[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8]
[House]
[Pages 11039-11042]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE STATE OF MINNESOTA'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY.

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 923) recognizing the State of 
Minnesota's 150th anniversary.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 923

       Whereas Minnesota was established as a territory on March 
     2, 1849, and became the 32nd State on May 11, 1858;
       Whereas Minnesota is also known as the ``Gopher State'', 
     the ``North Star State'', and the ``Land of 10,000 Lakes'';
       Whereas Minnesota's name comes from the Dakota word 
     ``minesota'', meaning ``water that reflects the sky'', and 
     Native Americans continue to play a defining role in 
     Minnesota's proud heritage;
       Whereas the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul were 
     established after the completion of nearby Fort Snelling, a 
     frontier outpost and training center for Civil War soldiers;
       Whereas more than 338,000,000 tons of Minnesota iron ore 
     were shipped between 1940 and 1945 that contributed to the 
     U.S. military victory in World War II, and an additional 
     648,000,000 tons of iron ore were shipped between 1945 and 
     1955 that boosted post-war economic expansion in the U.S.;
       Whereas in 1889, the Saint Mary's Hospital, now known as 
     the Mayo Clinic, opened its doors to patients in Rochester, 
     Minnesota, and is now known worldwide for its cutting-edge 
     care;
       Whereas Minnesota continues to be a leader in innovation 
     and is currently home to more than 35 Fortune 500 Companies;
       Whereas Minnesota houses over 30 institutions of higher 
     education including the University of Minnesota, a world-
     class research university where the first open heart surgery 
     and first bone marrow transplant was performed in the United 
     States;
       Whereas farmland spans over half of Minnesota's 54 million 
     acres and the agriculture industry is Minnesota's second 
     largest job market, employing nearly 80,000 farmers;
       Whereas Minnesota is the Nation's number one producer of 
     sugarbeets and turkeys;
       Whereas Minnesota is a national leader in the production 
     and use of renewable energy, which helps our Nation reduce 
     its dependency on foreign sources of oil;
       Whereas the Mall of America located in Bloomington, 
     Minnesota, is the Nation's largest retail and entertainment 
     complex, spanning 9,500,000 square feet and providing more 
     than 11,000 jobs;
       Whereas Minnesota has 90,000 miles of lake and river 
     shoreline, which includes the coast of Lake Superior, the 
     largest of North America's Great Lakes;
       Whereas the Minneapolis-St. Paul area is nationally 
     recognized for its parks, museums, and cultural events; and
       Whereas the people of Minnesota have a timeless reputation 
     of compassion, strength, and determination: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates 
     the State of Minnesota on its 150th anniversary and the 
     contributions it continues to make to America's economy and 
     heritage.


[[Page 11040]]


  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.


                             General Leave

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and 
Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the 
consideration of H. Res. 923, which recognizes the 150th anniversary of 
the State of Minnesota and highlights its contributions to America's 
economy and heritage.
  H. Res. 923 was introduced by our colleague, Congresswoman Michelle 
Bachmann of Minnesota, on January 16, 2008, and was considered by and 
reported from the Oversight Committee on May 1, 2008, by voice vote. 
This measure has the support and cosponsorship of 120 Members of 
Congress, including all of the Members from the State of Minnesota.
  On March 2, 1849, Minnesota was established as a territory, and it 
became the 32nd State on March 11, 1858. Also known as the Gopher 
State, the North Star State, and the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota's 
name comes from the Dakota word ``minesota,'' meaning ``water that 
reflects the sky.''
  Minnesota has been and continues to be a leader in innovation in 
science and education. It is home of the Mayo Clinic, which is known 
for its cutting-edge medical work, and over 30 institutions of higher 
education, including the University of Minnesota, a world-class 
research university, which performed the first open heart surgery and 
the first bone marrow transplant in America. I should also mention that 
Minnesota is currently home to more than 35 Fortune 500 companies and 
is leading the Nation in the production and use of renewable energy.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota 
for sponsoring the measure at hand. Given the 150th anniversary of 
Minnesota's statehood and the enormous contributions Minnesota has made 
to our Nation and the world, I urge passage of this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution seeks to commemorate the 150th 
anniversary of Minnesota becoming a State. In February of 1857, 
Congress passed an enabling act that defined the State boundaries and 
authorized the establishment of a State government for the people of 
Minnesota. Among other things, it called for a convention to establish 
a State constitution. As is normal in a democracy, the Democrats and 
Republicans could not come to a final agreement on language, which 
resulted in the drafting of two distinct constitutions.
  Ultimately, a conference committee of five members from each party 
was formed in order to work out the differences and create one 
constitution both sides could agree to. This happened in August of 
1857. Although neither party agreed to sign along with members of the 
other party, a consensus on the language was agreed upon and two copies 
were made and signed. Minnesota's State constitution was born.
  A few months later, on May 11, 1858, President James Buchanan signed 
legislation granting statehood to Minnesota, making it the 32nd State 
in the Union. Until that point, Minnesota held the status of a 
territory for more than 9 years. Henry Hastings Sibley, the State's 
first Governor, famously uttered Minnesota is finally free ``from the 
trammels of territorial vassalage.''
  On this occasion of the sesquicentennial, it is important that we 
recognize all that Minnesota has to offer. It is truly a time of 
celebration for the 5 million-plus residents of Minnesota, and there is 
a lot to celebrate. Its geography and terrain are among the most 
precious and beautiful our Nation has to offer. It is home to the 
headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River, which has been so crucial 
to the development of the economic viability of our Nation.
  Minnesota is a land rich in natural resources and remains among the 
leaders in agriculture and iron production. Minnesota's farming 
industry feeds and nourishes many of our Nation's citizens today. 
Minnesotans are known to be a people with a sense of pride in their 
history and tradition. Many Minnesotans have had profound impact on the 
lives of people all across our Nation.

