[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 2]
[House]
[Pages 2201-2204]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  ACT COMMEMORATING THE LITE, OR LIFETIME INNOVATIONS OF THOMAS EDISON

  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 1096) to establish the Thomas Edison National Historical Park in 
the State of New Jersey as the successor to the Edison National 
Historic Site, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 1096

       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 ``Act Commemorating the LITE, 
     or Lifetime Innovations of Thomas Edison''.

     SEC. 2. PURPOSES.

       The purposes of this Act are--
       (1) to recognize and pay tribute to Thomas Alva Edison and 
     his innovations; and
       (2) to preserve, protect, restore, and enhance the Edison 
     National Historic Site to ensure public use and enjoyment of 
     the Site as an educational, scientific, and cultural center.

     SEC. 3. THOMAS EDISON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK.

       (a) Establishment.--There is established the Thomas Edison 
     National Historical Park as a unit of the National Park 
     System (hereafter the ``Historical Park'').
       (b) Boundaries.--The Historical Park shall be comprised 
     of--
       (1) all property owned by the United States in the Edison 
     National Historic Site as well as all property authorized to 
     be acquired by the Secretary of the Interior for inclusion in 
     the Edison National Historic Site before the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, as generally depicted on the map 
     entitled the ``Edison National Historic Site'', numbered 
     20003B, and dated April 1977; and
       (2) all property authorized to be acquired for inclusion in 
     the Historical Park by this Act or other law enacted after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (c) Map.--The map of the Historical Park shall be on file 
     and available for public inspection in the appropriate 
     offices of the National Park Service.

     SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall administer the 
     Historical Park in accordance with this Act and with the 
     provisions of law generally applicable to units of the 
     National Park System, including the Acts entitled ``An Act to 
     establish a National Park Service, and for other purposes,'' 
     approved August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535; 16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.) 
     and ``An Act to provide for the preservation of historic 
     American sites, buildings, objects, and antiquities of 
     national significance, and for other purposes,'' approved 
     August 21, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 461 et seq.).
       (b) Acquisition of Property.--
       (1) Real property.--The Secretary may acquire land or 
     interests in land within the boundaries of the Historical 
     Park, from willing sellers only, by donation, purchase with 
     donated or appropriated funds, or exchange.
       (2) Personal property.--The Secretary may acquire personal 
     property associated with, and appropriate for, interpretation 
     of the Historical Park.
       (c) Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary may consult and 
     enter into cooperative agreements with interested entities 
     and individuals to provide for the preservation, development, 
     interpretation, and use of the Historical Park.
       (d) Repeal of Superseded Law.--Public Law 87-628 (76 Stat. 
     428), regarding the establishment and administration of the 
     Edison National Historic Site, is repealed.
       (e) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, 
     document, paper, or other record of the United States to the 
     ``Edison National Historic Site'' shall be deemed to be a 
     reference to the ``Thomas Edison National Historical Park''.

     SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be 
     necessary to carry out this Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Renzi) and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona.


                             General Leave

  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Arizona?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  H.R. 1096 redesignates the Edison National Historic site as the 
Thomas Edison National Historic Park. The park will encompass all lands 
currently contained in the historic site and property designated for 
inclusion by the Secretary of the Interior prior to passage of this 
act.
  Typically, an historic site is considered by the National Park 
Service to contain a single historical feature, while generally a 
National Historic

[[Page 2202]]

