United Bexar County Delegation Works to Expand Missions National Park

"SanAntonio is a wonderful city with a strong military history and rich religiousheritage. At the heart of the city's heritage are the five missionsfounded in 1717, including the Mission of San Antonio de Valero, which we knowtoday as the Alamo. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is notjust a Texas landmark, it's a national treasure. I am pleased to be acosponsor of this bipartisan bill that helps preserve and enhance the SanAntonio missions for residents and visitors. This legislation is important forour culture and community. And I'm pleased that members of the San Antonio delegationcan once again come together across party lines to support an issue thatpromotes our city and benefits our constituents," said Rep.Smith.

"Thislegislation will go a long way to expand and protect the cultural andhistorical heritage of San Antonio," said Rep. Castro. "This proposed expansion will ensure that all of our residents havemore access to the missions, and can enjoy these cultural landmarks forgenerations to come."

"TheSan Antonio missions are a crucial piece of the history of the State of Texas,and we have to make sure that the National Parks Service has the ability tomake needed improvements to the park and the ability to expand the areas underits protection. The lands operated by the National Parks Service reflect our nation'shistorical treasures and tell the story of our country, and it is importantthat Texas' history is preserved and included among them," said Rep.Cuellar.

"MissionEspada is a treasure to San Antonio and to the 23rd Congressional District.Espada is inextricably tied to the rich culture of our community, and aftermany years, families still regularly congregate here. Mission Espada serves asa book-end on one part of CD 23, Mission Ysleta in El Paso as the other. I willwork with my colleagues so that land surrounding the Mission is added to thedesignated park land," said Rep. Gallego.

Theentire Bexar County delegation will continue to work closely together to makethis improvement to the park a reality.