Political Quotes

“As the chairman is aware, our staffs worked diligently with property owners and other stakeholders in the drafting of the language authorizing the First State National Historical Park within H.R. 3979. The authorization includes language that redesignates the sites currently within the boundary of the First State National Monument and authorizes four additional sites--the Old Swedes Church, Fort Christina, the John Dickinson Plantation, and the Ryves Holt House--to be included within the boundary of the new First State National Historical Park. The language authorizes the National Park Service to acquire the listed additional sites only under very specific parameters, including by purchase from a willing seller; by exchange, which can only be achieved if the property owner consents; or by donation. No lands or interests in land can be acquired by condemnation, so no landowner can be forced to sell their property for inclusion in the park. To further clarify our intent, the legislation references a map outlining the boundaries for each of the eligible sites. I would like to ask the Chair of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources whether she agrees with my intent and understanding of the language authorizing the First State National Historical Park within H.R. 3979 in that no additional property can be included in the boundaries of the park until the U.S.…”