Virginia Foxx: “Mr. Speaker, this resolution seeks to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Minnesota becoming a State. In February of…”

“Mr. Speaker, this resolution seeks to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Minnesota becoming a State. In February of 1857, Congress passed an enabling act that defined the State boundaries and authorized the establishment of a State government for the people of Minnesota. Among other things, it called for a convention to establish a State constitution. As is normal in a democracy, the Democrats and Republicans could not come to a final agreement on language, which resulted in the drafting of two distinct constitutions. Ultimately, a conference committee of five members from each party was formed in order to work out the differences and create one constitution both sides could agree to. This happened in August of 1857. Although neither party agreed to sign along with members of the other party, a consensus on the language was agreed upon and two copies were made and signed. Minnesota's State constitution was born. A few months later, on May 11, 1858, President James Buchanan signed legislation granting statehood to Minnesota, making it the 32nd State in the Union. Until that point, Minnesota held the status of a territory for more than 9 years. Henry Hastings Sibley, the State's first Governor, famously uttered Minnesota is finally free "from the trammels of territorial vassalage." On this occasion of the sesquicentennial, it is important that we recognize all that Minnesota has to offer.”