H6742 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 20, 2007 the pump. They want to know our bor- emotional wounds that our veterans the bill (H.R. 923) to establish an Un- ders are secure, and that our ports and are facing. And tragically, this country solved Crimes Section in the Civil airports are safe from terrorists. has not come to grips with the mental Rights Division of the Department of It’s time for this Congress to start health crisis that even our own citizens Justice, and an Unsolved Civil Rights addressing the priorities of the Amer- face. Crime Investigative Office in the Civil ican public. It’s time we stopped pass- This Congress needs to address this Rights Unit of the Federal Bureau of ing resolutions congratulating sports problem. It needs to address it within Investigation, and for other purposes, teams and started enacting legislation the Veterans Administration, and it as amended. into law. needs to address it for this country by The Clerk read the title of the bill. I urge my Democrat colleagues not passing mental health parity and by The text of the bill is as follows: to continue to languish as a do-nothing making sure that we address PTSD for H.R. 923 Congress, but to let us start enacting our veterans, making sure we have Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- some of the legislative priorities of our oversight of the VA, and making sure resentatives of the United States of America in constituents into law. that they address the needs of our vet- Congress assembled, f erans, both visible and invisible SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. wounds of our Nation’s veterans. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Emmett Till Un- A CHANGE IN DIRECTION IS f solved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2007’’. NEEDED IN IRAQ SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS. BUSH ADMINISTRATION BLOCKING (Mr. ELLISON asked and was given It is the sense of Congress that all authorities DEMOCRATIC ATTEMPTS TO permission to address the House for 1 with jurisdiction, including the Federal Bureau MOVE AMERICA IN A NEW DI- minute and to revise and extend his re- of Investigation and other entities within the RECTION Department of Justice, should— marks.) (Mr. ARCURI asked and was given (1) expeditiously investigate unsolved civil Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, this rights murders, due to the amount of time that weekend, General David Petraeus ac- permission to address the House for 1 has passed since the murders and the age of po- knowledged that we will not see any minute.) tential witnesses; and significant improvements in the situa- Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, over the (2) provide all the resources necessary to en- tion on the ground in Iraq by Sep- last 6 months the new Democratic Con- sure timely and thorough investigations in the tember. gress has passed over 37 major pieces of cases involved. When President Bush first proposed legislation, many of them with bipar- SEC. 3. DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE CRIMINAL SEC- TION OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS DIVI- the troop escalation plan at the begin- tisan support, which have helped mil- lions of Americans. Unfortunately, SION. ning of this year, he said we should (a) IN GENERAL.—The Attorney General shall know if it’s actually working by the President Bush seems content with the designate a Deputy Chief in the Criminal Sec- beginning of the summer. A couple of status quo, opposing two-thirds of our tion of the Civil Rights Division of the Depart- months later, when the troops were ac- forward-agenda. ment of Justice. tually on the ground, the President re- Today, the President will again veto (b) RESPONSIBILITY.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The Deputy Chief shall be vised that time frame, saying that we legislation providing for a serious Fed- eral investment in lifesaving stem cell responsible for coordinating the investigation should have a good grasp if the plan is and prosecution of violations of criminal civil working by September. research, supported by 70 percent of the American people. Further stem cell re- rights statutes that occurred not later than De- Now we have confirmation from the cember 31, 1969, and resulted in a death. search would give new hope to millions President’s top general on the ground (2) COORDINATION.—In investigating a com- that positive signs in Iraq will con- of American families across the coun- plaint under paragraph (1), the Deputy Chief tinue to be elusive. try suffering from life threatening and may coordinate investigative activities with The question now is, will the admin- debilitating diseases like lupus, juve- State and local law enforcement officials. (c) STUDY AND REPORT.— istration do as it has in the past and nile diabetes and Parkinson’s. Earlier this year, we approved a de- (1) STUDY.—The Attorney General shall annu- change the deadline? fense authorization bill that includes a ally conduct a study of the cases under the ju- Moving deadlines are simply no 3.5 percent pay raise for military per- risdiction of the Deputy Chief or under the ju- longer acceptable. President Bush has risdiction of the Supervisory Special Agent and, sonnel. The President’s response was a been promising for months that we in conducting the study, shall determine— veto threat. He believed a 3.5 percent would see significant changes come (A) the number of open investigations within raise was too much. September, and since that is no longer the Department for violations of criminal civil Mr. Speaker, there is never too much rights statutes that occurred not later than De- possible, a significant change in direc- gratitude and respect we can show for cember 31, 1969; tion is needed in Iraq. our troops. We don’t show gratitude (B) the number of new cases opened pursuant It is time for the President and the with lip service, we show it by action. to this Act since the previous year’s study; congressional Republicans to realize Mr. Speaker, I was elected in Novem- (C) the number of unsealed Federal cases that Petraeus is now admitting that no ber to move this country in a new di- charged within the study period, including the case names, the jurisdiction in which the improvements will be seen by Sep- rection, and my fellow Democrats are tember. charges were brought, and the date the charges serious about real change. And I re- were filed; f spectfully ask the President to join us. (D) the number of cases referred by the De- ADDRESSING VETERANS’ f partment to a State or local law enforcement INVISIBLE WOUNDS agency or prosecutor within the study period, ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER the number of such cases that resulted in State (Mr. KENNEDY asked and was given PRO TEMPORE charges being filed, the jurisdiction in which permission to address the House for 1 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- such charges were filed, the date the charges minute and to revise and extend his re- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair were filed, and if a jurisdiction declines to pros- marks.) ecute or participate in an investigation of a case will postpone further proceedings so referred, the fact it did so; Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, our today on motions to suspend the rules troops are returning from all over the (E) the number of cases within the study pe- on which a recorded vote or the yeas riod that were closed without Federal prosecu- world having suffered from many and nays are ordered, or on which the tion, the case names of unsealed Federal cases, wounds, but many of the wounds that vote is objected to under clause 6 of the dates the cases were closed, and the relevant they’re suffering from are not visible rule XX. federal statutes; to the naked eye. Those wounds are Record votes on postponed questions (F) the number of attorneys who worked, in psychological wounds. And tragically, will be taken later today. whole or in part, on any case described in sub- section (b)(1); and our veterans system is not equipped, as f we’ve seen this last week from a series (G) the applications submitted for grants under section 5, the award of such grants, and by the Washington Post, to address EMMETT TILL UNSOLVED CIVIL RIGHTS CRIME ACT OF 2007 the purposes for which the grant amount were many of those concerns. expended. Our Nation needs to be better pre- Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, (2) REPORT.—Not later than 6 months after pared to address the psychological and I move to suspend the rules and pass the date of enactment of this Act, and each year

