Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

Floor Speech

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Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I am introducing the Historic Lighthouse Resiliency Act with Senator King. This legislation would authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to partner with State, local, and nonprofit organizations, which own and operate historic light stations, to improve lighthouse resiliency and ensure continued public access to these valuable landmarks.

Our Nation's historic lighthouses are important parts of communities across the country and our maritime history. They serve as beacons of history, education, recreation, and often are associated with the unique character and identity of a community. Yet these historic structures are facing increased risk for catastrophic damage due to sea level rise, flooding, and aging infrastructure.

Indeed, in my State of Rhode Island, these historic lighthouses are interwoven in the fabric of our communities and our State's history. Rhode Island was home to perhaps the most famous lighthouse keeper in history, Ida Lewis. During her tenure as the Keeper of Lime Rock Lighthouse, Ida Lewis rescued at least 18 people and earned the title of ``Bravest Woman in America.'' Beavertail, Watch Hill, and Castle Hill Lighthouses, just to name a few of the 21 lighthouses remaining in my State, are iconic structures dotting the Rhode Island shoreline.

These historic landmarks must be protected and preserved for future generations. This bill would allow the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct projects that restore damaged lighthouses and increase their future resiliency to the adverse effects of climate change, including sea level rise and severe weather events. To conduct repairs and other improvements, the Army Corps would partner with public or nonprofit entities that have acquired light stations through conveyance under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. Additionally, it would require the Army Corps to conduct an assessment and maintain a database of all lighthouses nationwide.

Congress has already recognized the importance of preserving these structures and ensuring public access in the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000. However, these historic light stations must not only have the appropriate caretakers but must also have the appropriate funding to invest in infrastructure needs. Federal investment in lighthouse resiliency requirements will ensure they are maintained and accessible for future generations.

I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this commonsense legislation. ______

By Mr. PADILLA (for himself, Mrs. Feinstein, Ms. Warren, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Booker, Mr. Sanders, Ms. Cortez Masto, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Brown, and Mr. Markey):

S. 4480. A bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide increased labor law protections for agricultural workers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

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