[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 100 (Tuesday, July 7, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H7719-H7721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  PROVIDING FOR DESIGN OF SLAVE LABOR MARKER IN CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 135) directing the 
Architect of the Capitol to place a marker in Emancipation Hall in the 
Capitol Visitor Center which acknowledges the role that slave labor 
played in the construction of the United States Capitol, and for other 
purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 135

       Whereas enslaved African-Americans provided labor essential 
     to the construction of the United States Capitol;
       Whereas the report of the Architect of the Capitol entitled 
     ``History of Slave Laborers in the Construction of the United 
     States Capitol'' documents the role of slave labor in the 
     construction of the Capitol;
       Whereas enslaved African-Americans performed the 
     backbreaking work of quarrying the stone which comprised many 
     of the floors, walls, and columns of the Capitol;
       Whereas enslaved African-Americans also participated in 
     other facets of construction of the Capitol, including 
     carpentry, masonry, carting, rafting, roofing, plastering, 
     glazing, painting, and sawing;
       Whereas the marble columns in the Old Senate Chamber and 
     the sandstone walls of the East Front corridor remain as the 
     lasting legacies of the enslaved African-Americans who worked 
     the quarries;
       Whereas slave-quarried stones from the remnants of the 
     original Capitol walls can be found in Rock Creek Park in the 
     District of Columbia;
       Whereas the Statue of Freedom now atop the Capitol dome 
     could not have been cast without the pivotal intervention of 
     Philip Reid, an enslaved African-American foundry worker who 
     deciphered the puzzle of how to separate the 5-piece plaster 
     model for casting when all others failed;
       Whereas the great hall of the Capitol Visitor Center was 
     named Emancipation Hall to help acknowledge the work of the 
     slave laborers who built the Capitol;
       Whereas no narrative on the construction of the Capitol 
     that does not include the contribution of enslaved African-
     Americans can fully and accurately reflect its history;
       Whereas recognition of the contributions of enslaved 
     African-Americans brings to all Americans an understanding of 
     the continuing evolution of our representative democracy; and
       Whereas a marker dedicated to the enslaved African-
     Americans who helped to build the Capitol will reflect the 
     charge of the Capitol Visitor Center to teach visitors about 
     Congress and its development: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring),

     SECTION 1. PLACEMENT OF MARKER IN CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER TO 
                   ACKNOWLEDGE ROLE OF SLAVE LABOR IN CONSTRUCTION 
                   OF CAPITOL.

       (a) Procurement and Placement of Marker.--The Architect of 
     the Capitol, subject to the approval of the Committee on 
     House Administration of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, shall 
     design, procure, and place in a prominent location in 
     Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center a marker 
     which acknowledges the role that slave labor played in the 
     construction of the United States Capitol.
       (b) Criteria for Design of Marker.--In developing the 
     design for the marker required under subsection (a), the 
     Architect of the Capitol--
       (1) shall take into consideration the recommendations 
     developed by the Slave Labor Task Force Working Group;
       (2) shall, to the greatest extent practicable, ensure that 
     the marker includes stone which was quarried by slaves in the 
     construction of the Capitol; and
       (3) shall ensure that the marker includes a plaque or 
     inscription which describes the purpose of the marker.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Johnson) and the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Harper) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia.


                             General Leave

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous matter on the resolution under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Georgia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, in May 2005 the congressional leadership appointed a 
task force to study the contributions of enslaved African Americans to 
the construction of this great edifice, our United States Capitol. The 
task force was also asked to recommend appropriate steps to recognize 
their contribution. In support of that effort, the architectural 
historian to the Architect of the Capitol produced a report on the 
contributions of slave laborers to the Capitol's construction. During 
the 110th Congress the Committee on House Administration conducted a 
hearing to receive recommendations of the task force, chaired by the 
gentleman from Georgia, my colleague and mentor, Congressman John 
Lewis. The task force devoted considerable time and effort to reviewing 
the Architect's report on the use of slaves during the Capitol's 
construction and developing recommendations. Mr. Speaker, Americans now 
living cannot remove the stain of our Nation's past, but we can admit 
our forebears' sin. We must acknowledge the sacrifices of those 
Americans who, without choice, worked to build a government that kept 
them in bondage. The task force's report recommended a number of steps 
to do what we can.