VerDate Mar 15 2010 15:29 Jun 29, 2011 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 6333 E:\ERIC\H20JN7.REC H20JN7 rmajette on DSK89S0YB1PROD with MISCELLANEOUS June 20, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6743 thereafter, the Attorney General shall prepare SEC. 8. SUNSET. corrections that law enforcement could and submit to Congress a report containing the Sections 2 through 6 of this Act shall cease to have and should have made at that ear- results of the study conducted under paragraph have effect at the end of fiscal year 2017. lier time. So it is to me a very powerful (1). SEC. 9. AUTHORITY OF INSPECTORS GENERAL. determination of the Committee on the SEC. 4. SUPERVISORY SPECIAL AGENT IN THE Title XXXVII of the Crime Control Act of 1990 Judiciary to bring H.R. 923 to the floor CIVIL RIGHTS UNIT OF THE FED- (42 U.S.C. 5779 et seq.) is amended by adding at ERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. the end the following: for the expedited action that is re- N ENERAL (a) I G .—The Attorney General shall ‘‘SEC. 3703. AUTHORITY OF INSPECTORS GEN- quired this morning. designate a Supervisory Special Agent in the ERAL. Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I Civil Rights Unit of the Federal Bureau of In- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—An Inspector General ap- yield myself such time as I may con- vestigation of the Department of Justice. pointed under section 3 or 8G of the Inspector sume. (b) RESPONSIBILITY.— General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) may author- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support (1) IN GENERAL.—The Supervisory Special ize staff to assist the National Center for Miss- of H.R. 923, the Emmett Till Unsolved Agent shall be responsible for investigating vio- ing and Exploited Children— lations of criminal civil rights statutes that oc- Civil Rights Crime Act of 2007. I am a ‘‘(1) by conducting reviews of inactive case cosponsor of H.R. 923, which has broad curred not later than December 31, 1969, and re- files to develop recommendations for further in- sulted in a death. vestigations; and bipartisan support. (2) COORDINATION.—In investigating a com- ‘‘(2) by engaging in similar activities. At the full committee markup of this plaint under paragraph (1), the Supervisory ‘‘(b) LIMITATIONS.— legislation last week, members from Special Agent may coordinate the investigative ‘‘(1) PRIORITY.—An Inspector General may both sides of the aisle, as Chairman activities with State and local law enforcement not permit staff to engage in activities described CONYERS just mentioned, and from all officials. in subsection (a) if such activities will interfere backgrounds and experiences joined to- SEC. 5. GRANTS TO STATE AND LOCAL LAW EN- with the duties of the Inspector General under FORCEMENT. gether to ensure the swift prosecution the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. of civil rights-era crimes, which were (a) IN GENERAL.—The Attorney General may App.). award grants to State or local law enforcement ‘‘(2) FUNDING.—No additional funds are au- oftentimes ignored. agencies for expenses associated with the inves- thorized to be appropriated to carry out this sec- It is appropriate that the House con- tigation and prosecution by them of criminal of- tion.’’. sider this legislation today, Mr. Speak- fenses, involving civil rights, that occurred not The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- er. Last week marked the 44th anniver- later than December 31, 1969, and resulted in a sary of the murder of civil rights leader death. ant to the rule, the gentleman from (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— Virginia (Mr. SCOTT) and the gen- Medgar Evers. Before his death, There are authorized to be appropriated tleman from Texas (Mr. SMITH) each Medgar Evers was a primary, although $2,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 will control 20 minutes. unofficial, investigator of the Emmett through 2017 to carry out this section. The Chair recognizes the gentleman Till murder. The committee was privi- SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. from Virginia. leged to hear from his widow, Mrs. (a) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to be Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, Myrlie Evers William. She movingly appropriated, in addition to any other amounts I yield such time as he may consume to testified that the conviction of otherwise authorized to be appropriated for this the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Medgar’s killer in 1994, 31 years after purpose, to the Attorney General $10,000,000 for his murder, gave a sense of hope to each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2017 for the CONYERS). purpose of investigating and prosecuting viola- Mr. CONYERS. I thank my chairman those who experienced this bleak time tions of criminal civil rights statutes that oc- of the Subcommittee on Crime. in our Nation’s history. curred not later than December 31, 1969, and re- Mr. Speaker, today is a very impor- Last week also marked an enormous sulted in a death. These funds shall be allocated tant day. What we’re doing is recalling victory in the fight to bring justice to by the Attorney General to the Deputy Chief of a difficult period in American history unsolved civil rights-era murders. A the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division to understand the combined climate at Mississippi jury convicted former and the Supervisory Special Agent of the Civil that time that coexisted with fear and Klansman James Ford Seale for his Rights Unit of the Federal Bureau of Investiga- role in the 1964 kidnapping and murder tion in order to advance the purposes set forth violence during the civil rights era. in this Act. And so we have the Emmett Till Un- of 19-year-olds Charlie Eddie Moore and (b) COMMUNITY RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE solved Civil Rights Crime Act. Henry Hezekiah Dee. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.—In addition to any The first thing I want to do is try to Unfortunately, time is running out amounts authorized to be appropriated under recapture, for the moment, all those for other unsolved civil rights-era mur- title XI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. who were not in the Judiciary Com- ders. To date, the FBI has identified 2000h et seq.), there are authorized to be appro- mittee the day of the testimony, be- nearly 100 outstanding cases that still priated to the Community Relations Service of cause it moved both Republicans and need to be solved. Many of these crimes the Department of Justice $1,500,000 for fiscal are 30 to 40 years old. Evidence has year 2008 and each subsequent fiscal year, to Democrats and visitors when we had enable the Service (in carrying out the functions Myrlie Evers, the widow of Medgar been lost or destroyed, witnesses and described in title X of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000g Evers, who was himself a victim of the defendants have died, and memories et seq.)) to provide technical assistance by violence that marked the civil rights have dimmed. We must act swiftly to bringing together law enforcement agencies and era, talking to us about Emmett Till help bring long overdue justice to the communities in the investigation of violations of and how this youngster’s life was victims, their families, and the com- criminal civil rights statutes, in cases described taken. munities that these brutal crimes af- in section 4(b). And it was one of those moments in fected. SEC. 7. DEFINITION OF ‘‘CRIMINAL CIVIL RIGHTS judiciary history that we were all elec- H.R. 923 directs the Attorney General STATUTES’’. to designate a deputy chief within the In this Act, the term ‘‘criminal civil rights trified by the ability of our witnesses statutes’’ means— to recapture this moment in our his- Civil Rights Division of the Depart- (1) section 241 of title 18, United States Code tory. ment of Justice to coordinate the in- (relating to conspiracy against rights); vestigation and prosecution of un- (2) section 242 of title 18, United States Code b 1030 solved civil rights-era murders. The (relating to deprivation of rights under color of It was a remarkable hearing. I com- bill also directs the Attorney General law); mend the gentleman from Virginia to designate a supervisory special (3) section 245 of title 18, United States Code (Mr. SCOTT) and others, including the (relating to federally protected activities); agent within the Civil Rights Unit of (4) sections 1581 and 1584 of title 18, United ranking member of the Judiciary Com- the FBI to further investigate these States Code (relating to involuntary servitude mittee, LAMAR SMITH, and also I lift up outstanding cases. and peonage); the name of STEVE KING of Iowa. Ev- Finally, the bill provides much-need- (5) section 901 of the Fair Housing Act (42 erybody was moved by this determina- ed resources to the Department of Jus- U.S.C. 3631); and tion that at this point in American his- tice, the FBI, and State and local law (6) any other Federal law that— tory we are now moving forward at a enforcement officials to prosecute (A) was in effect on or before December 31, 1969; and pace that may not always be recog- these same cases. (B) the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights