[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 30 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             GULLAH/GEECHEE CULTURAL HERITAGE ACT AMENDMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 24, 2016

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3004, 
to amend the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act to extend the 
authorization for the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor 
Commission.
  In 2005, Congress passed legislation--H.R. 694, preserving the 
Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage.
  This law also established a Commission, nominated and appointed by 
the Secretary of Interior.
  At the passage of the original Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act, 
the membership of the commission was limited to a 3 year term.
  The Commission is comprised of 15 members who are recognized experts 
in historic preservation, anthropology, and folklore.
  The Commissioners assist in identifying and preserving sites, 
historical data, artifacts, and objects associated with the Gullah/
Geechee for the benefit and education of the public.
  The purpose of the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor 
Commission is to assist Federal, State, and local authorities in the 
development and implementation of a management plan for those land and 
waters of the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor.
  H.R. 3004 would ensure the continued protection and preservation of 
the history and contributions of the Gullah/Geechee people of Georgia, 
North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida.
  Lastly, the law stated that the Commission should be terminated after 
10 years.
  H.R. 3004 will extend the authorization of the Gullah/Geechee 
Commission from ``10 years'' to ``15 years''.
  This Black History, the work of the Commission is imperative in 
facilitating the enhancement and preservation of the Gulla/Geechee 
cultural heritage.
  It also continues to facilitate highlighting the important history of 
African Americans with Gullah/Geechee heritage.
  Indeed, the original Act, H.R. 694 as passed was intended to 
recognize the seminal contribution of African American Gullah/Geechee 
made to American culture and history.
  These African Americans settled in the coastal states of South 
Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida.
  Since its passage, the Act has facilitated efforts in these 
identified coastal states in interpreting the story and role of the 
Gullah/Geechee.
  Additionally, through the work of the Commission, efforts are now 
underway to preserve the Gullah/Geechee folklore, arts, crafts, and 
music.
  Most critically, the Act and extension of the authorization of the 
tenure of the Commission will further support the work of continued 
identification and preservation of sites, gathering of historical data, 
protection of artifacts, and objects associated with the Gullah/
Geechee.
  The extension of the work of the Commission under the original Act 
and this current legislation will yield benefits of education of the 
general public on the important contribution of the Gullah/Geechee.
  Through the educational outreach work alone, our nation will learn 
about the Heritage Corridor which comprises those lands and waters 
generally depicted on a map entitled ``Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage 
Corridor.''
  This is just one prime example of the benefit of the original Act and 
this current extension of the tenure of the Commission, which I rise in 
support of.

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