Adrian Smith: “I certainly appreciate my colleagues and their support of our effort to change the name from Homestead National Monument…”

“I certainly appreciate my colleagues and their support of our effort to change the name from Homestead National Monument of America to the Homestead National Historical Park. Obviously, some of the reasons have been outlined. I appreciate the chairman and ranking member for bringing this legislation to the floor. It is supported by the entire Nebraska delegation, and even more importantly, by local stakeholders. And as was mentioned, the Homestead Act of 1862 was signed by President Lincoln, and it absolutely helped shaped the American West. It allowed U.S. citizens to earn ownership of a portion of the vast public lands owned by the Federal Government across the Western U.S. Ultimately, the Federal Government granted title to 10 percent of the land in the U.S. through this program. It gave millions a chance to build a new life for themselves, their families and for future generations. In order to claim a 160-acre parcel of land under the Homestead Act, a homesteader was required to be at least 21 years of age or the head of a household, build a home on the land, improve and farm the land for 5 years, and pay an $18 filing fee. {time} 1515 The Homestead Act remained in place through 1976, with provisions allowing for homesteading in Alaska through 1986.…”