nized, faster than we think. And the Mr. Speaker, I want to especially Division of the Department of Justice enforced, reason I say that is that we are now thank Chairman CONYERS and Rep- before the date of enactment of this Act. going back into history to make the resentatives NADLER, FRANKS, SCOTT,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 15:29 Jun 29, 2011 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\ERIC\H20JN7.REC H20JN7 rmajette on DSK89S0YB1PROD with MISCELLANEOUS H6744 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 20, 2007 and FORBES, members of the Judiciary accountable for following through on Sykes was inspirational in opening the Committee, for their commitment to these investigations and prosecutions. Emmett Till case, for whom this legis- this legislation. The act requires the Attorney General lation is named. He came to Senator I hope my colleagues will support to appoint a specific high-ranking em- Talent two years ago with the idea this much-needed bill. ployee in each agency to be account- that ultimately spawned this legisla- Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of able for this work. The act also re- tion. my time to the gentleman from Vir- quires the Department of Justice to re- I think in the short time of this cal- ginia (Mr. FORBES), the ranking mem- port to Congress annually on the endar year, a couple of months ago we ber of the Crime Subcommittee, and I progress it has made towards solving commemorated as a Nation the 150- ask unanimous consent that he be al- these cases, and the first such report is year anniversary of the Dred Scott de- lowed to control that time. due 6 months after the bill becomes cision. As the gentleman from Michi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there law. gan eloquently stated a moment ago, objection to the request of the gen- Lastly, the bill authorizes funds to there have been chapters in our coun- tleman from Texas? the Department of Justice, the FBI, try’s history that are not proud chap- There was no objection. and when appropriate, State and local ters, and yet we cannot turn past those Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, enforcement agencies, to investigate chapters in the book of history, but in- I yield the balance of my time to the and prosecute these cases. stead must focus and right wrongs. gentleman from Michigan (Mr. CON- The FBI has already made a start in For those of you who don’t know the YERS), and I ask unanimous consent investigating these cases when it story of Emmett Till, Emmett was a that he be allowed to control that time kicked off the Cold Cases Campaign in 14-year-old African American boy from on this side. February of 2006 and expanded on this Chicago who spent his summer vaca- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there campaign in February 2007 when it so- tion with relatives in Mississippi. One objection to the request of the gen- licited assistance from major civil afternoon, young Emmett spotted a tleman from Virginia? rights organizations. However, there is Caucasian woman and allegedly whis- There was no objection. still much more work that needs to be tled. For this indiscretion he was kid- Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I thank done, and Federal resources are nec- napped from his house, brutally beaten, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. essary to do it. H.R. 923 will provide and thrown into a river with weights SCOTT), and I yield him such time as he these necessary resources. around his neck. And although may consume. I urge my colleagues to support this Emmett’s murderers were quickly ar- Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, important bill. rested and placed on trial, the jury ac- I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 quitted them and they walked out of Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. minutes to the distinguished gen- the courtroom as free men. What 923, the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil tleman from Missouri (Mr. HULSHOF). makes this story even more tragic is Rights Crime Act of 2007. This impor- (Mr. HULSHOF asked and was given that about a year later, one of the mur- tant bill enjoys wide bipartisan and bi- permission to revise and extend his re- derers confessed to his guilty conduct, cameral support. The bill will assist marks.) without remorse no less, in an inter- Federal, State, and local governments Mr. HULSHOF. Mr. Speaker, I thank view in Look magazine. with the important task of solving un- my friend for yielding me the time this As an original cosponsor of this bill, solved civil rights-era crimes. morning. I rise today to express my strong sup- Mr. Speaker, at the recent joint hear- Mr. Speaker, in 1963, while confined port for this legislation as I hope it ing held by the Subcommittee on in the Birmingham city jail, Dr. Mar- will help bring closure to countless Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Secu- tin Luther King, Jr. wrote a letter to families who continue to suffer from rity and the Subcommittee on Con- eight Alabama clergymen regarding his injustices perpetrated so long ago. As stitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Lib- recent demonstrations. In that letter, has been noted, this legislation will es- erties, we heard from six excellent wit- Dr. King eloquently wrote: ‘‘Injustice tablish an Unsolved Civil Rights Crime nesses. The most moving of these were anywhere is a threat to justice every- Investigative Office within the FBI to Mrs. Myrlie Evers Williams and Mrs. where.’’ Dr. King’s words ring true investigate these pre-1970 cases in con- Rita Schwerner Bender, both of whose today in this debate on H.R. 923, the junction with, that is, in conjunction husbands the Ku Klux Klan assas- Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights with, State and local authorities. H.R. sinated because of the import civil Crime Act. We can no longer stand by 923 will also create an Unsolved Crime rights work they were doing. The Klan and allow those civil rights cold cases Section to prosecute these cold cases. assassinated Medgar Evers on June 12, to collect dust on our shelves. As a Na- In my previous life as a prosecutor, I 1963, and Michael Schwerner on June tion, we owe it to the victims and their tried some three dozen or so murder 21, 1964. The gentleman from Georgia families and the country generally to cases. And with any trial, particularly (Mr. LEWIS) has asked us to take up provide them with long overdue jus- murder trials, time is of the essence. this act now because it coincides with tice. And that is especially true with cold the anniversary of these two important Before I begin, I see waiting in the cases that this legislation addresses. events. In both cases it took govern- wings my good friend and colleague, Over the past nearly 20 years, we have ment authorities decades before the the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. had 29 unsolved civil rights murder killers were convicted of these brutal LEWIS). His diligence and perseverance cases that have been reopened, reexam- murders. on this legislation has been instru- ined. Thankfully, 22 convictions have Unfortunately, these cases were not mental in getting us here today. resulted. We have seen justice brought isolated incidents. There are dozens of Mr. Chairman, thank you for consid- to the families of Henry Dee and Char- cases, probably hundreds, like these, ering this bill. lie Moore, who were only 19 when they some of which have never been ac- It is truly an honor to stand in were murdered. What were their infrac- knowledged, investigated, or pros- league with my friend from Georgia as tions that caused this horrific end to ecuted. Indeed, we don’t even know we began this bill, actually, this trek their lives? Henry and Charlie were be- how many people were murdered dur- in the last session of Congress, and cer- lieved to have knowledge about African ing the 1950s and 1960s, because retalia- tainly he is a giant in the civil rights Americans importing firearms into the tion was so common that many fami- legislation and it is a privilege for me, country. And for this James Ford Seale lies did not dare report that their loved Mr. LEWIS, to stand with you on this and a group of fellow Klansmen kid- ones had been murdered. The FBI has bill. napped Henry and Charlie, took them identified more than 100 cold cases that I also want to thank Alvin Sykes, into the woods, brutally beat them, should be investigated and, when pos- who is the president of the Emmett and drove them into Parker’s Landing sible, charges should be brought Till Justice Campaign, and also former in Mississippi. Henry was tied to an en- against the accused killers. Senator Jim Talent from Missouri. Had gine block and thrown into the Mis- I support H.R. 923 because it will hold it not been for them, I don’t think we sissippi River, still alive. Charlie had the Department of Justice and the FBI would be standing here today. Mr. to sit there and watch his friend drown,