Park extends beyond single properties or buildings. Based on this 
definition, Edison Historic Site will be more appropriately designated 
as a National Historic Park. Supporters of the park anticipate that 
this redesignation will bring more attention, visitation, and revenue 
to the Edison Historic Site.
  I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1096.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, the legacy left by Thomas Edison is among the most 
important in American history. Through his generosity, the National 
Park Service is able to interpret the legacy for future generations, 
and H.R. 1096 will help further that important goal.
  In addition to the sponsor, other members of the New Jersey 
delegation, including Representatives Rob Andrews, Frank Pallone, 
Donald Payne, and Bill Pascrell, are to be commended for their efforts 
in bringing this legislation to the floor.
  I urge our colleagues to support H.R. 1096.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Garrett), the author of the bill.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H.R. 1096, a piece of legislation that benefits an important historic 
landmark from my home State of New Jersey, the Thomas Edison National 
Historic Site.
  I also want to thank my colleagues from the other side of the aisle 
for their support and their hard work on this as well, Congressman 
Donald Payne and Congressman Bill Pascrell for all their work in 
joining with me in sponsoring this important legislation.
  Tom Edison's contributions, most notably the incandescent light bulb, 
the motion picture camera, and the phonograph, have had a profound 
effect on the way people live their lives around the world. In fact, 
Life Magazine once honored him as the most important individual for the 
last 1,000 years.
  The Thomas Edison National Historic Site in West Orange, New Jersey 
is a national treasure, encompassing Edison's home of 45 years, his 
laboratories and offices, and a vast collection of artifacts and 
historic documents.
  Since 1997, the Edison Preservation Foundation has successfully 
partnered with the National Park Service to provide resources for the 
restoration of the site's historic buildings, artifacts and such, and 
plans to establish an endowment to support it for future operation 
including education programs for children. This partnership is really a 
great example of the public/private partnership working together and 
can serve as a role model for other programs in the future considering 
scarce financial Federal resources.
  Unfortunately, both the historic structures where Edison lived and 
worked and irreplaceable treasures they now hold are at serious risk 
due to extensive water and damage and age-related decay. Although the 
site historically has been a major education destination for students 
from around the region, the need for renovations has led to a temporary 
closure of the site to visitors. While private support through the 
efforts of the Edison Preservation Foundation is crucial to efforts to 
restore the site, a long-term commitment from the Federal Government is 
also necessary for future success. So to ensure this long-term 
commitment, we have H.R. 1096, which commemorates Edison's lifetime 
accomplishments; redesignates, consistent with the National Park 
Service guidelines, the Edison Historic Site as the National Historic 
Park; and authorizes appropriations for the support of the site. This 
legislation will enable the Edison site to more effectively compete for 
scarce Federal funds and it would also strengthen the Edison 
Preservation Foundation's ability to raise private dollars.
  Finally, Thomas Edison's legacy is an important component of the 
history of the State of New Jersey and the United States. So it is 
important that this Congress affirm its support for the Edison site by 
advancing this legislation.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Payne) and commend him for his excellent leadership on this 
legislation.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H.R. 1096, 
the Act Commemorating the Lifetime Innovations of Thomas Edison. The 
Thomas Edison Historic Site in West Orange, New Jersey is a national 
historic treasure, and I am privileged to have it located in my 
congressional district and have had the pleasure of visiting the site 
on a number of occasions.
  The laboratory complex consists of buildings that date back to 1887. 
These labs house the technology and the technological innovations and 
artifacts that changed the course of not only America but the entire 
world. We have visitors from throughout the world that come to the 
site, many from Asian countries where technology has become a very 
important part of their development and in many instances even bow to 
the statue and pictures of Thomas Edison because they revere the 
importance of technology that has really lighted the world through his 
inventions. The labs house the technology and innovations. And from the 
light bulb to the motion picture camera, Edison's unparalleled 
innovations are being preserved for current and future generations. The 
first movie was made there, the Black Maria it is called, and the movie 
studio is as it was over 100 years ago. The light bulb, the phonograph 
and records that were cast there at this site all need to be preserved.
  Over the years, I have witnessed a positive impact of this unit of 
the National Park Service. The Edison laboratory complex has opened its 
doors and resources to assisting in the education of the community, 
particularly our young people who have had an opportunity to study and 
to have innovative lessons there. As a former teacher, I am well aware 
of the value of having a piece of history accessible to augment the 
learning process by providing lesson plans for teachers, hosting on-
site and virtual tours, and facilitating programs and activities for 
students. The Edison site has provided an invaluable learning 
experience for these young people.
  Thomas Edison devoted his life to technological innovations. His work 
ethic and commitment to improving the quality of life for others is a 
lesson that is extremely applicable today. Edison's improvement on the 
telephone and telegraph machines put him on the cutting edge of 
communications technology. As we in Congress consider the 
reauthorization of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, Edison's legacy 
reminds us of how far we have come.
  This June we will celebrate the reopening of the Edison complex. For 
2 years the National Park Service and the Thomas Edison Preservation 
Foundation have worked together to restore and revitalize this historic 
site.

                              {time}  1430

  Over 400,000 artifacts and 5 million pages of documents that trace 
Edison's process of inventions have been deteriorating due to poor 
environmental conditions and age-related decay. Many years ago, I made 
a request to allocate an appropriations to address these issues, and we 
were able to get $5 million about 10 years ago. The result is what we 
see today.
  I am very appreciative that my colleagues approve this appeal. The 
repairs and enhancements of this century-old building will improve the 
preservation of the priceless artifacts, ensuring that this treasure 
will remain an educational and cultural destination for generations to 
come. Passage of this bill will ensure the long-term success of the 
Edison Historical Site and demonstrate the congressional commitment to 
our history. I urge my colleagues to support this important 
legislation.
  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to

