National Underground Railroad Network To Freedom Amendments

Floor Speech

NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD NETWORK TO FREEDOM AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2007 -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 25, 2007)

* Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, an important program that keeps alive the memory of the Underground Railroad and the spirit of freedom, justice and equality encompassed therein.

* The Underground Railroad stood as a beacon of hope during a time of slavery and oppression for millions of African-Americans. Tens of thousands of enslaved individuals used the network of clandestine routes, safe houses, meeting points and secret codes known as the Underground Railroad to escape to freedom during the first half of the 19th century.

* In 1998, Congress established the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. This network of 300 affiliate sites across the United States has done an excellent job over the last decade in increasing public awareness of the Underground Railroad, the amazing individuals who made it possible, and its numerous accomplishments. However, this tremendous program has faced persistent underfunding since its inception and is projected to face a budgetary shortfall of nearly 80 percent by 2011 unless its funding is increased.

* The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Reauthorization Act presents a sensible and important solution to this challenge. This bill will authorize $2.5 million annually for the operation of the Network to Freedom program, an increase from the $500,000 currently authorized. This modest increase will provide the program with sufficient funding to allow it to retain the staff and resources necessary to continue educating the American public about this shining example of truly American values.

* Mr. Speaker, I believe strongly in the values embodied by the Underground Railroad and the people who made it a reality. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Reauthorization Act, which I believe is a crucial step in keeping alive the memory of the Underground Railroad. I commend my friend and colleague, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, for introducing this important legislation.

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