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[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 901 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

116th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 901

Recognizing and celebrating the 200th anniversary of the entry of Maine 
                    into the Union as the 23d State.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 12, 2020

   Ms. Pingree (for herself and Mr. Golden) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
Recognizing and celebrating the 200th anniversary of the entry of Maine 
                    into the Union as the 23d State.

Whereas the place now known as Maine is Wabanaki homeland, and is currently home 
        to vibrant indigenous cultures and communities;
Whereas Maine was a District of Massachusetts, 1 of the 13 original colonies of 
        the United States;
Whereas, by 1820, people living in Maine had built a thriving economy that 
        included farming, forestry, fishing, and shipbuilding industries;
Whereas, in March 1820, Congress and President James Monroe approved the 
        Missouri Compromise, authorizing the establishment of the State of Maine 
        and making it the 23d State of the United States;
Whereas Maine is characterized by its hardworking, altruistic, and independent 
        people, and its strong community spirit;
Whereas the State motto, ``Dirigo'', Latin for ``I lead'', reflects the 
        trailblazing nature of the State of Maine and its 1.3 million 
        inhabitants;
Whereas Maine has one of the highest numbers of veterans per capita in the 
        United States and is the home of the Nation's first veterans' hospital, 
        Togus;
Whereas the State contributes greatly to our national defense through the 
        Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Bath Iron Works, Pratt & Whitney, and 
        numerous other suppliers and installations whose skilled employees are a 
        vital asset to our country;
Whereas distinguished statesmen from the State of Maine include William King, 
        Joshua Chamberlain, Hannibal Hamlin, Margaret Chase Smith, and Edmund 
        Muskie;
Whereas Maine is known as ``The Pine Tree State'' and ``Vacationland'' for its 
        extensive forests and spectacular scenery that draw millions of visitors 
        every year;
Whereas the majestic beauty of Mount Katahdin, one of New England's highest 
        peaks and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, and other 
        unspoiled natural treasures beckon outdoor enthusiasts;
Whereas Maine's rugged coastline and vibrant fall foliage are showcased in 
        particular splendor in Acadia National Park, 1 of the 10 most visited 
        national parks in the country;
Whereas the pristine Atlantic waters off Maine's coast support fishermen and 
        women as well as the iconic lobster industry, which is the Nation's most 
        valuable fishery and has become known worldwide as a standard of seafood 
        excellence;
Whereas Maine is the most forested State in the country, with a long history of 
        pulp and paper production and an exciting recent turn towards innovation 
        and diversification of forest products;
Whereas the fertile soils of northern and eastern Maine have helped farmers 
        produce the best potatoes and wild blueberries for generations and have 
        supported the increase of organic agriculture operations;
Whereas, March 15, 2020, marks the 200th anniversary of the attainment of 
        statehood by Maine; and
Whereas that bicentennial is a monumental occasion to celebrate and commemorate 
        the achievements of the great State of Maine: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House recognizes and celebrates the 200th 
anniversary of the entry of Maine into the Union as the 23d State.
                                 <all>
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