(Washington) – Congressman John B. Larson released the following statement tonight:

“Today’s vote in the U.S. House of Representatives marks a step forward for Coltsville becoming a national park.

"The House approved today, along with the NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act), the first major park service and lands bill since 2009. It has both bipartisan and bicameral support and demonstrates that Democrats and Republicans can work together for the common good of the nation.

"I am proud of the efforts of the community I represent. For more than a decade, community, historic, cultural, and literary organizations along with not-for-profits and for-profits have persisted in assuring the legacy of Samuel and Elizabeth Colt would become a national historic destination here in Hartford, Connecticut on the banks of a national historic river.

"I commend the efforts of three Mayors of the City of Hartford, four United States Senators and especially Senators Blumenthal and Murphy who - as cosponsors of this bill - have worked tirelessly to honor the history of American manufacturing and innovation, the State of Connecticut, the City of Hartford and the entire region.”

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