Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

Mr. Bingaman:

Mister/Madam President, I rise today to introduce a bill commemorating the 400th anniversary of the founding of the City of Santa Fe, New Mexico.  This bill is co-sponsored by Senator Udall and a companion bill will be introduced in the House by Representatives Ben Ray Luján, Martin Heinrich, and Harry Teague.

Over the next year the City of Santa Fe will commemorate the arrival of Spanish settlers and the designation of the City as the capital city of the Spanish territory now known as New Mexico.  On their arrival the Spaniards found a thriving Native American culture.  These Native American and Spanish cultures served to enrich each other and led the creation of a vibrant social, cultural, and financial center that made the settlement of the Western United States possible.

Despite the difficulties and periodic clashes the Spanish, Native American, and Anglo cultures in Santa Fe fought and worked to create a unique and vibrant culture that enriched all in the area.  It is this confluence of cultures and the incomparable natural beauty of the area that make Santa Fe, The City Different, an American treasure that should be recognized and celebrated.

Santa Fe is celebrated worldwide for its thriving artistic community, including the Santa Fe Opera, museums, and working artists.  Many of these artists were drawn to its natural beauty, the light and air of the place.  It is this special something that led artists like D.H. Lawrence and Georgia O'Keefe and countless others to visit and move to the area.

We in New Mexico know how lucky we are to have Santa Fe and its treasures the entire state stands with the City to commemorate its 400th anniversary. That is why I am proud to introduce this resolution with the entire New Mexico delegation calling on the Congress to recognize the historical significance of Santa Fe and calling on the People of the United States to observe the anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the bill be printed in the record