[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 120 (Thursday, September 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES RESTORATION AND 
                            PRESERVATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 1996

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H.R. 1179, a bill to preserve historic buildings at 10 historically 
black colleges and universities in 4 States.
  These historic buildings provide an invaluable glimpse into the 
collective history and individual stories of traditionally black 
colleges and universities in the United States of America.
  The buildings are already listed on the National Register of Historic 
Places. Preserving these structures is important for the same reason 
that the study of history is important; they provide a window to a 
certain time and place and allow us to judge where we are now and how 
far we have come.
  The $29 million that this bill provides is a worthwhile investment 
dedicated to preserving a sense and feeling of history on the campuses 
of black colleges and universities across our country. It is important 
to note that these institutions will provide matching funds to restore 
and renovate buildings.
  For more than 100 years, these 10 institutions have trained 
individuals who have made valuable contributions to American society 
and these funds will assist these colleges and universities in 
continuing to produce leaders and scholars for the 21st century.

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