Political Quotes

“I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4539, introduced by Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia. In 1619, the first people from Africa arrived at the English colonies in Point Comfort, Virginia. To highlight the significant history and cultural impact of the 400th anniversary of the first Africans to arrive at Point Comfort, this bill creates a commission to plan and carry out commemorative activities. The Commission's membership will be comprised of members appointed by the Secretary of the Interior after considering recommendations of civil rights and historical organizations: the secretary of the Smithsonian, Members of Congress, and Governors from across the country. Under the bill, the commission will plan, develop, and carry out programs and activities to recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African Americans since 1619 and to acknowledge the impact that slavery and laws that enforced racial discrimination had on the United States. The bill will also coordinate and facilitate for the public scholarly research on the arrival of Africans in the United States and the contributions of African Americans throughout our Nation's history. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 4539. I reserve the balance of my time.”