[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 16 (Monday, February 4, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and Mrs. Boxer):
  S. 225. A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct 
a study of alternatives for commemorating and 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.
  The Buffalo Soldiers served bravely in campaigns both at home and 
abroad before being stationed at the military Presidio in San Francisco 
and being 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.
  The study would evaluate 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.
  The bill will identify properties associated with the Buffalo 
Soldiers that could be added to the National Register of Historic 
Places.
  The bill will 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.
  Furthermore, 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.
  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. 225

       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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