[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 55 (Monday, April 19, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S2425]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and Mrs. Boxer):
S. 3222. A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct
a study of alternatives for commemorating interpreting the role of the
Buffalo Soldiers in the early years of the National Parks, and for
other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today on behalf of myself and
Senator Boxer to introduce the Buffalo Soldiers in the National Parks
Study Act. This legislation is an important step in preserving the
legacy of the Army's first all-black infantry and cavalry units and
their unique role in the creation of our National Park system.
Established Congressionally by 1869, the Buffalo Soldiers served
bravely in campaigns both at home and abroad before being stationed at
the military Presidio in San Francisco and given charge of patrolling
the National Park system. Although first tasked with taming the
frontier, these troops also took on the responsibility of preserving
that wilderness for future generations. Each summer, Buffalo Soldier
regiments traveled roughly 320 miles from San Francisco to either
Sequoia or Yosemite National Park, where they patrolled the parks for
poachers and loggers, built trails, and escorted visitors. They were,
in essence if not in name, the nation's first park rangers.
In a time of segregation and adversity, these soldiers served their
country bravely and the National Parks they worked to establish are
part of the legacy they leave behind. Unfortunately, this unique aspect
of their history is neither widely recognized nor remembered. This
legislation would address that by authorizing a study to determine the
most appropriate way to memorialize the Buffalo Soldiers. Money
procured under the act would be used to determine the feasibility of
establishing a national historic trail along the route traveled by the
Buffalo Soldiers, scout for properties to add to the National Register
of Historic Places, and develop educational initiatives and a public
awareness campaign about the contribution of African-American soldiers
after the Civil War.
although the experiences of the Buffalo Soldiers are an important
piece of our national history, we are in danger of losing their legacy
to the passage of time unless we take conscious steps to preserve the
memory. This legislation works to ensure that the contributions of the
Buffalo Soldiers will be remembered and shared by all. I urge my
colleagues to join me in their support for this measure.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be
printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be
printed in the Record, as follows:
S. 3222
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Buffalo Soldiers in the
National Parks Study Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) In the late 19th century and early 20th century,
African-American troops who came to be known as the Buffalo
Soldiers served in many critical roles in the western United
States, including protecting some of the first National
Parks.
(2) Based at the Presidio in San Francisco, Buffalo
Soldiers were assigned to Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks
where they patrolled the backcountry, built trails, stopped
poaching, and otherwise served in the roles later assumed by
National Park rangers.
(3) The public would benefit from having opportunities to
learn more about the Buffalo Soldiers in the National Parks
and their contributions to the management of National Parks
and the legacy of African-Americans in the post-Civil War
era.
(4) As the centennial of the National Park Service in 2016
approaches, it is an especially appropriate time to conduct
research and increase public awareness of the stewardship
role the Buffalo Soldiers played in the early years of the
National Parks.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to authorize a
study to determine the most effective ways to increase
understanding and public awareness of the critical role that
the Buffalo Soldiers played in the early years of the
National Parks.
SEC. 3. STUDY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior shall
conduct a study of alternatives for commemorating and
interpreting the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in the early
years of the National Parks.
(b) Contents of Study.--The study shall include--
(1) a historical assessment, based on extensive research,
of the Buffalo Soldiers who served in National Parks in the
years prior to the establishment of the National Park
Service;
(2) an evaluation of the suitability and feasibility of
establishing a national historic trail commemorating the
route traveled by the Buffalo Soldiers from their post in the
Presidio of San Francisco to Sequoia and Yosemite National
Parks and to any other National Parks where they may have
served;
(3) the identification of properties that could meet
criteria for listing in the National Register of Historic
Places or criteria for designation as National Historic
Landmarks;
(4) an evaluation of appropriate ways to enhance historical
research, education, interpretation, and public awareness of
the story of the Buffalo Soldiers' stewardship role in the
National Parks, including ways to link the story to the
development of National Parks and the story of African-
American military service following the Civil War; and
(5) any other matters that the Secretary of the Interior
deems appropriate for this study.
(c) Report.--Not later than 3 years after funds are made
available for the study, the Secretary of the Interior shall
submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate a report containing the study's
findings and recommendations.
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