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After more than 40 years, James Ford shot in the head, and his body was Mr. Speaker, I submit the following letters of Seale was finally held accountable for dumped in the Tallahatchie River, all support for H.R. 923, the Emmett Till Un- his actions, convicted just last week because somebody said he had been solved Civil Rights Crimes Act. for his role in the murders. A fellow fresh with a white woman. LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR Klansman was given immunity in ex- Several years later, an intelligent CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW, change for testifying about Seale’s role and dignified NACP leader named Washington, DC, June 18, 2007. in the murders. Medgar Evers was gunned down in Hon. NANCY PELOSI, The Nation has witnessed the convic- front of his home in Mississippi in June U.S. House of Representatives, tion of Edgar Ray Killen for his part in of 1963. Some historians said it was the Washington, DC. DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: I am writing on be- the murders of civil rights activists injustice of these unsolved two mur- half of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner, ders that began the mass movement in Rights Under Law to express our strong sup- and James Cheney. Ironically, tomor- the American South that we call the port for H.R. 923/S. 535, the Emmett Till Un- row, June 21, actually marks the anni- modern-day civil rights movement. solved Civil Rights Crime Act. The bill, versary of those murders. Who can forget the NAACP leader sponsored by Congressman John Lewis of We have recently seen authorities re- and his wife, Harry and Harriette Georgia, will give the U.S. Department of examine the murders of Johnnie Mae Moore, who were killed by a bomb on Justice the funding and tools necessary to Chappell in Florida and Jimmie Lee Christmas night as they celebrated investigate and prosecute civil rights era their 25th wedding anniversary in 1951 murders. Jackson in Alabama and hopefully, Ever since our founding by President John hopefully, with the enactment of H.R. in Florida? Who can forget the two F. Kennedy in 1963, the Lawyers’ Committee 923, many more. black couples lynched about 60 miles has sought to attain equal justice under law Supreme Court Justice Thurgood east of Atlanta in 1946, or the death of for all Americans, and the Unsolved Civil Marshall once said: ‘‘Justice too long Lemuel Penn, a lieutenant colonel in Rights Crime Act is an important step in delayed is justice denied.’’ I urge all the United States Army Reserve from continuing that mission. my colleagues to support this legisla- Washington, D.C., who was a veteran We are hopeful that the House of Rep- tion so we can continue to help heal trying to get home from Fort Benning, resentatives will pass the bill this week, as the Nation, rectify the inequities of the Georgia for a little rest. He was killed June 21 represents an incredibly symbolic day in the history of the civil rights move- past, and provide justice to those who in 1964 as members of the KKK drove by ment. On that date in 1964, KKK member have been seemingly forgotten. him on a highway. Edgar Ray Killen assembled a mob to hunt Who can forget Viola Liuzzo, shot b 1045 down three civil rights workers in Mis- down in Alabama in 1965, from the sissippi. The victims’ names were James Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, in rec- hometown of our chairman, Chairman Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael ognizing the gentleman from Georgia, CONYERS from Detroit, trying to bring Schwerner. Those young men sacrificed their JOHN LEWIS, I can’t help but observe nonviolent activists back to their lives in pursuit of equal rights for all Ameri- that the difference between this crime, home after the Selma-to-Montgomery cans, yet their killer roamed free for decades the Emmett Till crime of 52 years ago, march? until a court finally convicted him on June and today is that passionately held be- 21, 2005. There are hundreds, maybe even We urge Congress to mark this important liefs about justice and fairness could thousands, of these crimes that were anniversary by passing H.R. 923. cost you your life. There are only a few never brought to justice. There are The bill assigns offices within the Justice people left in America today who put murderers who have walked free for Department the specific responsibility of in- their lives on the line knowingly in decades while the families of victims vestigating and prosecuting civil rights mur- this struggle for justice, and the one in cry out for justice. Passing this bill is ders before 1970. Then, civil rights murder this body, the 110th Congress, is none the least we can do. And we must do cases that went to trial often ended in hung other than JOHN LEWIS of Georgia, and something to right these wrongs. juries. However, today, different attitudes I yield him as much time as he may I will never forget the three civil and improved race relations could result in color-blind justice, and technological ad- consume. rights workers, three young men I vancements could allow prosecutors to Mr. LEWIS OF Georgia. Mr. Speaker, knew, Andy Goodman, James Chaney present more persuasive evidence at trial. I want to thank my good friend, the and Mickey Schwerner. They came to To this end, H.R. 923 will provide the Jus- chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Mississippi with a simple mission, to tice Department with $11.5 million in funds (Mr. CONYERS) for those kind words. register as many black voters as pos- to carry out their duties, a sum publicly sup- Mr. Speaker, I am so pleased the Em- sible. They were stopped, arrested, ported by a D.O.J. representative at a recent mett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime taken to jail. Later that night, June 21, House subcommittee hearing. Act is being considered today before 1964, they were taken from jail by the At that same hearing, Myrlie Evers-Wil- liams, the widow of slain civil rights worker the full House of Representatives. sheriff and his deputy, turned over to Medgar Evers, spoke in support of the bill. I would like to thank the lead co- the Klan, where they were beaten, shot Her husband was assassinated in 1963, and sponsor of this bill, my good friend, and killed. They didn’t die in Vietnam. three decades later, a jury convicted 74 year- Representative KENNY HULSHOF from They didn’t die in Eastern Europe. old Byron de la Beckwith of the murder, Missouri, and my good friends in the They died right here in the United proof that justice knows no time limitations. United States Senate, Senator CHRIS States. They died in Philadelphia, Mis- Although the Lawyers’ Committee and DODD of Connecticut, and Senator PAT- sissippi. Americans-at-large are thankful that the Evers family and others have received some RICK LEAHY of Vermont for their distin- Viola Liuzzo didn’t die on a road or guished support in this effort. level of closure, we know that countless some street in Baghdad, she died right American families are still waiting to see Again, I must thank Chairman CON- there in Alabama on Highway 80. justice served. Just last week, a federal jury YERS for all of his help and for all of his Lemuel Penn, Medgar Evers, Emmett convicted James Ford Seale of two counts of support in bringing this bill before us Till and countless others didn’t die in kidnapping in relation to the 1964 murders of today. Also, Subcommittee Chairs the Middle East; they died right here in two African-American teenagers. Passage of SCOTT and NADLER for coordinating a our own country fighting for simple the Emmett Till Unsolved Crimes Act will powerful hearing on this legislation. justice. help the Justice Department investigate and Mr. Speaker, the time has come for Mr. Speaker, we have an obligation, prosecute cases similar to the Killen, Seale, the sake of history, for the sake of jus- we have a mission, we have a mandate. and De la Beckwith trials. With your support of this measure, aging tice, for the sake of closure, the 110th The blood of hundreds of innocent men murderers who have subverted our legal sys- Congress must pass this legislation. and women is calling out to us. Then, tem for decades could finally face a court of On August 28, 1955, almost 52 years no one came to their aid. But today we law. The long-grieving families of numerous ago, a 14-year-old boy from Chicago, a can help make it right. Let us move to victims could hope to see closure. Perhaps

