Neil Abercrombie: “H.R. 1179, as introduced by the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. Clement], authorizes appropriations for the preservation…”

“H.R. 1179, as introduced by the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. Clement], authorizes appropriations for the preservation and restoration of historic buildings at historically black colleges and universities [HBCU's]. This is a worthy endeavor. Many of us supported similar legislation in the 103d Congress. Many of the historic structures located on historically black colleges are threatened, and a significant effort is needed to preserve and protect them. The Department of the Interior, in cooperation with the United Negro College Fund has launched a project to preserve these structures. H.R. 1179 provides the necessary legislative authorization to carry out these important projects. The Committee on Resources has held hearings in each of the last two Congresses on this legislative proposal. Each time we have heard moving testimony on the historic importance of many of these structures in furthering educational opportunities. Several of these historic buildings were constructed by the students themselves. H.R. 1179 differs slightly from what we passed in the 103d Congress with several changes made to the bill during committee consideration. However, as indicated by the gentleman from California [Mr. Doolittle], Members on both sides have worked to maintain broad bipartisan support for the legislation, and I think and I trust that all parties can be satisfied with the final product, and I urge approval of the bill at this time.”