Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4066, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area Land Exchange Act of 2004.

     This legislation finalizes a land exchange agreement that will allow the Chickasaw Nation to develop a cultural center which celebrates their long history and many contributions to our society.

     Mr. Speaker, this legislation will benefit the city of Sulphur, Murray County, the Chickasaw Nation, and all of South Central Oklahoma. The cultural center will bring additional tourism to the area, create new jobs and expand educational opportunities for citizens all over the surrounding area. 

     It is a model cooperation between the Federal Government, local government and tribal government.

     I want to extend my gratitude to the gentleman from California (Chairman Pombo), the gentleman from West Virginia (Ranking Member Rahall), the gentleman from California (Chairman Radanovich), and the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Ranking Member Christensen), as well as the staff of the Resources Committee, for helping the people of the Fourth District of Oklahoma and the members of the Chickasaw Nation across our country, achieve the goal of creating this cultural center and for guiding this bill through the legislative process.