VerDate Mar 15 2010 15:29 Jun 29, 2011 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\ERIC\H20JN7.REC H20JN7 rmajette on DSK89S0YB1PROD with MISCELLANEOUS H6746 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 20, 2007 most importantly, this bill could assist the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE It is important that Congress adopt United States government in upholding jus- ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE, this legislation as quickly as possible; tice, no matter how long overdue. Washington, DC, June 5, 2007. 30 to 40 years have passed since many Again, we urge you to mark this important Re H.R. 923, the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil of these murders were committed. anniversary by scheduling a floor vote on Rights Crime Act. Under normal circumstances, trying H.R. 923/S. 535 this week. Please feel free to Hon. JOHN LEWIS, a murder case is difficult and costly. contact me if you have any questions regard- U.S. House of Representatives, Add to that the loss or destruction of Washington, DC. ing this request. evidence, witnesses who have died or Hon. KENNY HULSHOF, Sincerely, are unavailable, and numerous proce- JOHN G. BRITTAIN, U.S. House of Representatives, Chief Counsel. Washington, DC. dural hurdles, it only increases the dif- DEAR CONGRESSMEN LEWIS AND HULSHOF: ficulty and cost of prosecuting these On behalf of the National Association for the crimes. But law enforcement officers LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and prosecutors are continuing to pur- ON CIVIL RIGHTS, our nation’s oldest, largest and most widely- sue these cases, and we applaud their Washington, DC, June 4, 2007. recognized/grassroots civil rights organiza- Hon. JOHN LEWIS, tion, I would like to thank you for your efforts. Cannon House Office Building, sponsorship of and leadership behind H.R. 923 In 2006, the FBI directed all 56 of its Washington, DC. the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights field offices to comb through their own Hon. CHRISTOPHER J. DODD, Crime Act. It is imperative to bring mur- cold case files and assess how many Russell Senate Office Building, derers of early civil rights activists to jus- could be prosecuted. The FBI identified Washington, DC. tice, to show the victims’ families, as well as roughly 100 such cases. Many cases are Hon. KENNY C. HULSHOF, the Nation, that their sacrifices continue to confined to a handful of field offices Cannon House Office Building, outrage our Nation. The United States’ gov- that must complete rigorous in-depth Washington, DC. ernment needs to commit the resources nec- essary to see that these heinous crimes in- investigations before it’s too late. Hon. PATRICK J. LEAHY, H.R. 923 directs the Attorney General Russell Senate Office Building, tended to intimidate are resolved. Washington, DC. Witnesses and evidence to these crimes are to designate a deputy chief within the aging and time is of the essence. As proven Civil Rights Division of the Depart- DEAR COLLEAGUES: On behalf of the Leader- by the historic 2005 conviction of Edgar Ray ment of Justice to coordinate the in- ship Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR), the Killen for the 1964 deaths of three Civil nation’s oldest, largest, and most diverse vestigation and prosecution of un- Rights workers, Andrew Goodman, James solved civil rights-era murders. The civil and human rights coalition, with nearly Chaney, and Michael Schwerner, and the 1994 200 member organizations, we urge you to co- conviction of Byron De La Beckwith of the bill also directs the Attorney General sponsor and support the bipartisan Emmett murder of Medgar Evers, more than 40 years to designate a supervisory special Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act (S. 535/ earlier, there is no time limit on justice. agent within the Civil Rights Unit of H.R. 923). LCCR believes that it is imperative As you know, this bill creates two new of- the FBI to investigate these out- to put resources behind investigating and fices within the Department of Justice whose standing cases. prosecuting those individuals involved with sole purpose is to investigate these crimes. Mr. Speaker, most of these cases, if committing the unsolved civil rights era The Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Investiga- viable, will lack the requisite Federal crimes. tive Office, a new FBI office headed by a nexus for prosecution by the Depart- Chief Investigator, will aggressively inves- The historic conviction of Edgar Ray tigate pre-1970 cases in coordination with ment of Justice. Yet, the Department Killen, for the 1964 deaths of three Mis- state and local law enforcement officials and the FBI are able to provide valu- sissippi Civil Rights workers, Andrew Good- that resulted in death and remain unsolved. able assistance to State prosecutors in man, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner, This office will do everything possible to their investigations. The Emmett Till demonstrates how it is imperative that our make certain those who have committed Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act pro- nation bring murderers to justice, even if these murders are brought to justice. The several decades have passed since these hei- vides additional resources to fully as- Unsolved Crimes Section, a new office within sess these cases and bring the offenders nous crimes were committed. However, time the Civil Rights Division of the Department is running out because the witnesses to these of Justice, will focus specifically on pros- to justice. crimes are elderly. ecuting these cases. If a crime other than I urge my colleagues to support this murder is discovered during the course of an bill. S. 535/H.R. 923 will create two new offices Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of to investigate and prosecute unsolved civil inquiry it will be referred to the appropriate rights era murders. The Unsolved Civil law enforcement officials. Lastly, the bill my time. Rights Crime Investigative Office, a new FBI authorizes $11.5 million in annual appropria- Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, may I office headed by a Chief Investigator, will tions: $5 million for the Unsolved Crimes inquire as to the time remaining? aggressively investigate pre-1970 murder Section, $5 million for the Unsolved Civil The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- cases in coordination with state and local Rights Crime Investigative Office and $1.5 tleman from Michigan has 7 minutes. law enforcement. The second office will be million for Community Relations Service of The gentleman from Virginia controls the Unsolved Crimes Section in the Civil the Department of Justice to work with 13 minutes. Rights Division of the DOJ, which will focus local communities in identifying these cases. In order for our Nation to fully begin to Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I am specifically on prosecuting these cases. If a move beyond these heinous orimes, the fed- pleased now to yield to the articulate crime other than murder is discovered dur- eral government needs to resolve these cases. gentlelady from Texas, SHEILA JACK- ing the course of an inquiry, it will be re- Thank you again for your leadership on this SON-LEE, a distinguished member of the ferred to the appropriate law enforcement of- bill; the NAACP deeply appreciates all you ficials. committee, as much time as she may are doing on this issue. Please feel free to consume. The bill authorizes $11.5 million in annual contact me if you have any questions or (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked appropriations: $5 million for the Unsolved comments on the NAACP position, or if and was given permission to revise and Crimes Section, $5 million for the Unsolved there is any way that I can be helpful to you Civil Rights Crime Investigative Office and as we move ahead with this legislation. extend her remarks.) $1.5 million for Community Relations Serv- Sincerely, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. ice of the Department of Justice to work HILARY O. SHELTON, Speaker, allow me to take a moment of with local communities in identifying these Director. personal privilege to acknowledge the cases. Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I yield chairman of the full Judiciary Com- We hope that you co-sponsor and support myself such time as I may consume. mittee. It has only been a little over 6 the Emmet Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Mr. Speaker, it is both humbling and months, or almost 6 months, that Mr. Act (S. 535/H.R. 923), which will bring to jus- an honor to speak on this bill after the CONYERS has taken the realm of this tice individuals who committed heinous distinguished gentleman, Congressman august body. And I think if history is crimes against civil rights activists and indi- LEWIS, has just spoken. And I join my to be accurate, to recount the volcanic vidual African Americans. colleagues in strong support of H.R. change that has come about on the life- Sincerely, 923, the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil changing legislative initiatives that WADE HENDERSON, President & CEO. Rights Crime Act OF 2007, and also have been able to be moved out of this NANCY ZIRKIN, compliment Chairman CONYERS for his committee, we recognize that hate Vice President/Director leadership and work on bringing this should not be applauded, but it should of Public Policy. bill forward. be made illegal.

