[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 25 (Friday, February 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E312-E313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF THE EMMETT TILL UNSOLVED CIVIL RIGHTS CRIME ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 8, 2007

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I am so pleased to join my House 
and Senate colleagues today in introducing this important and necessary 
legislation. I would like to thank Senators Dodd and Leahy and 
Congressman Hulshof for their commitment to justice and to the passage 
of the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act.
  Nearly 60 Members of the House of Representatives from across the 
country joined us in cosponsoring this important and historic bill. 
There is strong, bipartisan, bicameral commitment to passing and 
enacting this legislation

[[Page E313]]

as swiftly as possible. It is long overdue. The country is ready. The 
victims' families friends, and loved ones have been suffering 
indefinitely, and Congress needs to act.
  Our purpose here today is not to open up old wounds. There is a need 
for those who committed horrible crimes to be brought to justice. This 
process of seeking justice is not just good for history's sake, but it 
is good for the process of healing. It will help us to put this dark 
past behind us and to bring closure to the families of the victims of 
these age-old and vicious crimes.
  The Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act will deliver the 
added focus and resources necessary to get this job done. It is my hope 
and prayer that many murders committed during this Nation's struggle 
for civil rights will be solved as a result of this legislation. I will 
work tirelessly to see it passed.

                          ____________________