Paul Tonko: “I realize we are quickly reaching the end of the 117th Congress, and there is necessary business to finish before the…”

“I realize we are quickly reaching the end of the 117th Congress, and there is necessary business to finish before the end of the year. I do want to express my immense gratitude to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Chairman Grijalva, and Ranking Member Westerman for recognizing the importance of S. 1942, the National Heritage Area Act, and finding the time to allow it to be considered today. National Heritage Areas are far too often overlooked, but they are so important to so many Members and the communities that they serve. There are 55 National Heritage Areas across our country, sites of cultural, historical, or natural significance that help tell our unique and very diverse American story. In New York's 20th Congressional District, these legendary sites include the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Corridor named after our late colleague. For decades, these sites have opened wide the doors of economic opportunity and community engagement for constituents in my district and well beyond. I am so grateful to Bob Radcliff and Meg Downey for their leadership and commitment that drives the success of the sites in my district. Across our country, heritage areas touch 34 States and nearly 600 counties. They create local jobs, boost local economies, and certainly bind communities together in every corner of America.…”