Capt. John Smith water trail advances through Congress

The proposed water trail to mark the journeys of Chesapeake Bay explorer Capt. John Smith cleared a major hurdle yesterday.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would create the "Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail."

The Senate version of the bill still is under consideration.

With the lame-duck senators likely trying to wrap up their work as soon as possible, supporters of the trail hope to get a positive vote this week.

Retiring U.S. Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes, D, has been leading the charge in the Senate.

"This is his top priority for the week," said his press secretary, Jesse...