Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act Amendment

Floor Speech

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Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3004) to amend the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act to extend the authorization for the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 3004

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. EXTENSION OF THE AUTHORIZATION FOR THE GULLAH/ GEECHEE CULTURAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR COMMISSION.

Section 295D(d) of the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act (Public Law 109-338; 120 Stat. 1833; 16 U.S.C. 461 note) is amended by striking ``10 years'' and inserting ``15 years''.

H.R. 3004, introduced by the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn), amends the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act by extending the authorization for the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission.

The corridor exists to preserve and foster the unique cultural communities formed by Americans of African descent along the Atlantic coastal islands of four States and that existed in relative isolation for many generations.

During those years, a distinct and uniquely American culture evolved, a culture that is gradually slipping from us in the march of the modern world.

Although the heritage corridor was authorized through October 12, 2021, the Commission was only authorized through October 12, 2016. Without any legislative change, the corridor will have to be managed by a different, as yet unconstituted, entity.

I urge passage of the measure.

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Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

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Mr. McCLINTOCK.

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Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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