Preserving the Alabama Black Belt

Floor Speech

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Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the passage of H.R. 3222, the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Act, which passed this House by a vote of 365-57.

As a daughter of Alabama's historic Black Belt, I am proud to be the lead sponsor of this legislation to ensure that this region's meaningful history is preserved for generations to come. As the birthplace of the civil rights and voting rights movements, the Black Belt represents the tireless efforts of the foot soldiers to end discrimination against African Americans and the continued struggle for full racial equality in our Nation.

This new designation will not only bring about national attention to the rich history and culture of Alabama's Black Belt, but it will also increase tourism, investment, and economic opportunity for many of the rural communities that I so proudly represent.

I thank Senator Shelby for leading this bipartisan legislation in the Senate, and I also thank the University of West Alabama and the National Parks Conservation Association for their tireless work to promote this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I urge the Senate to pass H.R. 3222 as soon as possible.

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