John Hansen: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2628, introduced by the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Cramer) would direct the Secretary of the Interior…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2628, introduced by the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Cramer) would direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area in northwest Alabama. Mr. Speaker, the city of Muscle Shoals and the surrounding area of northwest Alabama has played an integral part in shaping many aspects of Alabama and southern culture. It is the birthplace of Helen Keller, setting for Henry Ford's utopian 75-Mile City, which inspired Frank Lloyd Wright's Broadacre City, a number of Victorian arts and crafts residences, and plays host to the annual music festival named for blues musician W. C. Handy. It is also the home of the Tennessee Valley Authority, the first piece of the New Deal legislation. A number of historic trails also transverse the area, including the Natchez Trail and the Trail of Tears. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2628 is supported by both the majority and the minority of the committee and the administration. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2628.”