Jon L. Christensen: “H.R. 37 would amend the National Trails System Act to update previously-completed studies of the Oregon, California…”

“H.R. 37 would amend the National Trails System Act to update previously-completed studies of the Oregon, California, Pony Express and Mormon National Historic Trails. There have been public and private efforts to commemorate and interpret the history and resources of these historic trails. These preservation efforts have spawned additional research on the trails that has indicated there may be additional routes and cutoffs associated with each of these trails which merit designation as a segment of the existing national historic trail. The purpose of H.R. 37 is to examine those additional routes and cutoffs that were not considered in the initial studies of these trails to determine whether they do, in fact, merit historic trail designation. A hearing on H.R. 37 was held in April, at which time we received favorable testimony on this matter from the administration, as well as public witnesses. At the full Committee on Resources markup of H.R. 37 in May, a technical and conforming amendment to the bill was adopted by voice vote. Mr. Speaker, we support the amended bill and favor the passage of H.R. 37 by the House today.”