Nationally recognized for its outstanding scenic beauty, the Columbia River Gorge is an 85-mile stretch of river running between Washington and Oregon through the Cascade Mountains on its way to the Pacific Ocean. Because of differences in climate and elevation, this area supports over 800 varieties of wild plants, including 58 rare or endangered species. Explored by Lewis and Clark in the early 1800s, the gorge is historically significant and contains many archaeological sites.

After six years of negotiations between Washington and Oregon, the federal government and local jurisdictions, a compromise was finally reached to protect and enhance the resources of the Columbia River Gorge.

This vote was on a rule to allow House floor consideration of the Columbia River Gorge Protection Act. Rule accepted 252-138; October 16, 1986. YES is the pro-environmental vote. (Rule for H.R. 5705, Columbia River Gorge Protection Act.) The House then passed the bill; the Senate quickly followed suit, and the Act was signed into law on November 17, 1986.