Byron Dorgan: “today I am introducing the ``Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act.'' This act authorizes the…”

“today I am introducing the ``Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act.'' This act authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce a commemorative coin honoring the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This is a bill I introduced in the last Congress and which had the support of 43 other Senators. The bill is a companion to one that has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Bereuter. I am introducing this legislation to ensure that one of America's finest moments will be forever memorialized. The Lewis and Clark Expedition, called the Corps of Discovery, represents the finest in American history. The Expedition began in 1803 when President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the exploration of the newly purchased Louisiana Territory and ended in 1806 with the Expedition's triumphant return. When considering why we should commemorate the Expedition, it's important to recall Thomas Jefferson's vision for America's future and his dedication to expanding not only our geographic frontiers, but the frontiers of knowledge as well. Jefferson's vision is epitomized by his commissioning of the Expedition. Further, the Expedition represents a hallmark for peaceful diplomacy, as demonstrated by the friendly relations the Expedition established with the Native Americans it encountered on its journey. These are a few of the many valuable lessons from the Expedition that we should carry forward into the future.”