[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 14992]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           SPRUCE KNOB-SENECA ROCKS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from West 
Virginia (Mr. Mooney) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the 
time to recognize Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks on their 50th year as a 
national recreation area.
  Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area was established by 
an act of Congress on September 28, 1965, and has been enjoyed by 
families from all over the country ever since.
  It is located in Pendleton County in the eastern panhandle area of my 
district in West Virginia. I was lucky enough to have had the privilege 
to visit just last month.
  As the only true peak on the East Coast of the United States, it 
lures rock climbers from all around and boasts some of the most 
spectacular scenery on this side of the Mississippi.
  Let me tell you, it is even more beautiful in person. Don't take my 
word for it, though. I encourage everyone to plan a trip to this 
national treasure.


                         Life at Conception Act

  Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the 
time to recognize the historic event that took place last week. On 
September 24, 2015, his Holiness Pope Francis became the first Pope to 
ever address Congress.
  I would like to thank all that were involved in this planning process 
that led to this significant event, especially Speaker John Boehner. It 
was truly an honor to take part in the first papal address to Congress.
  Pope Francis' message was one of hope and love, and it reminded us 
that we need to keep fighting for the sanctity of life, marriage, 
family, and religious liberty.
  Pope Francis clearly stated that there is a moral obligation to 
protect unborn babies. Protecting the unborn is one of the issues that 
compelled me to run for political office in the first place, and I am 
committed to continuing to fight in Congress.
  During his address, the Pope said:

       The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to 
     protect and defend human life at every stage of its 
     development. I am convinced that this is the best way, since 
     every life is sacred, every human person is endowed with an 
     inalienable dignity.

  I am proud to be the lead sponsor of H.R. 816, the Life at Conception 
Act. The Life at Conception Act is a necessary component in the long-
term protection of the unborn. In the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, the 
Supreme Court justices wrote that, since the beginning of life is not 
defined by law, it is open to interpretation.
  The Life at Conception Act simply defines by Congress that the life 
of a child begins at conception. Establishing personhood will protect 
the right to life of unborn children who are the most defenseless among 
us and need our protection.
  This bill sets a standard for promoting and encouraging a culture of 
life. If enacted, it would simply affirm that unborn children are 
deserving of protection.
  We currently have 122 cosponsors of this important bill. I encourage 
my colleagues in the House to cosponsor as well.

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