George Miller: “as a cosponsor of H.R. 1635, I am pleased that this legislation has finally come to the floor of the House of…”

“as a cosponsor of H.R. 1635, I am pleased that this legislation has finally come to the floor of the House of Representatives for consideration. Although it has been a long and overdue process, I am happy to note that H.R. 1635 now has the bipartisan support of 148 cosponsors. This bill will establish a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program within the National Park Service, to facilitate partnerships among Federal, state and local governments and the private sector to identify and commemorate the Underground Railroad. This bill comes at a time when divisiveness among our Nation's races and cultures seems to be on the rise. Through the program, structures, routes, and sites which were significant to the Underground Railroad will be identified. The National Park Service will create a logo to identify these sites and distribute interpretive information for visitors to understand the use of the Railroad. The uplifting stories of the risks taken by all involved with the Underground Railroad put against the stark reality of our past with slavery, will provide visitors with powerful examples of the precious value of freedom and the strengthen of cooperation. Mr. Speaker, the Underground Railroad is probably the best example of successful civil disobedience this nation has ever seen and the stories must be told.”