[[Page 2203]]

be able to thank my good friend from New Jersey, Mr. Payne, for his 
eloquence in commenting on this very important site that will be 
established. The site is a national historic treasure and contains the 
world's largest collections of materials related to Thomas Edison.
  As a member of the House Science Committee, clearly we should use 
every opportunity to focus on America's researchers and inventors and 
emphasize that Thomas Edison is one of America's greatest inventors, 
who has shown not only his love for research and invention, but his 
inexhaustible energy and genius that produced 1,093 patents in his 
lifetime, frankly, more than any other American.
  Just this weekend we spent time in the city of Houston with the State 
of the Black Union, and one of the issues dealt with the digital divide 
among African Americans. The idea of highlighting the importance of 
invention and the importance of technology of that time by establishing 
and making better the Edison National Historical Site is, I think, an 
asset not only to the Nation but certainly to the place where it is 
lodged. I frankly think that America is a Nation that has great 
creativity, and I am proud to be an American for that very reason. We 
are problem-solvers.
  Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the further recognition of the works of 
Thomas Edison by establishing the Thomas Edison National Historical 
Park in the State of New Jersey, it causes me to be moved to comment on 
some of the statements that have been made earlier on the floor of the 
House and the week's events as relates to signs of showing that we are 
not creative in our governance of America today, that is, of course, 
the debate and the recognition of the recent contract with UAE as 
relates to the taking over of a number of ports throughout America.
  Frankly, let me just say that this is not a debate about the UAE, 
though we now know today that the Coast Guard has indicated that they 
are not sure that there is not a potential for there to be a security 
risk in light of port operations being in the hands of foreign 
entities.
  My concern, of course, in this whole debate is the fact that we are 
dealing with foreign entities in one of our most difficult areas to 
secure. We know that a ship laden with weapons of mass destruction can 
be volatile and dangerous.
  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, will the gentlewoman yield?
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I will not yield at this point.


                             point of order

  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I raise a point of order on the germaneness 
of the subject matter.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Aderholt). The gentleman will state his 
point of order.
  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, although I appreciate very much the 
gentlewoman's comments as they relate to Thomas Edison and in 
particular her teaching, which enlightened me on his being the greatest 
inventor in American history, I would ask that we look at the 
germaneness of the subject matter and confine debate to the relevance 
of the subject matter, please.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is correct. Debate should be 
confined to the pending question.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as my good friend from the 
Republican side wishes to extinguish debate, let me just indicate, as I 
started out before, that Thomas Edison represents innovativeness. 
Unfortunately, our present administration is not innovative.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I am hoping that my colleagues will join me in being 
innovative by not yielding to any compromises that may quash the 
thoughtfulness that we would have in dealing with our homeland 
security, which, of course, also involves technology.
  I hope that we will have a reasonable debate. My good friend from the 
other side of the aisle, I hope he will engage in this debate so that 
legislation that I am offering that is creative, that deals with 
putting a moratorium on any of these operations owned by foreign 
entities, a study by the GAO, a study by Homeland Security about our 
security, I hope that we will have the opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to be 
relevant at another time.
  Again, let me say I congratulate the sponsors of this legislation 
dealing with the Thomas Edison National Historical Park. It exudes 
innovativeness and respect for creativity in America.
  It is sad to say that the last week's activities and our failures for 
America's ports show no creativity. It is time for Congress to be as 
creative as it can be in securing the Nation's homeland.
  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I wish to include these in the extension 
of remarks.
  I want to speak in strong support of H.R. 1096--legislation to help 
restore the Thomas Edison National Historic Site. I congratulate my 
colleague Scott Garrett for introducing this worthy legislation. It has 
been a privilege to work closely with Representative Garrett and 
Representative Don Payne, whose district houses a large portion of the 
Edison site, to preserve this national treasure.
  I am proud that I represent a region of New Jersey that has given 
birth to some of the greatest innovations in our Nation's history: 
Thomas Edison's Glenmont estate in West Orange and the Great Falls 
National Historic District in Paterson--America's First Industrial 
City. Each of these impressive areas--only 10 miles apart--sprang from 
the imagination of two of the great pioneers in American history: 
Thomas Edison and Alexander Hamilton. Both of these sites--the Edison 
National Historic Site and the Great Falls Historic District--have been 
included among the most endangered historic areas in our Nation. The 
artifacts of both sites are in terrible physical condition and are in 
grave peril of being lost to the country forever.
  Together, these majestic places tell the inspiring story of the rise 
of the greatest technological and economic power the world has ever 
known. I strongly believe that it is the role of the Federal Government 
to partner with the local community to preserve the glory of these 
places for all future generations to behold.
  Although these sites are both close to my heart, I want to 
specifically voice my support for the preservation and rehabilitation 
of the Edison National Historic Site, which embodies Edison's legacy as 
a pioneer of American technology. The Edison National Historic Site, 
encompassing Edison's home and laboratory complex, is regarded as one 
of America's original research and development facilities. Half of 
Edison's astonishing 1,093 patents were earned during the 44 years he 
lived in West Orange.
  The classic inventions created at this site include the phonograph, 
electric generating systems, the dry storage battery, and the motion 
picture camera. Edison left a vast collection of artifacts, models, 
photographs, drawings, and furnishings at the Edison site. In addition, 
he left nearly 3,500 notebooks documenting every experiment, idea, 
failure, observation and business strategy of his long career.
  Even as Thomas Edison lives on as one of the leading visionaries of 
our time, his home and labs have tragically fallen into severe 
disrepair due to age-related decay. The public and private sector must 
work together to ensure that adults and young people alike will always 
be able to rediscover the genius of Edison and the impact he has had on 
all of our daily lives. The support of the National Park Service has 
enabled the Edison Preservation Foundation to create a vital public-
private partnership to maintain the site as a major community and 
educational resource.
  Despite this progress, Congressional support through H.R. 1096 is 
vital to the Edison site's long-term success. The legislation is an 
important symbol of Congress's commitment to preserving the legacy of 
one of America's most influential inventors and to restoring a Federal 
site that is a historic landmark. I urge the House of Representatives 
to move forward and approve this important legislation.
  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H.R. 1096, which commemorates the lifetime innovations of Thomas 
Edison.
  This legislation will ensure the preservation of Thomas Edison's 
laboratory in New Jersey. Edison set a tremendous example for all 
Americans to follow, and, through this legislation, Americans of future 
generations will be able to learn from the lessons he taught us.
  Before Thomas Edison opened his lab in New Jersey, he called Port 
Huron, Michigan, his hometown. That town has done a fine job in its own 
right to preserve the memory of Thomas Edison, and I am proud to 
represent it in the House.
  In 2004, Port Huron rededicated the Edison Rock as part of the 125th 
Anniversary of the invention of the light bulb. The event featured the 
actor Mickey Rooney who starred in the 1940 movie ``Young Tom Edison'', 
which chronicled Tom's formative years.