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We have confronted the issues deal- brought before this committee. It was our colleague, JOHN LEWIS of Georgia, who is ing with the creativity of America, ad- in recognition of the lives that we have widely recognized as the moral conscience of dressing the questions of patent re- heard of, Schwerner, Goodman and the House for sponsoring this legislation and I form. We are looking closely at the Chaney, buried deep in a mud pile. It thank Chairmen CONYERS, SCOTT, and NADLER idea of how do we find a balance on the was a testimony to JOHN LEWIS, who for their work in shepherding it through the issue of immigration. We are listening, sits among us as an icon of conscience, legislative process. we are learning, we are sympathetic. who will tell you that in those muddy Mr. Speaker, in 1989, the Civil Rights Me- We are, in fact, what the Judiciary fields of Mississippi and Alabama, morial was dedicated in Montgomery, Ala- Committee, one of the oldest commit- there are still skeletons that have yet bama, the birthplace of the modern Civil tees, was really intended to do: to lis- been found. For many were killed, Rights Movement. The Memorial honors the ten to the grievances of people and be unnamed, and the relatives were too lives and memories of 40 martyrs who were able to find relief. frightened to ever come forward. slain during the movement from 1954 to 1968, Let me thank the ranking member of Maybe now, because this bill has a sec- including Emmett Till. But we know that many the subcommittee, the ranking mem- tion in it on community relations, and more people lost their lives to racial violence ber of the full committee, for they have I am hoping that as we provide over- during that era. In fact, at the time the Memo- partnered on a number of initiatives, sight on this bill, we will increase rial was dedicated, the killers of 13 of the 40 and we have found, sometimes, com- those dollars from $1.5 million to $2 martyrs whose names are inscribed on the mon ground. Today I rise on that very million or $2.5 million, because one of Memorial had not been prosecuted or con- shining example of a common ground. the witnesses said they could not have victed. In 10 of the 40 deaths, defendants Allow me to thank Congressman prosecuted the case had it not been for were either acquitted by all-white juries or HULSHOF of Missouri for his passion the persistence and the heart and de- served only token prison sentences. We also and his commitment, and Mr. Sykes, termination of the family members, know there are many cases that still cry out who was a witness and who humbly having lived under the shadow of this for justice. These unsolved crimes represent a said he was simply a public servant, sin for so long. continuing stain on our Nation’s honor and someone who thought this idea was This bill does create a deputy chief in mock its commitment to equal justice under long in coming. the Criminal Division of the Civil law. The legislation before us is intended to And so why we are here today is to Rights Division. Many of us would have help us remove that stain once and for all. talk about what many of you perceive preferred a division, some separate fix- The 40 victims selected for inclusion in the as a television program called Cold ture standing with the responsibility Civil Rights Memorial fit at least one of three Cases. I wish it was as simple as that. to have the hammer, if you will, of criteria: (1) they were murdered because they On that program, you do see the im- rightness. But we support this legisla- were active in the civil rights movement; (2) pact on families, but it is, in fact, a tel- tion, and we hope that as our chairman they were killed by organized hate groups as evision program. Today, we speak of has been diligent and vigilant, as he acts of terror aimed at intimidating blacks and lives, lives long left on the dusty road looks forward, that we will ensure that civil rights activists; or, (3) their deaths, like of unsolved crimes, lives that are bro- that deputy chief does the right thing the death of Emmett Till, helped to galvanize ken, torn, full of tears, looking for just and provides a vigorous advocacy and the movement by demonstrating the brutality a semblance of justice and hope in prosecution of those unsolved crimes. faced by African Americans in the South. The America. Maybe they were thinking of 40 persons who fit the selection criteria the words of Winston Churchill when b 1100 ranged in age from 11 to 66. Seven were he spoke to President Roosevelt in the Let me, Mr. Speaker, just recount white, and 33 were black. They were students, dark ways of World War II, ‘‘Give us very briefly the moving testimony that farmers, ministers, truck drivers, a homemaker the tools, and we will finish the job.’’ was given of the witnesses. Let me and a Nobel laureate. That is what this bill does today; it home in, if I could, on Myrlie Evers But Mr. Speaker, there are many, many gives the tools to America’s prosecu- Williams. Why? Because it is part of other victims besides the 40 who are remem- tors to pick up the broken pieces of the my psyche to have seen Medgar Evers bered on the Memorial. The Southern Poverty civil rights movement. folding down on his front yard as he Law Center reports that its research uncov- In 1989, we put together a memorial was murdered going into his home to ered approximately 75 other people who died for those who had lost their lives in the see his wife and his children. violently between 1952 and 1968 under cir- civil rights era. They lost their lives Can you imagine the horror of wait- cumstances suggesting that they were victims not because they were criminals, not ing for daddy to come home, waiting of racial violence. For most of them the reason because they were caught in an unfor- for your husband to come home, the their names were not added to the Memorial tunate accident, but they lost their dinner on the table, the radio playing, is because not enough was known about the lives because they were on the battle- the children making the kinds of pleas- details surrounding their deaths. Sadly, the field for justice. They were murdered ant noises that children make? Her reason so little is known about these cases is because they were active in the civil husband was a warrior, but a gentle because they were never fully investigated or, rights movement. They were killed by man, a man of peace, a man who was in some cases, law enforcement officials were organized hate groups as acts of terror willing to sacrifice his own future so involved in the killings or subsequent cover- aimed at intimidating blacks and civil that he might bring justice to some. ups. And because the killings of African Amer- rights activists of many different col- Let me, Mr. Speaker, as I close, sim- icans were often covered up or never seri- ors and religious backgrounds. Their ply ask my colleagues to remember ously investigated, there is little reason to death, like the death of Emmett Till, this past and go to the future as I ask doubt that many slayings were never even re- helped to galvanize the movement by for support for this legislation. corded by the authorities. demonstrating the brutality faced by I thank you, JOHN LEWIS, and I thank The reason justice had not been served was African Americans in the South. It is you, JOHN CONYERS. the callous indifference, and often the criminal an era of terror which all of us have Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong of H.R. 923, collusion, of many white law enforcement offi- come to stand against, proudly so, the ‘‘Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes cials in the segregated South. There simply which makes you very proud to stand Act of 2007.’’ This legislation, which I am was no justice for African Americans during here as an American, frankly, the proud to co-sponsor and strongly support, is the civil rights era. The whole criminal justice greatest country in the world. For we intended to complete some of the Nation’s system—from the police, to the prosecutors, to have traveled a blood-stained road, but most important unfinished business. And that the juries, and to the judges—was perverted yet as we’ve traveled it, there have is to solve some of the most depraved acts of by racial bigotry. African Americans were rou- been those who have tried to go back violence against persons belonging to a racial tinely beaten, bombed and shot with impunity. and be able to bring us forward, united, group that was vulnerable, politically power- Sometimes, the killers picked their victims on arm in arm together, sweeping across less, and innocent, and against those persons a whim. Sometimes, they targeted them for America talking about the injustices of who risked life and limb to help them secure their activism. In other cases, prominent white the past, but looking forward to the fu- the rights promised in the Declaration of Inde- citizens were involved and no consequences ture for our children. pendence and made real in the Constitution. flowed. Herbert Lee of Liberty, Mississippi, for And so this bill is in tribute to the The Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights example, was shot in the head by a state leg- likes of Rita Bender, a witness who was Crimes Act of 2007 is long overdue. I thank islator in broad daylight in 1961.