Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission Extension Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1727) to amend the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Development Act to extend the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 1727

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 ``Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission Extension Act''. SEC. 2. CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO CANAL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK COMMISSION.

Section 6(g) of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Development Act (16 U.S.C. 410y-4(g)) is amended by striking ``40'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``on October 1, 2031.''.

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Mr. WESTERMAN. 1727, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I support the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission Extension Act. This bill reauthorizes the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission for 7 years beyond the Commission's current expiration date of September 2024.

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, or C&O Canal, stretches over 184 miles from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. For nearly a century, the national historical park played a crucial role in the transportation of many agricultural products along the Potomac River.

Today, the park offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities while continuing to serve as a source of economic growth through tourism and employment opportunities. In 2021, the park attracted over 5 million visitors, supported 1,360 jobs, and generated $104 million in economic output in local gateway communities surrounding the park.

The park's commission is comprised of 19 members who serve on a volunteer basis. By including the voices and unique perspective of various local stakeholders, the commission provides a critical link between the National Park Service and local communities with no cost to the American taxpayer.

Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time and continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, this is a commonsense bill that promotes collaboration between Federal agencies and local stakeholders. It achieves this without adding any burden on the American taxpayer.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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