[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD NETWORK TO FREEDOM AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2007

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                               speech of

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2007

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support the 
National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, an important program 
that keeps alive the memory of the Underground Railroad and the spirit 
of freedom, justice and equality encompassed therein.
  The Underground Railroad stood as a beacon of hope during a time of 
slavery and oppression for millions of African-Americans. Tens of 
thousands of enslaved individuals used the network of clandestine 
routes, safe houses, meeting points and secret codes known as the 
Underground Railroad to escape to freedom during the first half of the 
19th century.
  In 1998, Congress established the National Underground Railroad 
Network to Freedom. This network of 300 affiliate sites across the 
United States has done an excellent job over the last decade in 
increasing public awareness of the Underground Railroad, the amazing 
individuals who made it possible, and its numerous accomplishments. 
However, this tremendous program has faced persistent underfunding 
since its inception and is projected to face a budgetary shortfall of 
nearly 80 percent by 2011 unless its funding is increased.
  The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Reauthorization 
Act presents a sensible and important solution to this challenge. This 
bill will authorize $2.5 million annually for the operation of the 
Network to Freedom program, an increase from the $500,000 currently 
authorized. This modest increase will provide the program with 
sufficient funding to allow it to retain the staff and resources 
necessary to continue educating the American public about this shining 
example of truly American values.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe strongly in the values embodied by the 
Underground Railroad and the people who made it a reality. I am proud 
to be an original cosponsor of the National Underground Railroad 
Network to Freedom Reauthorization Act, which I believe is a crucial 
step in keeping alive the memory of the Underground Railroad. I commend 
my friend and colleague, Mr. Hastings of Florida, for introducing this 
important legislation.

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