Elise Stefanik: “I thank the chair for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, the American Battlefield…”

“I thank the chair for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act. I take the time to thank our chairman, Bruce Westerman, and the ranking member for their support throughout this process both in committee but also in visiting with so many communities that understand the importance of preserving and protecting these most hallowed grounds. I introduced this bipartisan legislation with my Congressional Battlefield Caucus co-chair, Mr. Connolly of Virginia, to preserve and improve the American Battlefield Protection Program, one of the most successful land preservation programs managed by the National Park Service. Since its inception, the American Battlefield Protection Program has helped protect more than 100 battlefields in 42 States, including Fort Ann in my district in upstate New York. New York's 21st District is truly the cradle of the American Revolution, home to Fort Ticonderoga, Fort Ann, and the Bennington Battlefield. However, as people across upstate New York and the North Country will proudly tell you, Mr. Speaker, our deep military history extends beyond the American Revolution and incorporates many important battlefields from the French and Indian War through the War of 1812. I, myself, grew up going to these historic sites, and I consider them part of the classroom of my childhood education.…”