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 15:29 Jun 29, 2011 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\ERIC\H20JN7.REC H20JN7 rmajette on DSK89S0YB1PROD with MISCELLANEOUS H6748 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 20, 2007 It is, of course, fitting and proper that H.R. Examples of unsolved cases include the would not be done in his case for more than 923 bears the name of Emmett Till, whose 1968 ‘‘Orangeburg Massacre’’ at South Caro- twenty years. But that day was foretold be- slaying in 1955 and his mother’s decision to lina State University where state police shot cause the evening before the death of Medgar have an open casket at his funeral stirred the and killed three student protesters; the 1967 Evers, on June 11, 1963, President John F. Nation’s conscience and galvanized a genera- shooting death of Carrie Brumfield, whose Kennedy addressed the Nation from the Oval tion of Americans to join the fight for equality. body was found on a rural Louisiana road; the Office on the state of race relations and civil Sadly, hundreds of them were killed in that 1957 murder of Willie Joe Sanford, whose rights in America. In his historic speech to the struggle, and many of the killers, like those of body was fished out of a creek in nation President Kennedy said: Emmett himself, were never successfully pros- Hawkinsville, GA; the 1946 killing of a black We are confronted primarily with a moral ecuted. couple, including a pregnant woman, who was issue. It is as old as the scriptures and is as Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to learn that pulled out of a car in Monroe, GA, and clear as the American Constitution. the Department of Justice strongly supports dragged down a wagon trail before being shot One hundred years of delay have passed since President Lincoln freed the slaves, yet this legislation. It should. No government in front of 200 people. agency has done more through the years to their heirs, their grandsons, are not fully These unsolved crimes represent a con- free. They are not yet freed from the bonds protect and defend the civil rights of African tinuing stain on our Nation’s honor and mock of injustice. They are not yet freed from so- Americans and other victims of injustice. I its commitment to equal justice under the law. cial and economic oppression. And this Na- hope the DOJ’s embrace of this legislation Solving these cases is part of the unfinished tion, for all its hopes and all its boasts, will represents a rededication to its historic role of work of America. President Kennedy said it so not be fully free until all its citizens are free. ensuring equal justice under law for all, even well 44 years ago, when he addressed the H.R. 923 is intended to help bring justice to the poor, powerless, and vulnerable. Nation on June 11, 1963: ‘‘this Nation, for all those whom justice has been delayed for Mr. Speaker, the heart of this legislation is its hopes and all its boasts, will not be fully more than two generations. In doing so, this sections 3 and 4. Section 3 establishes a Dep- free until all its citizens are free.’’ legislation will help this Nation fulfill its hopes uty Chief of the Criminal Section of the Civil A second amendment I would recommend and justify its boast that in America all persons Rights Division. Section 3 requires the Attor- is the establishment of a specially created live in freedom. ney General to designate a Deputy Chief of section within the Civil Rights Division with Mr. Speaker. I strongly support this historic the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights division dedicated resources, personnel, and budg- legislation and urge all Members to join me in who will be responsible for coordinating the in- etary authority to investigate and prosecute voting for its passage. vestigation and prosecution of violations of notorious and neglected pre-1970 criminal vio- Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 criminal civil rights statutes that occurred be- lations of the civil rights statutes. minutes to the distinguished gen- fore December 31, 1969, and ended in death. I believe that in designating the Deputy tleman from California (Mr. DANIEL E. Section 3 also requires a study and report Chief required by this legislation, the Attorney LUNGREN). to Congress about the number of cases General must also be required to delegate to (Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- opened, the number of Federal prosecutions the Deputy Chief authority over the necessary fornia asked and was given permission commenced, the number of cases of State personnel and budgetary resources. The high to revise and extend his remarks.) and local prosecutions where the DOJ as- hope of H.R. 923 is that it may help bring jus- Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- sisted, the number of cases that have been tice to those whom justice has been delayed fornia. Mr. Speaker, this is an impor- closed, and the number of open pending for more than two generations. The Deputy tant bill. The fact that it is on suspen- cases. The report shall be made not later than Chief, therefore, has an awesome responsi- sion ought not to suggest that it is not 6 months after the enactment of the Act. Section 4 of the bill establishes a parallel bility. If we are to expect positive results, it is an important bill. This bill is another component in the Civil Rights Unit of the Fed- incumbent upon us to provide the Deputy in a number of bills that helps us heal eral Bureau of Investigation to be headed by Chief the resources and authority needed to some tremendous wounds in this coun- a Supervisory Special Agent designated by be successful. As Winston Churchill said to try that go to the very essence of this the Attorney General. This Supervisory Spe- President Roosevelt during the dark days of country. cial Agent in the Civil Rights Unit is respon- 1940: ‘‘Give us the tools and we will finish the The Civil War, which caused more sible for investigating violations of criminal civil job!’’ bloodshed than any other war that this rights statutes that occurred not later than De- I am pleased, however, that the bill author- Nation has been engaged in, is viewed cember 31, 1969, and resulted in death. The izes annual appropriations of $10 million for as the tremendous act of expiation Supervisory Special Agent should, where ap- each of fiscal years 2008 through 2017 for the with the effort of this Nation to re- propriate, coordinate investigations with State purpose of investigating and prosecuting pre- solve, in its own mind, what it meant and local law enforcement officials. 1970 criminal violations of the civil rights stat- by every man and woman being equal. Mr. Speaker, although I strongly support utes that resulted in a death. Similarly, I am That began the process that was fol- H.R. 923, I believe the bill would be even pleased that the bill authorizes annual appro- lowed through in a remarkable period stronger if it incorporated three small but im- priations of $1,500,000 to the Community Re- of time during the last century called portant amendments. First, I would rec- lations Service of the Department of Justice to the civil rights revolution. But that ommend an amendment containing Congres- provide technical assistance by bringing to- revolution has not ended. There are sional findings of fact that help explain to the gether law enforcement agencies and commu- still things that need to be done. nation and the world why the Congress was nities in the investigation of criminal violations One of the terrible stains left on this compelled to enact this vitally important legis- of civil rights statutes. Nation is the lack of justice done for lation. We are enacting this legislation not be- My third amendment I would recommend is those who suffered at the hands of peo- cause of who the perpetrators of these un- to increase the amount of this annual appro- ple who believed this country would solved criminal violations of civil rights statutes priation by $500,000 to $2 million and to make never recognize the rights of all; those are, but who we are, and who their victims this funding source available to assist the fam- who thought they could act with impu- were. ilies of victims in coping with the loss of a nity to threaten, to terrorize, to mur- Mr. Speaker, over the past half century, the loved one through counseling and other sup- der other human beings merely because United States has made tremendous progress port services, financial and otherwise. Such of the color of their skin. in overcoming the badges and vestiges of assistance must be available to the victim’s I call this bill the ‘‘last chance bill,’’ slavery. But this progress has been purchased families because in many cases the testimony the ‘‘now or never bill.’’ If we don’t do at great cost. From Reconstruction through the of a family member may be indispensable to this now, we will never have the chance modern Civil Rights Movement, heinous and government investigators and prosecutors. I to do it again, because those individ- depraved acts of violence were committed am particularly mindful that the witnesses tes- uals who were involved in these crimes against persons belonging to a racial group tifying before the Judiciary Committee hearing may not be around, and the family that was innocent, vulnerable, and politically affirmed their belief that the government’s abil- members of those who were victims of powerless, and also against those persons ity successfully to investigate and solve crimi- these crimes may not be around. We who risked life and limb to help them secure nal civil rights violations would be greatly en- give ourselves a 10-year period of time the rights promised in the Declaration of Inde- hanced were assistance and support available in which we make a real effort to try pendence and made real in the Constitution. to the victims’ families. and bring those to justice who should Many of these crimes remain unsolved and no Mr. Speaker, 44 years ago, Medgar Evers have been brought to justice a long one has ever been held accountable. was murdered in Jackson, Mississippi; justice time ago.