Austin Scott, Bishop, Ossoff, and Warnock Applaud Progress on Ocmulgee Mounds Initiative in U.S. House & Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Today, the U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a legislative hearing where they reviewed the bipartisan H.R. 8182, the Ocmulgee Mounds Park and Preserve Establishment Act, which is co-led by U.S. Representatives Austin Scott (GA-08) and Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02).

This bipartisan legislation would establish Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas in Middle Georgia as the state's first National Park and Preserve.

"This hearing was further progress in making history by establishing Georgia's first National Park and Preserve," Rep. Scott said. "I appreciate the Federal Lands Subcommittee listening to Middle Georgians about this greatly supported effort to preserve the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas for generations to come."

"This is another step forward towards realizing a longstanding dream that has broad, bipartisan support - not only in Middle Georgia, but throughout the state," said Rep. Bishop. "Not only will this historically create Georgia's first National Park and Preserve, but it will also raise the profile of Ocmulgee Mounds, bolster the local economy, and welcome more Georgians and Americans to enjoy its rich cultural and natural beauty."

Testimony was delivered by Seth C. Clark, the Macon-Bibb County Mayor Pro Tempore and Executive Director of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative.

"Congress's actions today reiterate what we've always known: that the cultural and ecological gems of middle Georgia are some of the most nationally significant sites in the United States of America and are worthy of the designation we've sought for 90 years. We're grateful for continued bipartisanship the Georgia delegation has shown throughout the legislative process and stand ready to work with the multitude of stakeholders to shepherd in Georgia's first National Park and Preserve," said Seth Clark and Tracie Revis of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative.

The bipartisan support for the House bill indicates that it will have a favorable path forward in Congress.

Also today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted to approve the Senate companion of the Ocmulgee Mounds Park and Preserve Establishment Act.

"This is historic and unprecedented progress toward establishing Georgia's first National Park, but more work remains ahead,"?Senator?Ossoff said. "I'm grateful to Congressman Scott, Congressman Bishop, and Senator Warnock for their partnership, as well the extraordinary efforts of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Macon-Bibb County Mayor Pro Tem Seth Clark, and local leaders for their years of hard work, advocacy, and leadership."

"Ocmulgee Mounds is a living testament to our intertwined histories and a source of economic and cultural vitality; I'm proud to see this bipartisan, bicameral legislation to establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia's first National Park and Preserve taking one more step toward becoming law," said Senator Reverend Warnock. "I want to thank Congressmen Scott and Bishop for their yearslong efforts on this in the U.S. House, as well as Senator Ossoff for his leadership. Working together, we are proving what is possible when we put politics aside and center the people of Georgia."

The House and Senate bills continue to have broad support from the Middle Georgia community and welcomed today's bicameral progress to support the Ocmulgee Mounds initiative.

"The impact of this bipartisan and bicameral bill to create Georgia's first national park and preserve will allow our ancestral Muscogee descendants to help tell the story of our homelands. We know the importance of these cultural lands and are excited to partner with Middle Georgians to help reconcile our lands and our stories. I am always humbled to be back in the lands of our people and know that we are still here today carrying on our Muscogee ways," said Muscogee (Creek) Principal Chief David Hill.

"We're thrilled to see Congress making progress on protecting the encroachment zone of Robins Air Force Base by moving the bipartisan and bicameral Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Act forward. It is the right step forward for middle Georgia and I look forward to Congress sending this legislation to the President's desk before the end of the year," said Ret. Brigadier General John C. Kubinec, CEO of the 21st Century Partnership and former Commander, Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex at Robins Air Force Base.

The full text of the H.R. 8182 can be found here.

Watch Rep. Scott and Bishop's testimonies here.

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