[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             IN SUPPORT OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN ART MUSEUM

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Madam President, I am deeply disappointed in this 
legislative body. The politics of gridlock, obstructionism, and 
divisiveness have once again reared their ugly heads--this time to stop 
a project which would only enrich the lives of Americans, the African-
American Museum.
  What does it say for our country, Madam President, when we cannot 
establish a museum honoring historical diversity in a capital city 
symbolizing freedom and democracy?
  What does it say for this body when one Senator obstructs the 
promotion of African-American art and culture? When cataclysmic change 
is occurring--peacefully--in countries around the world?
  So many other nations have begun to come together in search of peace 
and democracy, empowerment and enrichment. What does it say for us when 
on one day Nelson Mandela, the first President of South Africa elected 
by all the people of South Africa, uplifts us with a message of such 
inspirational dignity, maturity, hope, peace, tolerance, humility, and 
diversity; and on the very same day we cannot even pass a bill to begin 
the collection and preservation of African-American history in our own 
Nation's Capitol?
  I am appalled. I am angered. I am ashamed.
  Our culture is based on diversity, the sharing of heritages and 
histories from all over the world.
  We should be proud of the ethnic makeup of our country, proud of the 
diversity of our history.
  We should want to preserve and share this cultural mosaic with each 
other, with our children and our children's children.
  We should not have to fight the divisive efforts of one Senator to 
educate and empower the next generation with the knowledge and 
experience of our cultural heritage.
  We have been enriched by diversity in the shaping of our Nation, and 
we should want to enrich others.
  I am cosponsor of this bill. I support it, and I know many others 
do--Republicans and Democrats. The American public deserves it. We 
cannot allow one Senator to stop it.
  It is time to recognize that divisiveness and obstruction have no 
place here. It is time to act together in the spirit of hope and unity.
  Let us show the American people and the world that we are not out of 
touch, that we care about people's day-to-day lives, and that we can 
act in recognition of the past, to promote a better future.

                          ____________________