Jon L. Christensen: “H.R. 1616, introduced by my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis), authorizes the exchange of…”

“H.R. 1616, introduced by my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis), authorizes the exchange of land between the National Park Service and the City of Atlanta at the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site. The national historic site was established in 1980 to preserve and interpret the birthplace, church, and grave of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Part of the site also includes a vacant lot that is not historically significant to the site, but which the City of Atlanta would like to acquire as part of its redevelopment of the area surrounding the National Historic Site. The National Park Service has established a visitor center and museum at the historic site that could be enhanced by acquisition of an adjacent parcel owned by the city. While there have been discussions of an exchange of the two properties under the site's Enabling Act, city-owned property can only be acquired by donation. Madam Speaker, both the National Park Service and the City of Atlanta support this exchange. It is an action that would benefit both the national historic site and the city. This looks to be a win-win situation and, as such, we support the legislation. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to serve with the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis) who, of course, was a trusted and invaluable worker and leader along with Dr. Martin Luther King and who continues to be a drum major for justice today.”