Issue Position: Civil Rights

Issue Position

The fight for civil rights was one of the most significant social and cultural movements in our nation's history. We need to ensure that future generations understand the struggle of those who fought to make the dream of equality and freedom a reality for all Americans.

Carolyn has introduced the following bills:

Civil Rights History Project Act, H.R. 586

Congresswoman McCarthy introduced H.R. 586, the Civil Rights History Project Act of 2009, legislation that stresses the importance of capturing the memories and deeds of the Civil Rights generation. In conjunction with the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Library of Congress, the bill seeks to collect oral histories of individuals from the Civil Rights movement so future generations will be able to learn of their struggle and sacrifice from primary source eyewitness material. Passed the House of Representatives on 4/22/09 and was signed into law by President Obama on 5/12/09.

Civil Rights Oral History Project Funding Amendment, H.R. 2918

Following the signing of H.R. 586, the Civil Rights Oral History Project, into law, Congresswoman McCarthy turned her attention to seeking funding to kick off this important program to capture the memories and deeds of the Civil Rights generation. She offered an amendment on the House floor to H.R. 2918, the FY10 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, to secure $250,000 in funding for the program. Another $250,000 in funding was secured in the Interior Appropriations bill. The amendment passed by voice vote on 6/19/09.

Carolyn has cosponsored and supported the following bills that have been voted on in the House:

MLK Service Day Resolution, H.Res. 1002

Congresswoman McCarthy was a proud cosponsor of H.Res. 1002, honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and encouraging the continued commitment to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of service. She voted for the resolution. Passed by House, 379 -- 0.

Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, H.R. 1913

The Hate Crimes bill would provide assistance to state and local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute hate crimes, and would make violent crimes against a person motivated by bias against characteristics for which there is a history of such bias-motivated violence a felony. It would also amend the Hate Crime Statistics Act to require the collection of data on violent crimes motivated by bias against the victim's perceived gender or gender identity, as well as data on crimes directed against juveniles. It was included as a provision in the FY10 Defense Authorization bill, which became law on 10/28/09.

Women's Equal Rights Amendment, H.J.Res. 61

Congresswoman McCarthy is a cosponsor of H.J.Res. 61, the Equal Rights Amendment, and has long advocated for its passage and ratification by the states. The constitutional amendment would prohibit denying or abridging equality of rights under the law by the United States or by any state on account of sex.

Resolution recognizing 20th Anniversary of the ADA, H.Res. 1504

Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Passed House on 7/26/10.

Resolution honoring Lena Horne, H.Res. 1362

Celebrates the life and achievements of Lena Mary Calhoun Horne and honoring her for her triumphs against racial discrimination and her steadfast commitment to the civil rights of all people. Passed House on 5/19/10.

Resolution honoring Dr. Dorothy Height, H.Res. 1362

Celebrates the life and achievements of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height and recognizing her life-long dedication and leadership in the struggle for human rights and equality for all people until her death at age 98 on April 20, 2010. Passed House on 4/21/10.

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