Adriano Espaillat: “I begin by thanking Chairman Bruce Westerman, Ranking Member Raul Grijalva, and of course, the gentlewoman from New…”

“I begin by thanking Chairman Bruce Westerman, Ranking Member Raul Grijalva, and of course, the gentlewoman from New York, my colleague, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany, and subcommittee Ranking Member Joe Neguse for their leadership on this important matter. Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse went to Rucker Park, and he shot a mean three-pointer. In fact, he earned the name ``Let It Fly,'' Joe Neguse, over the summer. I also acknowledge the families and community leaders who have championed this cause: the Rucker family, the Marius family, the McCullough family, Bobby Hunter, who was here in one of the hearings, a Harlem Globetrotter, Freddie Crawford, 155 Entertainers LLC, and so many from Harlem, including Manhattan Community Board 10 Parks Chair Horry. I thank them for their unwavering support and dedication in preserving Holcombe Rucker Park's legacy. Today, I rise in support of H.R. 6852, the Holcombe Rucker Park National Commemorative Site Act. This legislation is more than just a symbolic gesture. It is a commitment to recognizing the historical and cultural significance of one of Harlem's most cherished landmarks. In the 1950s, Holcombe Rucker, a World War II veteran and a scholar, had a vision for Harlem's youth.…”