BEATRICE – A bill to rename the Homestead National Monument of America has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
HR 1472 cleared the House on a voice vote today, and now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

The proposal would change the name of the national monument west of Beatrice, to Homestead National Historical Park.

Republican House member Adrian Smith sponsored the measure.
"There's appreciation on both sides of the aisle for the reasons why we want to rename the monument to the historical park...and hopefully, the public will benefit from that".

Smith anticipates a smooth path to passage of the bill in the U.S. Senate.
"I anticipate the interest in history and the appreciation for history and the westward expansion of our country. I would expect the Senate to have a similar response."

Smith and other members of Nebraska’s Congressional delegation have worked with the Friends of the Homestead, a non-profit group that works to assist the national park, and there were resolutions in support of the name change, passed by local governmental bodies. Smith says that stakeholder support was important.

"That local support is absolutely vital. We know that in communities all across America, there can be some National Park Service assets nearby...and I think that appreciation is very good. This is something that doesn't change the footprint of the park, but it is still important for the ultimate promotion and understanding by the public".

Supporters of the name change feel it will help draw more visitation, and eliminate a misconception that the Homestead has simply a monument as a marker…when the park features an education center, heritage center, trail system, exhibits and regular programs calling attention to the Homestead Act of 1862 and settlement of the nation.