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 15:29 Jun 29, 2011 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\ERIC\H20JN7.REC H20JN7 rmajette on DSK89S0YB1PROD with MISCELLANEOUS June 20, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6749 In the process, we say to all Ameri- on your side of the aisle, Mr. FORBES, Committee of the Whole may accord priority cans, We understand the injustice that as well as mine. But the witnesses on in recognition on the basis of whether the was done. We will make sure it is never that day in Judiciary, and Myrlie Member offering an amendment has caused repeated again. We will work to make Evers Williams stands out more than it to be printed in the portion of the Con- gressional Record designated for that pur- this country a better place now and in anyone else, were so amazing that I pose in clause 8 of rule XVIII. Amendments the future. want everyone to go back and read the so printed shall be considered as read. When Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 testimony that just electrified us all. the committee rises and reports the bill back minutes to the gentleman from Texas Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, the chair- to the House with a recommendation that (Mr. GOHMERT). man should have the last word on this, the bill do pass, the previous question shall Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank and so he has. be considered as ordered on the bill and our subcommittee chairman, and I I yield back the balance of my time. amendments thereto to final passage with- thank our full committee chairman The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. out intervening motion except one motion to and subcommittee ranking member as recommit with or without instructions. SNYDER). The question is on the motion SEC. 2. During consideration in the House well. offered by the gentleman from Virginia of H.R. 2764 pursuant to this resolution, not- Mr. Speaker, this is an important (Mr. SCOTT) that the House suspend the withstanding the operation of the previous bill. As it has been said, there exists in rules and pass the bill, H.R. 923, as question, the Chair may postpone further America an open sore that is yet to be amended. consideration of the bill to such time as may remedied. I note that sometimes people The question was taken. be designated by the Speaker. see an amount of money that is being The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- spent and say that is too much money. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being tleman from Florida (Mr. HASTINGS) is But in this case, there is an injustice in the affirmative, the ayes have it. recognized for 1 hour. that cries out for healing and for ad- Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, on that I Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. dressing. demand the yeas and nays. Speaker, for the purpose of debate When one American, regardless of The yeas and nays were ordered. only, I yield the customary 30 minutes race, creed, color, gender, religion, na- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- to the gentleman from Florida, my tional origin, when one is struck down, ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the good friend, Mr. DIAZ-BALART. All time then all of us are struck down. We need Chair’s prior announcement, further yielded during consideration of the rule to address this. Now, I am not one of proceedings on this question will be is for debate only. those who believes that we need to run postponed. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time forward and apologize for the sins of f as I may consume. others that we didn’t commit. But in GENERAL LEAVE this case, this bill addresses an injus- GENERAL LEAVE Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I also ask tice. Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members We have the power. We have the unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days in which to wherewithal and the ability to address have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- revise and extend their remarks on this wrongdoing and this injustice. If tend their remarks on H.R. 923. House Resolution 498. we were not to take action, then this The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there body would owe an apology, and I do objection to the request of the gen- objection to the request of the gen- not want to see that become necessary. tleman from Michigan? tleman from Florida? There are times that we hear moving There was no objection. There was no objection. testimony, and our heart is moved. But f we know for the greater good of the b 1115 country we must do something else. PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. This is one of those cases in which we OF H.R. 2764, THE DEPARTMENT Speaker, House Resolution 498 is an heard testimony that was very moving, OF STATE, FOREIGN OPER- open rule that provides for consider- and the heart is aligned with the head. ATIONS, AND RELATED PRO- ation of H.R. 2764, the fiscal year 2008 This requires action. I appreciate the GRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, appropriations for the Department of leadership moving this forward so that 2008 State, Foreign Operations, and related this injustice, this open sore, can fi- Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. programs. nally be addressed. Speaker, by direction of the Com- Mr. Speaker, I have seen 15 State and Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, this bill, mittee on Rules, I call up House Reso- Foreign Operations measures go partnered by the gentleman from Geor- lution 498 and ask for its immediate through the House of Representatives gia, a Democrat, and the gentleman consideration. in almost 16 years of serving in this from Missouri, a Republican, shows The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- body. Some bills were well-intentioned, what we can do when we just pause and lows: but fell short of meeting America’s critical needs and objectives, while take a breath from the partisanship, H. RES. 498 the finger pointing, the negative at- others missed the target altogether. Resolved, That at any time after the adop- Regarding today’s State and Foreign tacks by the press and even some Mem- tion of this resolution the Speaker may, pur- bers of our own body against this great suant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the Operations bill, I must commend Chair- body and join together to move this House resolved into the Committee of the woman LOWEY, Ranking Member WOLF, country forward. Whole House on the state of the Union for their respective staffs and the rest of I want to thank all of the individuals consideration of the bill (H.R. 2764) making the committee for coming together in who worked on this bill, especially the appropriations for the Department of State, a bipartisan fashion to craft this mean- chairman of the Judiciary Committee. foreign operations, and related programs for ingful piece of legislation. Despite crit- At this time I would like to yield to the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and ical budget constraints and critical for other purposes. The first reading of the concerns, the bill is fiscally responsible the chairman of the Judiciary Com- bill shall be dispensed with. All points of mittee order against consideration of the bill are and begins to address our Nation’s for- Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I want waived except those arising under clause 9 or eign policy initiatives as they relate to to thank the ranking member, Mr. 10 of rule XXI. General debate shall be con- fulfilling our commitments abroad. FORBES. I think this is an important fined to the bill and shall not exceed one In my capacity as chairman of the step forward. I have been amazed by hour equally divided and controlled by the Commission on Security and Coopera- the congeniality and the cooperation chairman and ranking minority member of tion in Europe and as a senior member that has been extended to me by all of the Committee on Appropriations. After gen- of the House Permanent Select Com- the members of the House Judiciary eral debate the bill shall be considered for mittee on Intelligence, I believe I can amendment under the five-minute rule. Committee. Points of order against provisions in the bill speak to our country’s need to restore Things come around. This is a his- for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule world stability after years of following toric moment. It has been expressed XXI are waived. During consideration of the misguided and shortsighted foreign pol- with great articulateness by Members bill for amendment, the Chairman of the icy.

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