[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 121 (Thursday, July 21, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H6942]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  EXAMINING SLAVERY AND DISCRIMINATION IN THE COLONIES AND THE UNITED 
   STATES FROM 1619 TO THE PRESENT AND RECOMMEND APPROPRIATE REMEDIES

  (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, over this past week, we have had to 
raise concerns about whether the Constitution still stood strong. I am 
glad that we have worked hard to ensure the Ninth Amendment and the 
equal protection of the law are viable parts of American society and 
constitutional rights.
  I rise today to promote H.R. 40, the Commission to Study Slavery and 
Develop Reparation Proposals, as a way of redress, repair, and 
restoration for the 246 years of slavery.
  I think it is important and an important moment for the country to 
pause and understand this historic moment in our history, the 
contributions that slaves made, including building this very place, the 
United States Capitol and the White House, and, as well, the economic 
engine that they created when making cotton king--never to be 
compensated, never to be provided for, but still turned into patriots 
that fought in every world war.
  It is crucial that we move expeditiously to establish this commission 
to tell their story and to work on the restoration of the disparities 
that are found in the African-American community from east to west and 
north to south.
  I cannot think of a reason why this House and this administration 
would not want to move on something as embracing as H.R. 40. Let's move 
it now.

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