Jon L. Christensen: “H.R. 1209, introduced by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson), is a simple piece of legislation that extends for…”

“H.R. 1209, introduced by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson), is a simple piece of legislation that extends for 3 years the authority for the construction of a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., here in the District of Columbia. In 1996, Public Law 104-333 authorized the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, through the Martin Luther King Memorial Project Foundation, to establish a memorial here in our Nation's capital to America's foremost civil rights leader. Since that time, the sponsors have worked diligently to secure a memorial site and design approvals. However, not all of the necessary funds have been secured, and ground cannot be broken until the funds are in place. That is the reason we are asking for the extension. The proposed memorial will complement both this site and the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site in Atlanta in providing for present and future generations a greater understanding of the accomplishments of Dr. King in the cause for civil rights.”