                              {time}  1500

  Several of their recommendations, including the naming of 
Emancipation Hall in the new Capitol Visitor Center, have already been 
completed.
  The placement of a marker in Emancipation Hall requires further 
legislative action as embodied in this resolution. This resolution will 
provide for the installation of a marker by the Architect of the 
Capitol, under the supervision of the House Administration Committee 
and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration.
  As the resolution contemplates, the committees will make every effort 
to use some of the original, slave-quarried stones. These stones were 
removed from the Capitol during previous renovations and are held in 
storage.
  I urge all Members to support the resolution, which proposes a 
fitting commemoration of slave laborers' contribution to this temple of 
democracy.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 135, which 
will enhance the educational offerings of the Capitol Visitor Center by 
highlighting the contributions of enslaved African Americans to the 
construction of the U.S. Capitol Building.
  Far too often the historical record detailing the rise of our Capitol 
Building fails to appropriately recognize the vital contributions by 
slave laborers. As a result of the Slave Labor Task Force, we are 
better equipped to fill

[[Page H7720]]

that void and will take steps toward doing so here today.
  The Capitol Visitor Center quickly has become a major attraction for 
those visiting our Federal city, seeking greater understanding of the 
history which led to our present. It is therefore appropriate that 
Emancipation Hall, in the CVC, house a formal recognition of these 
essential laborers, further enriching the educational experience of 
visitors young and old.
  I urge my colleagues' support for the successful passage of this 
resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I would now yield 5 minutes to 
the Honorable Congressman from Georgia and sponsor of this resolution, 
John Lewis.
  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague and 
friend from Georgia for yielding the time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell the full story of our Nation's 
Capitol Building. We must recognize all of the hands that helped to 
construct this temple of freedom. We must continue to teach the full 
history of this country, and to do that, we must recognize the role 
that African American slaves played in the construction of our Nation's 
Capitol.
  I would like to thank Chairman Brady and Ranking Member Lungren for 
all their efforts to bring this bill to the floor, and also the staff 
of the House Administration Committee, and Jesse Uman, of my own staff, 
for their work and perseverance to pass this bill.
  Additionally, Mr. Speaker, I'm going to thank and recognize Senator 
Blanche Lincoln, who has championed the work of the Slave Labor Task 
Force in the Senate.
  Mr. Speaker, for too long, the use of slave labor in the construction 
of the United States Capitol has gone untold. We look back today, not 
to open old wounds, but to ensure that we tell the story, the whole 
story, the complete story of those slaves, so their toils are never 
forgotten.
  Slavery is part of our Nation's history of which we are not proud. 
However, we should not run or hide from it.
  The history of the Capitol, like the history of our Nation, should be 
complete. As thousands of visitors walk through our Nation's Capitol, 
they leave without knowing the full history of its construction. Today, 
there is nothing, not one thing, not one note, that tells the story of 
the African American slaves who helped build this magnificent building: 
no drawings, no murals, no statues, nothing but nothing.
  Mr. Speaker, with this resolution, this untold story will now be 
told. Thanks to the work of the Slave Labor Task Force, we will now 
honor those slaves who built our temple of freedom. We need something 
that visitors can see, that visitors can feel and which communicates 
the back-breaking labor that slaves completed to help construct our 
Capitol.
  Passage of this resolution will create a historic marker in the 
Capitol Visitor Center, made of stones quarried by the hands of slave 
laborers to stand testament to their sacrifices. This physical and 
permanent marker will pay tribute to the blood, sweat and toils of the 
African American slaves who helped build this magnificent building and 
ensure that their story is told and never forgotten.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support the passage of this 
resolution.
  Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I have no other Members who wish to speak at 
the moment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to yield 3 
minutes to my friend, the gentlelady from the Virgin Islands, Dr. Donna 
Christensen.
  I am proud to report, Mr. Speaker, that she has distinguished herself 
