John Hansen: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5331 is a bipartisan bill that was introduced by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis). Mr. Speaker…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5331 is a bipartisan bill that was introduced by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis). Mr. Speaker, Frederick Douglass was one of the most prominent leaders of the 19th century abolitionist movement. Born into slavery in eastern Maryland in 1818, Douglass escaped to the North as a young man where he became a world-renowned defender of human rights and eloquent orator, and later a Federal ambassador and advisor to several Presidents. Frederick Douglass was a powerful voice for human rights during the important period of American history, and is still revered today for his contributions against racial injustice. H.R. 5331 authorizes the Frederick Douglass Gardens, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in partnership with the National Park Service, to establish a memorial and gardens in the District of Columbia or its environs in honor and commemoration of Frederick Douglass. Although not certain, the preferred site would be in the D.C. area, east of the Anacostia River, where Douglass spent the last 20 years of his life. The Douglass memorial will comply with the Commemorative Works Act, and no Federal funds may be spent for any expense of the establishment of the memorial and gardens. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5331.”