Providing For Design Of Slave Labor Marker In Capitol Visitor Center

Floor Speech

PROVIDING FOR DESIGN OF SLAVE LABOR MARKER IN CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 135, which will enhance the educational offerings of the Capitol Visitor Center by highlighting the contributions of enslaved African Americans to the construction of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Far too often the historical record detailing the rise of our Capitol Building fails to appropriately recognize the vital contributions by slave laborers. As a result of the Slave Labor Task Force, we are better equipped to fill that void and will take steps toward doing so here today.

The Capitol Visitor Center quickly has become a major attraction for those visiting our Federal city, seeking greater understanding of the history which led to our present. It is therefore appropriate that Emancipation Hall, in the CVC, house a formal recognition of these essential laborers, further enriching the educational experience of visitors young and old.

I urge my colleagues' support for the successful passage of this resolution.

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