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107TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session 107–407

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF AQUIA SANDSTONE

QUARRIES

APRIL 15, 2002.—Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed

Mr. HANSEN, from the Committee on Resources,

submitted the following

R E P O R T

[To accompany H. Res. 261]

The Committee on Resources, to whom was referred the resolution (H. Res. 261) recognizing the historical significance of the

Aquia sandstone quarries of Government Island in Stafford Country, Virginia, for their contributions to the construction of the Capital of the United States, having considered the same report favorably thereon without amendment and recommend that the resolution be agreed to.

PURPOSE OF THE BILL

The purpose of H. Res. 261 is to recognize the historical significance of the Aquia sandstone quarries of Government Island in

Stafford County, Virginia, for their contributions to the construction of the Capital of the United States.

BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION

Our nation’s first president, George Washington, a boyhood resident of Stafford County, Virginia, chose the county’s Aquia sandstone quarries from which to build the United States Capital. His

intent was to have a capital city that was equal to or exceeded the

beauty and majesty of the capitals of Europe. H. Res 261 would

also honor George Washington’s boyhood home in Stafford County,

Virginia. Early slaves mined the quarry from which giant blocks

were removed by oxen and transported on sailing ships up the Potomac to Washington, DC. This stone was used on the Capitol, the

White House and numerous other public buildings in the District

of Columbia. The land was later named Government Island and is

now surrounded by the local community of Aquia Harbor. Currently, new trails have made the island more accessible and two

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fall festivals have been held, commemorating its historic, educational and recreational value.

COMMITTEE ACTION

H. Res 261 was introduced on October 11, 2001 by Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis (R–VA). The bill was referred to the Committee on Resources, and within the Committee to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands. On

February 7, 2002, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the bill. On

March 7, 2002, the Subcommittee met to mark up the bill. The resolution was adopted and forwarded to the Full Committee by voice

vote. On March 20, 2002, the Full Resources Committee met to

consider the bill. The bill was ordered favorably reported to the

House of Representatives by voice vote.

COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Regarding clause 2(b)(1) of rule X and clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII

of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Resources’ oversight findings and recommendations are reflected in

the body of this report.

CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT

Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United States

grants Congress the authority to enact this bill.

COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULE XIII

1. Cost of Legislation. Clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of

the House of Representatives requires an estimate and a comparison by the Committee of the costs which would be incurred in carrying out this bill. The Committee has determined that this House

Resolution entails no costs to the federal government.

2. Congressional Budget Act. As required by clause 3(c)(2) of rule

XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section

308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, this bill does not

contain any new budget authority, spending authority, credit authority, or an increase or decrease in revenues or tax expenditures.

3. General Performance Goals and Objectives. This bill does not

authorize funding and therefore, clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the

Rules of the House of Representatives does not apply.

4. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate. The Committee

has determined that H. Res. 261 entails no costs to the federal government and therefore, no cost estimate was requested from the

Congressional Budget Office.

COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC LAW 104–4

This bill contains no unfunded mandates.

PREEMPTION OF STATE, LOCAL OR TRIBAL LAW

This bill is not intended to preempt any State, local or tribal law.

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CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW

If enacted, this bill would make no changes in existing law.

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