[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 86 (Monday, June 17, 2013)]
[House]
[Pages H3665-H3666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1740
            BUFFALO SOLDIERS IN THE NATIONAL PARKS STUDY ACT

  Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass 
the bill (H.R. 520) 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.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                H.R. 520

       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.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Utah (Mr. Bishop) and the gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands 
(Mr. Sablan) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Utah.


                             General Leave

  Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, again I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Utah?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BISHOP of Utah. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  This particular bill authorizes the National Park Service, again, to 
conduct a study. The cost of the study

[[Page H3666]]

would be subject to appropriations. This study would commemorate the 
role of Buffalo Soldiers in the early years of our National Park 
Service.
  For 25 years preceding the creation of the National Park Service, 
Yosemite National Park was administered by the United States Army, and 
the Buffalo Soldiers played a key role protecting the park resources 
that have been enjoyed by many people today.
  This bill would simply authorize a study as to the role that we 
should do in commemorating the Buffalo Soldiers in the National Park 
system specifically as it deals with Yosemite National Park.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume, and then I will also yield time to the distinguished 
gentlelady from California.
  H.R. 520 would direct the Secretary of the Interior to study ways the 
National Park Service could commemorate the role of Buffalo Soldiers. 
Buffalo Soldiers were African American troops who served in our first 
National Parks, including Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, prior to 
the establishment of the National Park Service.
  The legislation, sponsored by Congresswoman Speier, was ordered 
favorably reported by the Natural Resources Committee in April. This 
legislation has passed the House during the previous two Congresses.
  I commend my colleague, Congresswoman Speier, for introducing this 
legislation and for her leadership on this issue. We strongly support 
this legislation.
  At this time, I yield as much time as she may consume to the 
Congresswoman from California.
  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from the Northern 
Mariana Islands for yielding to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening in support of my legislation, the 
Buffalo Soldiers in the National Parks Study Act, which will allow the 
Department of the Interior to study the role the Buffalo Soldiers 
played in defending our first national parks. This is a key step in 
preserving the legacy of the Army's first African American infantry and 
cavalry units and the contributions they made to the Nation.
  This bill has passed the House under suspension of the rules twice 
before, once in the 111th Congress and once in the 112th Congress. I'm 
grateful to the many cosponsors of this legislation, as well.
  Specifically, my bill would evaluate the feasibility of a National 
Historic Trail along the Buffalo Soldier route from their historic 
military post at the San Francisco Presidio to Yosemite and Sequoia 
National Parks. The study would also identify properties that could be 
listed in the National Register of Historic Places or designation as 
National Historic Landmarks.
  For several years, Buffalo Soldier regiments traveled 320 miles along 
this route to patrol the park lands for loggers and poachers, build new 
trails, and escort visitors. The Buffalo Soldiers were among our very 
first park rangers, a task these troops took on with pride after 
serving bravely in the Civil War and other campaigns.
  Because of the color of their skin, the Buffalo Soldiers were all too 
often marginalized instead of respected for their service to the 
Nation, both on and off the battlefield. However, during their time 
protecting the parks, they not only confronted racism and 
discrimination--they overcame it. They became respected neighbors and 
friends to people living in the park regions, and they made real 
inroads towards racial progress that was extraordinary for their day. 
Although they were assigned to watch over government property for only 
a relatively short time, the Buffalo Soldiers helped lay the groundwork 
for some of our greatest wilderness to be preserved forever.
  I'm proud that the Buffalo Soldiers traveled through my district on 
their way to the parks, and I believe this bill will help shine a light 
on the history they made in the great State of California and in many 
places across our great country.
  All Americans, from all walks of life, will benefit from learning 
about this often-overlooked chapter in our history. The Buffalo 
Soldiers' story is ultimately about the triumph not just of African 
American troops over prejudice and injustice, but about the movement of 
our Nation toward a more tolerant and courageous society. This is 
history that should be more fully incorporated into our parks system, 
and I believe it will enhance the parks experience for millions of 
visitors for many years to come. I thank my colleagues for supporting 
this bill.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, we support the bill.
  I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BISHOP of Utah. I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, as we consider H.R. 520, the Buffalo 
Soldiers in the National Parks Study Act, I would like to recognize the 
important contributions of Colonel Charles Young.
  As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee and Co-Chair of the 
House Historic Preservation Caucus, I have the privilege of frequently 
working with our servicemembers as well as a great appreciation for our 
nation's historic treasures. Additionally, Colonel Young's home, 
located in my community in Southwest Ohio, was recently designated as a 
National Historic Monument.
  Colonel Young, the third African-American to graduate from the United 
States Military Academy at West Point in 1889, was a distinguished 
officer in the U.S. Army. He was a pioneer of military intelligence 
techniques, a commander of troops in combat in the Spanish-American War 
and the Mexican expedition against Pancho Villa.
  His first assignment after graduation was with the Buffalo Soldiers 
in the 10th Cavalry in Nebraska, and then with the 9th and 10th 
Cavalries in Utah. With the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, he 
was reassigned as Second Lieutenant to training duty at Camp Alger, 
Virginia.
  In 1903, then-Captain Young was in command of the 10th Cavalry 
stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco. That summer, with the Army 
responsible for its management, Colonel Young was assigned to serve as 
Acting Superintendent of Sequoia National Parks in California.
  Colonel Young was then awarded a commission as a Major in the Ninth 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Later, during the Spanish-American War, he 
commanded a squadron of the 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers in Cuba. 
Throughout his military career, Colonel Young distinguished himself in 
service to our nation with the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th 
Cavalries, and the 25th Infantry, as well as serving as Professor of 
Military Science at Wilberforce University, Ohio.
  Today the House will continue to honor the legacy and leadership of 
the Buffalo Soldiers. Colonel Charles Young stands out as a shining 
example of the dedication, service, and commitment of the Buffalo 
Soldiers throughout United States and world history.
  Mr. Speaker, I am glad to recognize the important historical 
contributions of Buffalo Soldiers such as Colonel Young.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop) that the House suspend the rules and 
pass the bill, H.R. 520.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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