                              {time}  1430

  For instance, the founders of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Dr. 
William Mayo and his two sons, William and Charles, began their 
practice in Minnesota.
  Minnesota is also the birthplace of one of America's greatest 
literary figures and favorite authors, F. Scott Fitzgerald. His 
literary works have reached millions and continue to have a great 
impact on our youth. Fitzgerald's ``The Great Gatsby'' is regarded as 
one of the great American novels.
  In conclusion, the State of Minnesota is one that is rich in nature, 
resources, and, most importantly, in people and heritage. For this 
reason, I ask my colleagues to support H. Res. 923, recognizing the 
State of Minnesota's 150th anniversary.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my 
distinguished colleague from the State of Idaho (Mr. Sali).
  Mr. SALI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman.
  I rise in support of H. Res. 923, recognizing the 150th anniversary 
of the great State of Minnesota. While I rise in support and 
recognition of this anniversary, I also rise to remind my colleagues 
that we must address rising fuel prices.
  Some have blamed rising fuel prices on those who own and manage big 
oil companies. In a recent study, however, Robert Shapiro, 
Undersecretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs under President Bill 
Clinton, found that the vast majority of oil and natural gas company 
shares are owned broadly by middle-income Americans through mutual 
funds, pension funds and individual retirement accounts, while a mere 
1.5 percent of the shares of public oil companies are owned by company 
executives. That means that when Congress levies additional taxes on 
oil companies, the American public will pay for that tax in one of two 
ways; either through their pension or mutual funds, or by paying a 
higher price at the pump.
  Mr. Speaker, increasing taxes is not the answer to rising fuel 
prices.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
sponsor of this resolution, my colleague from Minnesota (Mrs. 
Bachmann).
  Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North 
Carolina for yielding to me.
  This is a wonderful, delightful resolution to be able to speak on 
this afternoon. It is the State of Minnesota's 150th birthday. We have 
had a big party all year, we are going to continue to have a big party 
all year, and it is my honor to be able to present this resolution 
before our distinguished body and also to let the American people know 
the entire Minnesota delegation has joined me on this resolution. All 
Democrats, all Republicans, we are united in this great party of 
celebrating Minnesota's 150th birthday.
  Mr. Speaker, as this resolution's author, I rise to support House 
Resolution 923. As Minnesota turns a very proud 150 years old, we are 
no worse for the wear as a State, and I am very honored to recognize 
the contributions that Minnesota has made to the United States economy 
and to our great heritage of freedom and prosperity.

