On the recordFebruary 26, 2019
I thank Ranking Member Bishop for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, the Natural Resources Management Act is notable for its bipartisan support and for the conservation of our natural treasures. Tennessee's Second District, the district I represent, is home to a large portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mr. Speaker, the most visited national park in our Nation. Last year, more than 10 million visitors enjoyed the park, its wildlife, and its beautiful views and vistas. The Foothills Parkway traverses the park, and it includes a bridge currently called, creatively enough, Bridge 2. S. 47 would rename the bridge for the late Dean Stone, a longtime editor of The Daily Times in Maryville, Tennessee. During his tenure at The Daily Times, Dean advocated for the completion of the Foothills Parkway that enables so many to view the park. I hope to take my daughter, Isabel, and my wife, Kelly, up there shortly. Bridge 2 posed one of the greatest challenges to the parkway's completion. It has been described as an engineering marvel, Mr. Speaker, for the construction techniques that minimized its environmental impact. It is fitting that this bridge bears Dean's name, not only so we can continue our stewardship of these landscapes, but also so that we can honor the people who pushed us to preserve them and increase their accessibility.