as one of the foremost experts on the issue of health care in this 
Congress where she has served for the past 14 years. And so it is my 
great pleasure to introduce my friend and member of the powerful Energy 
and Commerce Committee, which has taken primary jurisdiction of the 
issue of health care reform.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. I thank my colleague for yielding and for those 
kind words.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 135 
which would have the work of enslaved African Americans in the building 
of our historic Capitol Building memorialized for this generation and 
for posterity. And I applaud, thank and honor the lead sponsor, the 
mentor of all of us, Congressman John Lewis, for this resolution and 
for his unwavering commitment to justice.
  The Architect of the Capitol's 2005 report entitled ``History of 
Slave Laborers in Construction of the United States Capitol'' clearly 
outlines the contributions of ``the slaves who quarried the stone, cut 
the timber, and formed and fired the bricks that became our Nation's 
Temple of Freedom.''
  I am sure that there are many who will wonder, Why is this important? 
Why is it necessary to have a marker placed in the Capitol Visitor 
Center that acknowledges the work of the un-free in the construction of 
the Capitol?
  In response, let me say that it is important because it is part of 
the American story. It is an integral part of the fabric of our history 
which runs from its founding on the great ideals of freedom, justice 
and equality to today, where we have witnessed the toils, tears and 
prayers of hundreds of years answered in the contributions of the 
descendants of those enslaved Africans in every endeavor of American 
life today. And that story, the American story, is an enduring one of 
redemption. It is a story that points to the unique quality of our 
Nation and our continuous striving to achieve those ideals of freedom, 
equality and justice.
  Mr. Speaker, while some may see irony in the fact that it was hands 
of the then un-free that forged the structure that has become the 
temple of freedom for the entire world, we see it as the hand of God 
pointing, as always, to the lives of the ``least of these'' as precious 
in His sight.
  There should be a marker in the Capitol Visitor Center because it is 
an appropriate way to mark how far this country has come and to show 
countries around the world that the impossible is indeed possible. The 
marker needs to be placed to finally give voice to those whose silent 
witness to the potential greatness of our country was forged in their 
blood, sweat and tears.
  I urge my colleagues to vote ``aye'' for this resolution.
  Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, again, I would want to commend 
the conscience of the Congress, the Honorable Congressman from the 
great State of Georgia and the great city of Atlanta. I would like to 
commend him for taking on this measure and proceeding with it to 
conclusion. And I want to congratulate you, sir, for this and for all 
of the things you will continue to do to make sure that everyone's 
contribution throughout the history of this great country is 
recognized.
  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, more than 200 years ago, on September 18, 
1793, our Nation broke ground for what would become our home to 
democracy--the United States Capitol.
  At this time in our Nation's history, however, democracy and freedom 
were not enjoyed by all Americans.
  Ironically, it was those who were disenfranchised--enslaved African 
Americans--who helped construct our symbol of democracy, the Capitol.
  I commend my colleague, the gentleman from Georgia, John Lewis, for 
introducing this bipartisan resolution acknowledging this fact.
  Specifically, the resolution ``directs the Architect of the Capitol 
to place a marker in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center 
which acknowledges the role that slave labor played in the construction 
of the United States Capitol.''
  There are at least three reasons why this resolution is necessary.
  First, the history of the United States Capitol would not be accurate 
without recognizing that enslaved African Americans played an integral 
role in building the Capitol. For example, the Capitol's architects 
negotiated with slave owners with respect to hiring out their slaves. 
Although the Architect of the Capitol states that ``[n]o one will ever 
know how many slaves helped to build the United States Capitol 
Building,'' it is estimated that at least several hundred were involved 
in the construction.
  These slaves skillfully toiled as carpenters, sawyers, blacksmiths, 
brickmakers, and bricklayers. They were responsible for quarrying stone 
and then hauling it to the work site.
  Notably, an enslaved African American--Philip Reid--helped cast the 
Statue of Freedom, which was placed on top of the Capitol Dome during 
the Civil War on December 2, 1863.

