[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 10752]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              150TH ANNIVERSARY OF YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Costa) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 150th anniversary of the 
Yosemite Grant Act that was signed into law in 1864 by then-President 
Abraham Lincoln and the creation of Yosemite National Park, one of our 
Nation's greatest treasures.
  Yosemite receives over 4 million visitors annually, all who come to 
experience our breathtaking scenery and wonderment that the park 
provides for all Americans.
  As a Californian and a longtime park supporter since my early 
childhood, I understand the importance of safeguarding our precious 
national resources.
  Yosemite is an integral part of our communities and our country, and 
it is also a great source of pride for all Californians. Therefore, we 
must work together, despite the challenges that we face, to not only 
preserve Yosemite National Park for future generations to come, but for 
all of America's great natural resources.
  Yosemite is just one of many of the crown jewels of America's 
national park system. Its beautiful and majestic park is, obviously, 
something to behold and where visitors come every year from not only 
across America, but from throughout the world.
  For all Americans, we must remember that Yosemite National Park 
represents among the best of America. As it has been said before: 
America's national parks, perhaps America's best idea.
  Therefore, it is my honor to celebrate the 150th anniversary of 
Yosemite National Park, the first park designated in our country.

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