[[Page 11041]]

  On March 3rd, 1849, Minnesota was established as a United States 
territory as part of the Northwest Territory, and later we became the 
32nd State in this great country, on May 11, 1858.
  Minnesota is now home to over 5 million very lucky people. Minnesota 
is renowned for our welcoming communities, our high quality schools and 
our valuable natural resources. Minnesotans take advantage of those 
resources every weekend that we can, our beautiful lakes, our forests, 
our prairies. ``Minnesota Nice'' is more than a saying for us; it is 
our way of life, and we welcome you to come and enjoy our hospitality 
any time you get to our great State of Minnesota.
  We are also known as the Gopher State. We are also known as the North 
Star State and the Land of 10,000 Lakes. But, truth be told, we 
actually have over 15,000 lakes in our great State. Our name comes from 
the Dakota word ``minesota,'' which means ``water that reflects the 
sky,'' in other words, sky blue waters. And it is that, and more.
  Native Americans continue to play an extremely important role in 
Minnesota and a defining role in our very proud heritage. The influence 
of the Native Americans can be seen not only in the names of our local 
towns, our local lakes and our natural landmarks, but also in the 
enduring culture of conservation of the land and the great love that 
every Minnesotan shares and our bond with the outdoors.
  It was in 1889 that the Saint Mary's Hospital, now known as the world 
famous Mayo Clinic, opened its doors to patients in Rochester, 
Minnesota. They are now known worldwide for their cutting-edge care, 
and quite often in the news we will hear of yet one more world leader 
who makes their way to little Rochester, Minnesota, to receive what we 
know in Minnesota is the finest health care system in the United 
States.
  Minnesota also houses, Mr. Speaker, over 30 institutions of higher 
education. Education is a very strong value in the State of Minnesota, 
including the world renowned University of Minnesota, a world class 
research university of which we are all extremely proud and where the 
Nation's and world's first open heart surgery was performed and also 
the first bone marrow transplant was performed in the United States.
  Minnesota continues to be a leader in innovation. In fact, Minnesota 
is currently home to more than 35 Fortune 500 companies. Yes, we are 
the State, Mr. Speaker, that gave you SPAM, and we are the State that 
gave you the Post-it note.
  But our rise in corporate and technological prominence has not 
compromised our agricultural background. Farmland spans over half of 
Minnesota's 54 million acres. My father was born on a farm and grew up 
on a farm, and farming is a way of life for many of our Minnesota 
people. The ag industry is a jewel in Minnesota and it is Minnesota's 
second largest job market, employing nearly 80,000 farmers that serve 
to feed the world.
  At a time when energy costs and production are dominating the 
headlines, Minnesota is a national leader in the protection and use of 
renewable energy. We are very proud of this fact, and it helps our 
Nation reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
  For 150 years, Mr. Speaker, Minnesota has attracted a very special 
caliber of people, marked by our spirit and by our character. The 
citizens of the State of Minnesota are dedicated to our families. 
Families are very important. Faith is very important in our State, our 
communities, and also in our Nation. We are people of faith. We are 
people of charity. We are people of hope and dedication, love and 
compassion. We have a very high rate of giving in the State of 
Minnesota.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope you and my fellow colleagues will join me in 
recognizing the rich history and the substantial contributions that 
Minnesota and Minnesotans have made to this great Nation. We have a lot 
to be proud of, Mr. Speaker, and this legislation marks yet one more 
happy milestone in Minnesota's long history of success.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such 
time as he may consume to one of the cosponsors of this resolution, 
Representative Walz from Minnesota.
  Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Thank you, Mr. Davis, for managing the bill. A 
special thank you to my colleague from a little further upstate in 
Minnesota, Mrs. Bachmann. Thank you for your kind words. Your pride and 
enthusiasm for our State is evident, and I think all of us who live 
there understand why.
  I, too, rise to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
great State of Minnesota, the 32nd State. It is our sesquicentennial, 
150 years. From the natural beauty of the Mississippi River, across to 
the plains near South Dakota, this is a State that amongst the stark 
beauty has planted the seeds, as you heard my previous colleague talk 
about, of innovation, from health care to computer technology to 
agriculture.
  I am especially proud to represent the southern area of the State, 
the First District, those many towns, like Winona along the Mississippi 
River, which were the stopping points near the upper end of the paddle 
boats that brought our forebearers to Minnesota. The courthouses and 
the city halls still represent that long heritage, that rich tradition 
and that sense of community that had people staking out a new life in 
the ``big woods,'' in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
  I am proud to have the City of New Ulm in my district. New Ulm is, as 
you might expect, a very, very German town. It boasts the ``Herman the 
German'' statue that is the second largest brass statue behind only the 
Statue of Liberty in the United States. There is the proud tradition of 
the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame that captures the tradition of the 
many musicians and folk artists that have come through and lived in 
Minnesota. Both Winona and New Ulm were capitals of a day, and I am 
very proud of them during the sesquicentennial celebration.
  The City of Rochester, as you heard my colleague mention, the small 
town on the prairie that the Mayo brothers opened the door to a 
hospital and have established the most advanced critical hospital in 
probably the world. The Mayo Clinic is a destination. You must fly 
there to get there. There is not a large city to draw you there, but 
there is the absolute guarantee of the most quality care that you can 
receive anywhere in the world. They are leading the way not only in 
innovations in medical research, they are leading the way in how we 
deliver health care to all Americans.
  Also the City of Austin, known for many, many things, and one also 
you heard my colleague mention, the invention of SPAM and the SPAM 
Museum. Mr. Speaker, I invite you and anyone to please visit this 
wonderful place. You will find out how SPAM is made, first and 
foremost, but it also is something about the Hormel Institute and this 
other great company. They have a research lab that is there that is 
called the Hormel Institute. By most accounts the Hormel Institute will 
feature the international conference on carcinogens and in cancer 
research, especially melanomas, and the Hormel Institute, when the 
story of how cancer is solved, it will probably start in Austin, 
Minnesota. It is something we are very proud of, a public-private 
partnership.
  Minnesotans have always prided themselves on their education, of 
investing in their children. Garrison Keillor talks about all of our 
children are above average. We know that we have a ways to go, but we 
do take pride in that, from our many, many public schools and 
institutions of higher learning, producing one of the highest 
graduation rates in the country, and usually in the very top three of 
all SAT and ACT scores. So there is a great pride in this.
  It is those residents of Southern Minnesota that I am here today to 
congratulate, people who have chosen to live in a somewhat harsh 
climate, to take the opportunity to settle this land, to move into the 
Upper Midwest and to settle and create not just places to live, but 
communities that were vibrant and growing, and that understood that the 
investments we put

