Buffalo Soldiers in the National Parks Study Act

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from the Northern Mariana Islands for yielding to me.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening in support of my legislation, the Buffalo Soldiers in the National Parks Study Act, which will allow the Department of the Interior to study the role the Buffalo Soldiers played in defending our first national parks. This is a key step in preserving the legacy of the Army's first African American infantry and cavalry units and the contributions they made to the Nation.

This bill has passed the House under suspension of the rules twice before, once in the 111th Congress and once in the 112th Congress. I'm grateful to the many cosponsors of this legislation, as well.

Specifically, my bill would evaluate the feasibility of a National Historic Trail along the Buffalo Soldier route from their historic military post at the San Francisco Presidio to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. The study would also identify properties that could be listed in the National Register of Historic Places or designation as National Historic Landmarks.

For several years, Buffalo Soldier regiments traveled 320 miles along this route to patrol the park lands for loggers and poachers, build new trails, and escort visitors. The Buffalo Soldiers were among our very first park rangers, a task these troops took on with pride after serving bravely in the Civil War and other campaigns.

Because of the color of their skin, the Buffalo Soldiers were all too often marginalized instead of respected for their service to the Nation, both on and off the battlefield. However, during their time protecting the parks, they not only confronted racism and discrimination--they overcame it. They became respected neighbors and friends to people living in the park regions, and they made real inroads towards racial progress that was extraordinary for their day. Although they were assigned to watch over government property for only a relatively short time, the Buffalo Soldiers helped lay the groundwork for some of our greatest wilderness to be preserved forever.

I'm proud that the Buffalo Soldiers traveled through my district on their way to the parks, and I believe this bill will help shine a light on the history they made in the great State of California and in many places across our great country.

All Americans, from all walks of life, will benefit from learning about this often-overlooked chapter in our history. The Buffalo Soldiers' story is ultimately about the triumph not just of African American troops over prejudice and injustice, but about the movement of our Nation toward a more tolerant and courageous society. This is history that should be more fully incorporated into our parks system, and I believe it will enhance the parks experience for millions of visitors for many years to come. I thank my colleagues for supporting this bill.

Mr. Speaker, as we consider H.R. 520, the Buffalo Soldiers in the National Parks Study Act, I would like to recognize the important contributions of Colonel Charles Young.

As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee and Co-Chair of the House Historic Preservation Caucus, I have the privilege of frequently working with our servicemembers as well as a great appreciation for our nation's historic treasures. Additionally, Colonel Young's home, located in my community in Southwest Ohio, was recently designated as a National Historic Monument.

Colonel Young, the third African-American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1889, was a distinguished officer in the U.S. Army. He was a pioneer of military intelligence techniques, a commander of troops in combat in the Spanish-American War and the Mexican expedition against Pancho Villa.

His first assignment after graduation was with the Buffalo Soldiers in the 10th Cavalry in Nebraska, and then with the 9th and 10th Cavalries in Utah. With the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, he was reassigned as Second Lieutenant to training duty at Camp Alger, Virginia.

In 1903, then-Captain Young was in command of the 10th Cavalry stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco. That summer, with the Army responsible for its management, Colonel Young was assigned to serve as Acting Superintendent of Sequoia National Parks in California.

Colonel Young was then awarded a commission as a Major in the Ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Later, during the Spanish-American War, he commanded a squadron of the 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers in Cuba. Throughout his military career, Colonel Young distinguished himself in service to our nation with the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalries, and the 25th Infantry, as well as serving as Professor of Military Science at Wilberforce University, Ohio.

Today the House will continue to honor the legacy and leadership of the Buffalo Soldiers. Colonel Charles Young stands out as a shining example of the dedication, service, and commitment of the Buffalo Soldiers throughout United States and world history.

Mr. Speaker, I am glad to recognize the important historical contributions of Buffalo Soldiers such as Colonel Young.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 520) 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.

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

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

This particular bill authorizes the National Park Service, again, to conduct a study. The cost of the study

would be subject to appropriations. This study would commemorate the role of Buffalo Soldiers in the early years of our National Park Service.

For 25 years preceding the creation of the National Park Service, Yosemite National Park was administered by the United States Army, and the Buffalo Soldiers played a key role protecting the park resources that have been enjoyed by many people today.

This bill would simply authorize a study as to the role that we should do in commemorating the Buffalo Soldiers in the National Park system specifically as it deals with Yosemite National Park.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume, and then I will also yield time to the distinguished gentlelady from California.

H.R. 520 would direct the Secretary of the Interior to study ways the National Park Service could commemorate the role of Buffalo Soldiers. Buffalo Soldiers were African American troops who served in our first National Parks, including Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, prior to the establishment of the National Park Service.

The legislation, sponsored by Congresswoman Speier, was ordered favorably reported by the Natural Resources Committee in April. This legislation has passed the House during the previous two Congresses.

I commend my colleague, Congresswoman Speier, for introducing this legislation and for her leadership on this issue. We strongly support this legislation.

At this time, I yield as much time as she may consume to the Congresswoman from California.

Mr. Speaker, we support the bill.

I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.