[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMISSION ON THE ABOLITION OF THE TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. TODD TIAHRT

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2007

  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3432, an 
excellent bill that commemorates the abolition of the Transatlantic 
Slave Trade.
  This year marks a very important anniversary in history--the 200th 
anniversary of the enactment of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act. It 
was in 1807 when then President Thomas Jefferson signed into law this 
vital Act. Nearly 200 years prior, in 1619, twenty Africans arrived in 
Jamestown, Virginia aboard a Dutch ship. This was the beginning in 
America of the atrocity of slavery which unfortunately lasted for more 
than 2 centuries.
  While America was in deep turmoil over the morality of slavery, 
William Wilberforce, a Member of the U.K. Parliament, led the campaign 
to abolish the transatlantic slave trade in Britain. This great man was 
a statesman, an avowed and practicing Christian, and a champion of the 
underprivileged.
  Early on, Wilberforce wrestled with whether he should pursue a 
calling from God or serve as a driving force in the House of Commons. 
He successfully accomplished both. Wilberforce was an example of faith 
in action, modeling that we do not have to abandon our values to be 
effective in our jobs--whether as a business owner, nurse, mechanic, 
working mom or Member of Congress.
  We must stand up for our beliefs and fight passionately for our 
causes. We must not betray our values or our faith, and never cease to 
help those in need. On the 200th anniversary of the 1807 abolition of 
the U.K. and U.S. slave trade, we should reflect on the greatness of 
those who stood up for what was right and true--even though it was not 
popular.
  It wasn't until 1865 that slavery in the United States was abolished 
through the passing of the Thirteenth Amendment. Then President, 
Abraham Lincoln, helped push the bill through Congress. Earlier in his 
presidency, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation freeing all slaves. 
He believed this was ``the central act of my administration, and the 
great event of the nineteenth century.''
  While slavery ended, discrimination continued. It is my hope that we 
will remember the struggles of this great Nation and continue our 
efforts to stand for what is right. We can build momentum and engage 
communities to find new ways to improve our culture.
  I am honored each day to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives 
and stand faithfully for what is right. It is a privilege to cast my 
vote in favor of a bill that honors a great moment in our history.
  I look forward to today's passage of H.R. 3432.

                          ____________________