Sam Brownback: “one of the most important chapters in our national story of human freedom and dignity is the history and legacy of the…”

“one of the most important chapters in our national story of human freedom and dignity is the history and legacy of the African American march toward freedom, legal equality and full participation in American society. Yet in our Nation's front yard, the national mall, there is no museum set aside to honor this legacy. Yesterday, the Senate began the very important step toward establishing a national museum in Washington, DC to honor the rich history of African Americans. With the passage of H.R. 3442, a bill that creates a Presidential commission that will develop a plan to establish and maintain the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Senate has taken a tremendous step closer to honoring those African Americans who not only fought for their own freedom but fought for the freedoms in this country that we enjoy today. I thank my colleague Senator Max Cleland for his leadership in the Senate on this issue. Senator Cleland worked diligently with me to draft a bill that would properly honor the history of African Americans. This legislation will enable our Nation to start the process that will honor this important aspect of American history.”