(LINCOLN, NE) ––Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) issued the following statement today after the House Natural Resources Committee approved his bill, H.R. 3651, to maintain and strengthen the Missouri River Lewis and Clark Visitors Center, in Nebraska City.  

“Located on 79 beautiful acres overlooking the Missouri River in Nebraska City, the Lewis and Clark Center is a gem of the prairie, allowing one to walk in the footsteps of seminal explorers Captain Meriwether Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clark.  It is also the only visitor center or museum in America to focus on the flora, fauna, and scientific discoveries recorded by Lewis and Clark,” Fortenberry said. 

“In 2008, the visitor center was conveyed from the National Park Service to a non-profit organization, which is operating the site.  Since then, the center has faced ongoing financial insecurity, recently compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Building on our earlier initiatives, my bill, H.R. 3651, gives the center new flexibility to generate resources to continue operations on its own,” Fortenberry added. 

“The Lewis and Clark Expedition was a watershed mark in American history.  More than two centuries later, the courageous story of these two outstanding explorers and the Corps of Discovery continues to inspire Americans of all ages.  This legislation will help ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to learn about this remarkable journey.  I look forward to its approval by the House,” Fortenberry said. 

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) is the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

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