[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 10572]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING WILD AND WONDERFUL WEST VIRGINIA

  (Mr. McKINLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 151st 
anniversary of West Virginia statehood. On June 20, 1863, West Virginia 
became the 35th State. From those early years, our State has grown to 
become a significant contributor to America's economy.
  West Virginia is rich in natural resources. It is the largest 
producer of oil and gas east of the Mississippi. In addition, West 
Virginia is a national leader in providing statewide access to 
preschool and is ranked first in the Nation for pay equity between 
college-educated men and women.
  West Virginia is home to nationally recognized centers for research 
and learning, has produced countless veterans, historical figures, 
scholars, athletes, and many more for whom we are eternally proud.
  Like all West Virginians and as a seventh generation West Virginia 
native, we take special pride in our wild and wonderful State.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that we wish a happy birthday to West Virginia.

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