National Liberty Memorial Clarification Act of 2015

Floor Speech

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1949) to provide for the consideration and submission of site and design proposals for the National Liberty Memorial approved for establishment in the District of Columbia, as amended.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1949 would transfer the responsibilities regarding the construction of the National Liberty Memorial that honors the slaves and freemen of African descent who fought during the American Revolution to the Secretary of Agriculture.

The proposed site for the memorial is on Department of Agriculture land, so this change makes sense. Under current law, either the Secretary of the Interior or the General Services Administrator would otherwise be responsible.

As a cosponsor of this bill, which passed out of committee by unanimous consent, I would urge my colleagues to vote favorably for its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, the National Liberty Memorial reminds us of a story of patriotism and sacrifice that won the independence of our country and that set in motion what Lincoln called ``the last best hope of mankind.'' It is a story from the American Revolution that, to this day, has not been adequately acknowledged.

I am pleased to commend Mr. Butterfield for his legislation, to have joined as a cosponsor of it, and to urge the House its speedy adoption.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source