Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 820, the New Philadelphia National Historic Site Act. New Philadelphia was the first town platted and legally registered by an African American before the Civil War. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, designated as a National Historic Landmark, and included in the National Park Service's National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program. This bill would further establish the New Philadelphia National Historic Site in Pike County, Illinois. Honoring the legacy of New Philadelphia and celebrating the history of Black Americans is critically important. The protection and conservation of New Philadelphia ensures that this important history is preserved so that visitors to the site can have the opportunity to learn from and understand an important part of Illinois and American history. The story of New Philadelphia is our story, and it rightly deserves a place in our National Park System. As chair of the Natural Resources Committee, I am committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our committee's work, including by advancing the preservation of forgotten or under- told stories. I thank my colleague, Representative LaHood, for introducing this important legislation and championing the bill on behalf of, not only of his constituents, but the overall interest of the American people.…”