[[Page 11042]]

 back in them would benefit this country.
  So, I am proud of our State. I am proud of what our State contributes 
to this Nation, just like our other 49 States and territories do. This 
Nation is strongest when we are altogether, and admission of Minnesota 
as the 32nd State strengthened this great Union. Today I say 
congratulations to all Minnesotans, and we are looking forward to the 
next 150 years.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the opportunity to visit 
Minnesota myself later this year. I urge our colleagues to support H. 
Res. 923, recognizing the State of Minnesota's 150th anniversary, and 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, as this resolution's author, I rise to 
support H. Res. 923. As Minnesota turns a proud 150 years old, I am 
honored to recognize the contributions she has made to America's 
economy and heritage.
  On March 3, 1849, Minnesota was established as a U.S. territory and 
later became the 32nd state on May 11, 1858. It is now home to over 
five million people and is renowned for its welcoming communities, 
quality schools and valuable natural resources. ``Minnesota Nice'' is 
more than a saying; it's a way of life.
  Minnesota is known as the Gopher State, the North Star State, and the 
Land of 10,000 Lakes; and its name comes from the Lakota word minesota, 
meaning ``water that reflects the sky.'' Native Americans continue to 
play a defining role in Minnesota's proud heritage. Their influence can 
be seen not only in the names of local towns and lakes and natural 
landmarks, but also in the enduring culture of conservation and love 
for the outdoors.
  In 1889, the Saint Mary's Hospital, now known as the Mayo Clinic, 
opened its doors to patients in Rochester, Minnesota and is now known 
worldwide for its cutting-edge care.
  And Minnesota houses over 30 institutions of higher education 
including the University of Minnesota--a world-class research 
university where the first open heart surgery and first bone marrow 
transplant were performed in the United States.
  Minnesota continues to be leaders in innovation. In fact, Minnesota 
is currently home to more than 35 Fortune 500 Companies.
  But our rise in corporate and technological prominence has not 
compromised our agricultural background. Farmland spans over half of 
Minnesota's 54 million acres and the agriculture industry is 
Minnesota's second largest job market, employing nearly 80,000 farmers.
  At a time when energy costs and production are dominating the 
headlines, Minnesota is a national leader in the production and use of 
renewable energy, which helps our nation reduce its dependence on 
foreign oil.
  For one-hundred and fifty years, Minnesota has attracted a special 
caliber of people, marked by their spirit and character. The citizens 
of our great state are dedicated to their families, their communities 
and their country. They are people of faith and charity, hope and 
dedication, love and compassion.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope you and my fellow colleagues will join me in 
recognizing the rich history and substantial contributions Minnesota 
has made to its nation. Minnesotans have a lot to be proud of, and this 
legislation marks another milestone in Minnesota's long history of 
success.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would urge passage of this 
resolution, and yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 923.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. 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 motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________