On the recordJuly 9, 2015
The hope of a secure, livable world lies within those who believe in justice and equality for all. Democrats have worked in a bipartisan fashion to ban the display of Confederate flags in Federal cemeteries and barred National Park Services from doing business in gift shops that sell the Confederate flag. Last night, Republicans rolled out an amendment that would resurrect the Confederate flag in our national parks. Mr. Speaker, I was appalled by these actions. The tragic events in Charleston led to South Carolina's landmark vote last night to take down the Confederate flag from their statehouse. If South Carolina can act, certainly and surely, Congress can support our national parks in acting to don't sell that flag. Mr. Speaker, these are America's parks, and they belong to all people. The Nation is watching. Don't go down in history as not standing up against violence and racism. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me to ensure that we don't sell that flag, the Confederate flag. ____________________
