the third 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on passage of the bill.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam 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, further 
proceedings on this question will be postponed.

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