COMMEMORATING THE 400TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT
In the U.S. House of Representatives
May 8, 2007

   I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 117, a resolution commemorating the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, Virginia, introduced by my distinguished colleague from Virginia's, and America's, First Congressional District (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis).

   This is truly an exciting time for the Commonwealth of Virginia and our Nation as we commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America and the cornerstone of our Republic. I have been honored to be one of the representatives of the most historic region in America, and all of the members of the Virginia delegation have worked hard to ensure that Federal funds and services have been readily available to prepare for this historic occasion beginning back in 2000 with the establishment of the Federal Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission. And I would like to specifically acknowledge the hard work of Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis and her staff for their tireless efforts on behalf of Jamestown's 400th anniversary.

   Mr. Speaker, the spotlight of the world is now shining on the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Queen of England visited our State capital in Richmond and the Jamestown settlement just last week to commemorate this historic event.  Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of people from all over our Nation and from all over the world will descend on Virginia this year to celebrate our 400th anniversary.