[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING PAST AND CURRENT AFRICAN AMERICAN UNITED STATES SENATORS

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 12, 2014

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our past 
and current African American Senators.
  Following the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment, and beginning 
with the Reconstruction Era of our great nation, nine African Americans 
have served in the upper chamber of the United States Congress. Yet, 
the 113th Congress marked the first time in our nation's history that 
two African Americans served concurrently in the Senate.
  In celebration of Black History Month, U.S. Senator Tim Scott of 
South Carolina brought together a panel of past and present African 
American Senators. The Honorable James H. Billington, Ambassador Carol 
Moseley Braun, the Honorable Roland Burris, the Honorable William 
``Mo'' Cowan, as well as newly elected Senator Corey Booker discussed 
their individual paths to Congress. In their deliveries, it was clear 
that we have come a long way. Each of their unique stories represents 
the progress that this country has made.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Senator Scott for hosting such an 
important event. It was truly an honor to be in attendance.

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