Raúl Grijalva: “H.R. 1239, introduced by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), seeks to further the commitment made by Congress…”

“H.R. 1239, introduced by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), seeks to further the commitment made by Congress with the passage of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998 by reconfiguring the authorization of funds to carry out the act. Mr. Speaker, the Underground Railroad was a historic protest movement against slavery which helped escaped slaves find freedom in Northern States and Canada prior to the Civil War. The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998 established the Underground Network to Freedom Program administered by the National Park Service. Today the program carries out important activities in more than 27 States and the District of Columbia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend my friend and colleague from Florida (Mr. Hastings) for his work on this legislation. He has been a real leader in this bipartisan effort to enhance the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. We support passage of H.R. 1239, as amended, and urge its adoption by the House today.”