[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 155 (Thursday, October 30, 2003)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2174] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] EXTENDING AUTHORITY FOR CONSTRUCTION OF MEMORIAL TO MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ______ speech of HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS of maryland in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 28, 2003 Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise to thank my colleagues for their support of the ``Martin Luther King, Junior, National Historic Site Land Exchange Act,'' H.R. 1616 and the bill to extend the authority for the construction of a memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr., S. 470. These bills extend the authority for and make possible the construction of a national memorial commemorating the achievements of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to the struggle of civil rights for all Americans. Dr. King dedicated his life to the realization of full equal and civil rights for all Americans irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. He stood on the front lines in the struggle against social injustice, discrimination, and inequality, often at great risk to himself. Despite numerous death threats, Dr. King never wavered in that commitment. Madam Speaker, the Lewis and Sarbanes bills are a win-win situation for all parties involved. The National Park Service currently owns a vacant lot that does not have any significant historic value. The City of Atlanta would like to acquire this land for the sole purpose of encouraging commercial development within its city limits. In addition, the land on which the National Historic Site Visitor Center and Museum currently sits is land-locked and lacks adequate emergency access. Exchanging this land within the Martin Luther King, Junior, National Historic Site for property in which the National Park Service could establish easy access to the Visitor Center and Museum would be mutually beneficial to both parties. This would simultaneously resolve the National Park Service's access issue and give the City of Atlanta much needed commercial space. Madam Speaker, once again I am proud to support both bills the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site Land Exchange Act and the bill to extend the authority for construction of the MLK Memorial. I would like to give a special thanks to my colleagues Mr. Lewis and Senator Sarbanes for their leadership in sponsoring these important pieces of legislation and in helping to keep the dream alive. ____________________