[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 533 Introduced in House (IH)]

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118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 533

Recognizing and commending the name change of the USS Chancellorsville 
 to the USS Robert Smalls, in honor of the late Representative Robert 
 Smalls, an extraordinary native of Beaufort, South Carolina, and his 
             significant contributions to American history.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             June 21, 2023

Ms. Mace submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
                      Committee on Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing and commending the name change of the USS Chancellorsville 
 to the USS Robert Smalls, in honor of the late Representative Robert 
 Smalls, an extraordinary native of Beaufort, South Carolina, and his 
             significant contributions to American history.

Whereas Robert Smalls was born in Beaufort, South Carolina, in 1839, during a 
        time when African Americans were enslaved, and their rights and freedoms 
        were systematically denied;
Whereas despite the oppressive conditions of slavery, Robert Smalls exhibited 
        exceptional bravery, intelligence, and unwavering determination 
        throughout his life, defying the constraints placed upon him;
Whereas Robert Smalls gained national acclaim on May 13, 1862, when he 
        orchestrated a daring escape from Charleston Harbor aboard the 
        Confederate vessel CSS Planter, which he commandeered while its White 
        crew was ashore;
Whereas, by impersonating the captain and using intricate knowledge of the 
        ship's workings, Robert Smalls successfully navigated past Confederate 
        defenses, freeing himself, his family, and several enslaved individuals 
        onboard, ultimately delivering the ship to the Union Navy;
Whereas Robert Smalls' courageous act was a turning point in the Civil War and a 
        significant contribution to the Union cause, demonstrating both his 
        ingenuity and his commitment to the principles of freedom and justice;
Whereas following the war, Robert Smalls played an instrumental role in the 
        Reconstruction period, serving as a Delegate to the South Carolina 
        Constitutional Convention and later becoming the first African American 
        elected to the House of Representatives from South Carolina;
Whereas throughout his life, Robert Smalls continued to advocate for civil 
        rights and equal opportunities for all, leaving an indelible mark on 
        American history as a visionary leader, legislator, and champion of 
        justice; and
Whereas the renaming of the USS Chancellorsville to the USS Robert Smalls pays 
        homage to a remarkable individual who exemplified courage, resilience, 
        and a tireless commitment to freedom and equality: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) commends and supports the name change of the USS 
        Chancellorsville to the USS Robert Smalls in recognition of 
        Robert Smalls' extraordinary contributions to American history 
        and his status as a native of Beaufort, South Carolina;
            (2) recognizes Robert Smalls' heroic escape aboard the CSS 
        Planter as an act of remarkable bravery and ingenuity that 
        played a significant role in the Union's efforts during the 
        Civil War;
            (3) celebrates Robert Smalls' subsequent accomplishments as 
        a legislator, advocate for civil rights, and pioneering leader 
        during the Reconstruction period, leaving an enduring legacy of 
        courage, perseverance, and dedication to justice;
            (4) acknowledges that the renaming of the USS 
        Chancellorsville to the USS Robert Smalls serves as a reminder 
        of the importance of honoring individuals who have made 
        significant contributions to American history, particularly 
        those whose stories have been historically marginalized;
            (5) encourages the citizens of Beaufort, South Carolina, 
        and the Nation as a whole to learn from Robert Smalls' 
        remarkable life and continue striving for equality, justice, 
        and the protection of fundamental rights for all individuals;
            (6) expresses gratitude to the United States Navy for 
        recognizing the significance of Robert Smalls' story and for 
        commemorating his legacy by renaming the USS Chancellorsville 
        to the USS Robert Smalls; and
            (7) requests the Clerk of the House of Representatives to 
        transmit a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of the Navy 
        and the commanding officers of the USS Robert Smalls, 
        expressing the support and appreciation of the House of 
        Representatives for this momentous name change.
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