Steve Scalise: “It was a special day for all of us that were there, not just to celebrate Joseph Rainey, but to have the Rainey family.…”

“It was a special day for all of us that were there, not just to celebrate Joseph Rainey, but to have the Rainey family. You had direct descendants of Joseph Rainey, his great- granddaughter was there, as well as other relatives of Joseph Rainey to celebrate, especially during Black History Month, the first African American ever elected to the United States Congress, and to learn more about his history. Someone who was born into slavery--something we talked about--only in America can someone born into slavery just a few years after the end of slavery be elected to the United States Congress and come up here and fight for equality. He had a great record for almost 10 years serving in Congress from the great State of South Carolina. Now there is a room, the Joseph Rainey room, H-150, named after him. It was a truly special day, especially to have direct descendants of Joseph Rainey come to participate in that ceremony. I am happy to yield to the gentleman.”