Jon L. Christensen: “Mr. Speaker, S. 111 authorizes a special resource study to determine the national significance of the Miami Circle as…”

“Mr. Speaker, S. 111 authorizes a special resource study to determine the national significance of the Miami Circle as well as the feasibility of including the site in the Biscayne National Park. Miami Circle is an archeological site discovered in 1998, located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The most important features of the site are 24 large basin-holes carved into the limestone bedrock forming a circle approximately 38 feet in diameter. The circle is thought to be the footprint of a structure built by Native Americans and may date back 2,000 years. Our former colleague, Representative Carrie Meek, worked tirelessly on this legislation, and now her successor in this office, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Meek) has taken up the banner for this important project. We are eager to see this study move forward as a small part of the huge legacy that has remained after Ms. Meek's retirement, and because the historical and culture resources present at this site are potentially invaluable. Mr. Speaker, this measure passed the Senate by unanimous consent and passed the House during the previous Congress, and so we urge our colleagues to support S. 111 at this time.”