[[Page H7721]]

  Second, given the significant contributions of enslaved African 
Americans in the building of the U.S. Capitol, a marker in Emancipation 
Hall is an appropriate tribute to such efforts.
  The marker was recommended by the Slave Labor Task Force Working 
Group, which also recommended designating the great hall of the Capitol 
Visitor Center as Emancipation Hall.
  This marker, which is to include stone quarried by these slaves, will 
ensure that this part of the story of the Capitol's construction is 
told.
  When visitors stand in Emancipation Hall and view the commemorative 
marker, they will be reminded of the significant role that slaves 
played in the construction of the U.S. Capitol, thereby ensuring that 
the legacy of these slaves will live on.
  Finally, by acknowledging that enslaved African Americans played a 
major role in building the Nation's Capitol, we recommit ourselves to 
the pursuit of freedom and democracy for all Americans.
  We recognize that, even today, there are some who have yet to realize 
all of the rights and privileges that are afforded through our 
Constitution and laws. Prejudice, discrimination, and inequities remain 
a reality.
  However, by paying tribute to those enslaved African Americans who 
built our Nation's Capitol, we understand that freedom and democracy 
are constantly evolving.
  We recognize that we can commit ourselves to the advancement of these 
principles, knowing that those who toiled and labored in the very 
building that we stand in today, could not enjoy freedom and democracy 
for themselves.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Con. Res. 135, the resolution directing the Architect of the 
Capitol to place a marker in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor 
Center which acknowledges the role that slave labor played in the 
construction of the United States Capitol, and for other purposes. I 
would like to thank my colleague and fellow Georgian, Representative 
John Lewis for introducing this important piece of legislation, as well 
as the co-sponsors.
  I stand in support of this resolution because it recognizes the 
important contributions that African-American slaves have made to the 
establishment of this country, particularly the Capitol Building, which 
is the foundation of our country's government. It is in this very 
building where the biggest decisions of our country are made. 
Therefore, we can all imagine how important this structure really is to 
the wellbeing of our nation.
  It has almost been 150 years since the Thirteenth Amendment of the 
U.S. Constitution was ratified, which officially abolished slavery was 
passed within these same walls. It is in due time that slaves be 
recognized for the back breaking labor that they endured while building 
this great building that we now stand in. If it was not for the crucial 
intervention of Philip Reid, an African-American slave foundry worker, 
the Statue of Freedom that sits on top of the Capitol Dome may not have 
existed. Reid figured out how to separate the 5-piece plaster model for 
casting when all others workers failed to figure out how this could be 
done.
  The true purpose of this resolution is to draw recognition to the 
past, so that we can move on to a better future of race relations in 
America. There is no better time than now, than on the coat tails of 
one of the most historic presidential elections in United States 
history. By no means is this resolution erasing or justifying slavery. 
Instead it shows America and the world the positive progression that 
our nation is making in its journey to ensure that all people be 
treated equally. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, as a co-sponsor of H. Con. Res. 
135, I rise in strong support of this resolution directing the 
Architect of the Capitol to place a marker in Emancipation Hall in the 
Capitol Visitor Center which acknowledges the role that slave labor 
played in the construction of the United States Capitol.
  African Americans throughout the world continue to make remarkable 
contributions to their communities every single day. We must not 
disregard the hands that worked and the feet that toiled to build our 
Nation's Capitol. We must honor the contributions of the slaves who 
helped build this magnificent structure.
  Mr. Speaker, when we look to the hands that shape and built this 
city, particularly this Capitol, we should no longer hang our heads in 
shame of slavery, but instead celebrate the people who are so often 
forgotten. We should appreciate and acknowledge the thousands of 
unnamed men and women who built this structure representing democracy, 
liberty, and freedom. Just last month, my colleagues in the Senate 
approved a resolution that apologized for the enslavement and racial 
segregation of African Americans. As the legislative branch, we have 
officially acknowledged the institution that barred hundreds of 
thousands from freedom, and with this resolution, we can begin to 
celebrate those slaves that physically helped to create this country.
  The Capitol Visitor Center sees almost 3 million visitors annually. 
As they walk the halls and admire the architecture and statues, 
marveling at the rich history and stories that accompany them 
throughout the building, it is our responsibility to ensure that all 
slaves who helped build the Capitol have their stories told. In the 
Capitol Visitor Center, Emancipation Hall was named to help acknowledge 
the work of the slaves who toiled over the work of the Capitol and we 
must ensure that their stories are told for generations to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I express my unwavering support for this resolution and 
urge my colleagues to do the same.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
support of House Concurrent Resolution 135, recognizing the 
contributions of enslaved African Americans in building the United 
States Capitol.
  This resolution will commission the Architect of the Capitol to 
create and place a historical marker in the Capitol Visitor Center made 
from the original government owned sandstone rocks that were quarried 
by slave labor, and removed from the Capitol building during a previous 
renovation.
  Slavery played an important role in the foundation of this country, 
and slave labor was used extensively in the creation of many of the 
buildings that are home to our government. While we cannot rectify the 
sins of the past, nor thank slave laborers for their sacrifice, the 
contributions of these men and women should not go unnoticed.
  It is important this plaque be prominently displayed for the 
thousands of visitors that come into the CVC. In order for these 
visitors to know the complete history of our Nation's Capitol, they 
must be aware of the contributions of these laborers.
  I would like to thank Representative John Lewis for introducing this 
resolution and acknowledging this frequently overlooked part of our 
Capitol's story. The contributions made by these workers are a part of 
our history and our legacy, and this recognition will help future 
generations better understand the sacrifices of those who came before 
them.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 135.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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