[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PRINTING OF A REVISED EDITION OF ``BLACK AMERICANS IN CONGRESS, 1870-
                                 1989''

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2001

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of Authorizing the 
printing of a revised and updated version of the House document ``Black 
Americans in Congress.''
  I think it only seems fitting to pay tribute to the African American 
men and women who served in these hallowed halls. African Americans 
have a long history of serving in this great institution. For many 
years, they were not welcomed by all of their colleagues. Still these 
men and women persevered and paved the way for all of us serving in 
Congress today.
  I am proud to stand here with nearly 50 of my colleagues in support 
of this bipartisan piece of legislation.
  As a young man, I can remember admiring the work of Shirley Chisholm, 
the first African American woman elected to serve in the United States 
Congress from my home state of New York. Former Congresswoman Chisholm 
was first elected into office in 1968, as a representative for the 12th 
Congressional District of New York and served for 15 years until she 
retired in 1983.
  She was a great advocate for education, day care and providing other 
resources to improve the quality of life in inner cities. She also 
fought to decrease defense spending and to end the military draft. I 
believe that Ms. Chisholm's legacy is one that should always be 
remembered, honored and cherished along with many others. That is why 
this publication is so very important.
  Since its last publication, an additional 40 distinguished African 
Americans have served in either the House or Senate. Moreover, many of 
the biographies of several senior members of the House have grown 
outdated and I believe that the time has come to revise and reprint 
this important historical work.
  This legislation would allow the Library of Congress to revise the 
current volume under the direction of the Committee on House 
Administration. In addition, the bill would allow for the copying, 
binding and distribution of the book to Members in both the House and 
Senate.
  Mr. Speaker, this next edition of ``Black Americans in Congress'' 
will undoubtedly be a great resource and a treasured addition to every 
member of the House and the Senate, as well as the Library of Congress 
and libraries throughout this country.
  I urge my colleagues to join in support of this concurrent 
resolution.

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