John Sarbanes: “the 104th Congress passed legislation, introduced by myself and my distinguished colleague Senator Warner, to authorize…”

“the 104th Congress passed legislation, introduced by myself and my distinguished colleague Senator Warner, to authorize the establishment of a monument to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on federal land in the District of Columbia. Today I rise, once again for myself and Senator Warner, to introduce legislation that would give effect to the recommendation of the Department of Interior that this Memorial be situated in Area I of the Capital. Area I comprises, in the words of the Interior Department, ``the central Monumental Core of the District of Columbia and its environs,'' that is, the Mall and its surrounding areas. The Department has determined that a commemorative work belongs in Area I only if it is determined to be of preeminent historical and lasting significance to the Nation. It comes as no surprise that the King memorial has been found to meet these criteria, and I urge my colleagues to join me in approving the Department's recommendation. Mr. President, it is particularly apt that Senator Warner and I introduce this legislation in February, which has been designated Black History Month.”