Jeff Fortenberry: “First, let me thank two of my good friends, Ranking Member McClintock and Chairman Huffman, for the cordial and elevated…”

“First, let me thank two of my good friends, Ranking Member McClintock and Chairman Huffman, for the cordial and elevated discussion today about something that might appear small in the big scheme of things, particularly with what is going on in Congress, but, nonetheless, is a good, working part of functioning government on this House floor. This is important to us in Nebraska, and it is important to the rest of America. I am pleased that my good friend, Congressman Adrian Smith, has been working on this effort to rename the Homestead National Monument of America to the Homestead National Historical Park to clear up some confusion. This small but important change will more accurately reflect the nature and mission of this unique National Park Service unit. The Homestead Act of 1862, as we have heard, really did forever change the direction of our Nation. Let me take us through a few facts that have already been mentioned but I think worthwhile emphasizing. In exchange for the $18 filing fee and just a commitment to improve the land, any U.S. citizen could farm 160 acres and own it outright after 5 years. Almost inconceivable to us today, but that is how this began. The National Park Service unit dedicated to telling the extraordinary story of these incredible pioneers is located in Beatrice, Nebraska. And I thank Chairman Huffman for clarifying how it is appropriately pronounced: Beatrice, Nebraska. Before redistricting earlier, I used to represent this area.…”