Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6826, a bill introduced by the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Mfume), my friend and colleague.

This legislation would rename the visitor and education center at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine as the Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center in honor of the late Senator Sarbanes.

Throughout his career, Senator Sarbanes showed a deep commitment to the preservation of Fort McHenry and its history.

This star-shaped military fort in Baltimore Harbor was a vital site when British forces invaded the Chesapeake Bay region during the War of 1812. In 1814, the British Navy attacked the fort for 25 hours in what has become known as the Battle of Baltimore.

This battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write what has become the lyrics to ``The Star-Spangled Banner.'' Senator Sarbanes championed legislation to add The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail to the National Trails System, and he worked to secure millions of dollars for the restoration of the fort.

He served as the vice chair of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission from 2007 to 2015. During his tenure, Senator Sarbanes was recognized as an honorary colonel at Fort McHenry and an honorary park ranger.

Renaming Fort McHenry's visitor and education center after Senator Sarbanes would commemorate his steadfast commitment to preserving this historic site.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mrs. DINGELL.
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Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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