WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) announced that legislation she offered to expand the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail to Southeast Missouri and parts of 13 other states passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday evening by a vote of 326-79.  The next step for consideration of the bill is in the U.S. Senate, where Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning authored corresponding legislation. 

“Lewis and Clark’s expedition is essential to American history, and this legislation recognizes very important places of great historical significance.  I’m proud this effort has won the support of the House, and I hope the U.S. Senate will soon follow suit,” Emerson said.  “This bill is about the history right in our own backyard.”

The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail now encompasses half of the explorers’ journey to the Pacific Ocean, but it does not include the Eastern Legacy Trail, which denotes preparatory and return sites on the expedition.

“So many Missourians work tirelessly to promote our local history as it relates to westward exploration and expansion.  These sites should be recognized along with Lewis and Clark sites in other places.  They are equally important to understanding this expedition and remembering the achievement of two great American explorers as well as the citizens and communities who helped them along their perilous journey,” Emerson said.  “The Eastern Legacy sites deserve national recognition and a permanent place in our historical register.”

Emerson’s legislation is included in a new bill, H.R. 3998, a consolidation of several studies to be carried out under the direction of the National Parks Service.