[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 156 (Friday, October 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  MARTIN LUTHER KING, JUNIOR, NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE LAND EXCHANGE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 28, 2003

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise to thank my colleagues for their 
support of the ``Martin Luther King, Junior, National Historic Site 
Land Exchange Act,'' H.R. 1616 and the bill to extend the authority for 
the construction of a memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr., S. 470. 
These bills extend the authority for and make possible the construction 
of a national memorial commemorating the achievements of the late Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr., and his commitment to the struggle of civil 
rights for all Americans.
  Dr. King dedicated his life to the realization of full equal and 
civil rights for all Americans irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, 
and sexual orientation. He stood on the front lines in the struggle 
against social injustice, discrimination, and inequality, often at 
great risk to himself. Despite numerous death threats, Dr. King never 
wavered in that commitment.
  Madam Speaker, the Lewis and Sarbanes bills are a win-win situation 
for all parties involved. The National Park Service currently owns a 
vacant lot that does not have any significant historic value. The city 
of Atlanta would like to acquire this land for the sole purpose of 
encouraging commercial development within its city limits. In addition, 
the land on which the National Historic Site Visitor Center and Museum 
currently sits is land-locked and lacks adequate emergency access. 
Exchanging this land within the Martin Luther King, Junior, National 
Historic Site for property in which the National Park Service could 
establish easy access to the Visitor Center and Museum would be 
mutually beneficial to both parties. This would simultaneously resolve 
the National Park Service's access issue and give the city of Atlanta 
much needed commercial space.
  Madam Speaker, once again I am proud to support both bills--the 
Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site Land Exchange Act and 
the bill to extend the authority for construction of the MLK Memorial. 
I would like to give a special thanks to my colleagues Mr. Lewis and 
Senator Sarbanes for their leadership in sponsoring these important 
pieces of legislation and in helping to keep the dream alive.

                          ____________________