III 116TH CONGRESS 2D SESSION S. RES. 541 Recognizing and celebrating the 200th anniversary of the entry of Maine into the Union as the 23d State. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES MARCH 11, 2020 Ms. COLLINS (for herself and Mr. KING) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to 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 Home- land and is home to vibrant indigenous cultures and com- munities; 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 Maine the 23d State of the United States; VerDate Sep 11 2014 22:40 Mar 11, 2020 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR541.ATS SR541 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 2 •SRES 541 ATS Whereas Maine is characterized by hardworking, altruistic, and independent people and a strong community spirit; Whereas the State motto of Maine, ‘‘Dirigo’’, Latin for ‘‘I lead’’, reflects the trailblazing nature of Maine and the 1,300,000 inhabitants of Maine; Whereas Maine has 1 of the highest numbers of veterans per capita in the United States, and is the home of Togus, the first veterans hospital in the United States; Whereas Maine contributes greatly to 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 the United States; Whereas distinguished statesmen from Maine include William King, Joshua Chamberlain, Hannibal Hamlin, Margaret Chase Smith, and Edmund Muskie; Whereas Maine is known as ‘‘The Pine Tree State’’ and ‘‘Va- cationland’’ for the extensive forests and spectacular sce- nery that draw millions of visitors to Maine every year; Whereas the majestic beauty of Mount Katahdin, 1 of the highest peaks in New England and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, and other unspoiled natural treasures beckon outdoor enthusiasts; Whereas the rugged coastline and vibrant fall foliage of Maine are showcased in particular splendor in Acadia National Park, 1 of the 10 most visited national parks in the United States; Whereas the pristine Atlantic waters off the coast of Maine support fishermen and women and the iconic lobster in- dustry, which is the most valuable fishery in the United VerDate Sep 11 2014 22:40 Mar 11, 2020 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR541.ATS SR541 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 3 •SRES 541 ATS States and is known worldwide as a standard of seafood excellence; Whereas Maine is the most forested State in the United States, with a long history of pulp and paper production and an exciting recent turn toward innovation and diver- sification of forest products; Whereas the fertile soils of Maine have helped farmers produce the best potatoes and wild blueberries for gen- erations, and have supported the increase of organic agri- culture 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 cele- brate and commemorate the achievements of the great State of Maine: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate recognizes and celebrates 1 the 200th anniversary of the entry of Maine into the 2 Union as the 23d State. 3 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 22:40 Mar 11, 2020 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\SR541.ATS SR541 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS