Buffalo Soldiers In The National Parks Study Act

Del. Madeleine Z. Bordallo

Party: D
State: GU

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4491) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of alternatives for commemorating and interpreting the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in the early years of the National Parks, and for other purposes.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows:

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

This Act may be cited as the ``Buffalo Soldiers in the National Parks Study Act''.

(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following: (1) In the late 19th century and early 20th century, African-American troops who came to be known as the Buffalo Soldiers served in many critical roles in the western United States, including protecting some of the first National Parks. (2) Based at the Presidio in San Francisco, Buffalo Soldiers were assigned to Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks where they patrolled the backcountry, built trails, stopped poaching, and otherwise served in the roles later assumed by National Park rangers. (3) The public would benefit from having opportunities to learn more about the Buffalo Soldiers in the National Parks and their contributions to the management of National Parks and the legacy of African-Americans in the post-Civil War era. (4) As the centennial of the National Park Service in 2016 approaches, it is an especially appropriate time to conduct research and increase public awareness of the stewardship role the Buffalo Soldiers played in the early years of the National Parks. (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to authorize a study to determine the most effective ways to increase understanding and public awareness of the critical role that the Buffalo Soldiers played in the early years of the National Parks.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior shall conduct a study of alternatives for commemorating and interpreting the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in the early years of the National Parks. (b) Contents of Study.--The study shall include-- (1) a historical assessment, based on extensive research, of the Buffalo Soldiers who served in National Parks in the years prior to the establishment of the National Park Service; (2) an evaluation of the suitability and feasibility of establishing a national historic trail commemorating the route traveled by the Buffalo Soldiers from their post in the Presidio of San Francisco to Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks and to any other National Parks where they may have served; (3) the identification of properties that could meet criteria for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or criteria for designation as National Historic Landmarks; (4) an evaluation of appropriate ways to enhance historical research, education, interpretation, and public awareness of the story of the Buffalo Soldiers' stewardship role in the National Parks, including ways to link the story to the development of National Parks and the story of African- American military service following the Civil War; and (5) any other matters that the Secretary of the Interior deems appropriate for this study. (c) Report.--Not later than 3 years after funds are made available for the study, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report containing the study's findings and recommendations.

Rep. John Salazar

Party: D
State: CO

Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) and the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock) each will control 20 minutes.

The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Guam.

Del. Madeleine Z. Bordallo

Party: D
State: GU

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Guam?

There was no objection.

Del. Madeleine Z. Bordallo

Party: D
State: GU

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4491, introduced by Representative Jackie Speier of California, would authorize the National Park Service to conduct a special resource study to determine appropriate and feasible ways to commemorate the African American cavalrymen known as the Buffalo Soldiers and the important role that they played in the early years of the national parks. These soldiers played a critical role in protecting Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks and served as the Nation's first park rangers.

Under the proposed legislation, the National Park Service would evaluate alternatives to commemorate and interpret the roles of the Buffalo Soldiers. They would also evaluate the suitability and feasibility of establishing a national historic trail along the route used by the Buffalo Soldiers from their post in the Presidio of San Francisco to the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Representative Speier is to be commended for her work to highlight this important chapter in African American history and in the history of our national parks.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4491 received broad bipartisan support in committee, and I urge its adoption by the House today.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Rep. Tom McClintock

Party: R
State: CA

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, in my opinion, the most important role of the national parks is to provide a link to our Nation's proud history. I believe in American exceptionalism. The story of our Nation is the story of the uniquely American principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and how they shaped and molded what has become the most successful Republic in the history of human civilization.

One aspect of that story is exemplified by the Buffalo Soldiers, Americans of African descent who transcended the prejudices of the post-Civil War era to serve as the first peacetime Army units comprised of African Americans. They took the heroism and patriotism of the famous 54th Massachusetts and other Civil War units and made them into a proud and permanent fixture within the American Armed Forces. Their members included Medal of Honor winner Louis H. Carpenter and Henry O. Flipper, the first American of African descent to graduate from West Point.

The Buffalo Soldiers made immeasurable contributions to the continental expansion of our Nation, to the protection of our first national parks, but perhaps most important is their immortal contribution to the unification of our Nation as a free people.

As Shakespeare said, Their story should the good man teach his son. This bill would develop a plan to do precisely that within the national park system. I urge its adoption.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson

Party: D
State: TX

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4491, the Buffalo Soldiers in the National Parks Study Act.

I commend this legislation which directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the role the Buffalo Soldiers played in the development of the National Park System. It is time more information comes to light regarding the contributions Buffalo Soldiers made to protect our National Parks until 1914. Few know the story of how Buffalo Soldiers once patrolled Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks.

As their service has been nearly forgotten, I praise this legislation which will ensure their efforts to our Country are remembered. Buffalo Soldiers remain an integral element in founding our National Parks. These American soldiers carried out mounted patrol duties in the Western frontier and were among the first park rangers and backcountry rangers patrolling parts of the West.

Mr. Speaker, the Buffalo soldiers blazed the trails and paved the way for what we now call our National Park System. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. R. 4491, the Buffalo Soldiers in the National Parks Study Act.

Del. Madeleine Z. Bordallo

Party: D
State: GU

Mr. Speaker, I again urge Members to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4491.

The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.

A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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