[[Page 2204]]

  I think the Edison Rock is a fitting tribute--not only because it is 
very big and very heavy--something like 62 tons--but because, like most 
rocks, it is very old.
  That's significant.
  In order to rank the importance of Thomas Edison's achievement of the 
first, practical light bulb you have to go back a long, long way--
  In fact, you have to go back to the very beginning--to the Bible and 
the Book of Genesis, where it says: ``And God said, let there be 
light--and there was light. ``
  Of course, God meant there was sunlight--and don't get me wrong--that 
was a great start.
  But the only problem with sunlight is that it lasts only when the sun 
is out.
  It wasn't until thousands of years later when Thomas Edison said,--
``Let there be light''--and finally we had light during the other half 
of the day.
  The significance of this invention can never be exaggerated.
  Electric light was the spark that ignited the Industrial Revolution 
and all the technological breakthroughs that followed.
  America's work ethic is also part of Edison's extraordinary legacy. 
Although Edison was undoubtedly a genius, he never thought of himself 
as one. In fact, he always claimed that his inventions were the product 
of hard work. ``Genius is one percent inspiration, 99 percent 
perspiration'' was one of his most famous quotes.
  Thomas Edison actually struggled for years and built more than 6,000 
prototypes before he came up with the successful design for the light 
bulb.
  He made us believe that through hard work, anything can be 
accomplished.
  Edison gave us many gifts--the light bulb--the phonograph--the motion 
picture camera--as well as hundreds of other inventions that have 
shaped our modem world.
  The phrase--``Good old American ingenuity'' describes the ``can-do'' 
spirit of our nation--our ability to take on any problem and come up 
with a solution.
  Edison was the personification of American opportunity. He didn't 
grow up as a member of the privileged class.
  He was just an average American, who through a lot of hard work and a 
little inspiration became one of the most famous and influential people 
in history.
  And so he gave us many gifts--the light bulb, the phonograph, the 
motion picture camera as well as hundreds of other inventions that have 
shaped our modern world.
  But possibly his greatest gift to us was his representation of the 
American spirit.
  For when we think of Thomas Edison, we believe that anything is 
possible.
  Edison's ability to take on the most difficult problems of mankind--
and come up with an invention that could make everyone's life better is 
a source of American pride.
  We believe that American know-how and American ingenuity are among 
the characteristics that make our nation great.
  That's why I'm confident in our nation.
  I'm confident in our ability to do whatever it takes to assure the 
safety of our nation and the success of liberty.
  And it's our nation that continues to bring the light of liberty to 
the world.
  And finally, we believe that you can grow up in Port Huron, 
Michigan--or thousands of other communities across America--and in 
everyone of them you have the opportunity to reach for greatness.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) that the House suspend the rules and 
pass the bill, H.R. 1096, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will 
be postponed.

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