John Kerry: “it is important that today the Senate is honoring a true national hero, Mrs. Rosa Parks. As you know, I introduced…”

“it is important that today the Senate is honoring a true national hero, Mrs. Rosa Parks. As you know, I introduced legislation to honor Rosa Parks with a statue in National Statuary Hall. I thank the chair of the Rules Committee, Senator McConnell, and the ranking member, Senator Dodd, for amending their legislation to designate Statuary Hall as a venue for a tribute to this great American. I think it is important we ensure that the memory of Rosa Parks is honored by placing a statue of her in the U.S. Capitol so future generations can understand her monumental efforts for civil rights and know the importance of living by her example still today. I thank Senators McConnell and Dodd for working with me and amending their resolution to ensure that Statuary Hall is considered as a possible location for the statue of Mrs. Parks. I also thank the numerous Senators who supported my legislation, S. 1959. I am supporting Mr. McConnell's and Mr. Dodd's measure today because I believe it is paramount that we honor Rosa Parks in our Capitol, but I want to be very clear that her statue should be in Statuary Hall. On November 3, 2005, I introduced legislation to place a statue of Rosa Parks in Statuary Hall in the Capitol. This is a location of great significance, particularly on this occasion and particularly with this individual.…”