H.R. 10084

To extend the authorization of the African American Civil Rights Network

 

STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BEFORE THE HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES SUBCOMMITTEE ON FEDERAL LANDS, CONCERNING H.R. 10084, A BILL TO EXTEND THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS NETWORK.

November 19, 2024

Chairman Tiffany, Ranking Member Neguse, and members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to present the views of the Department of the Interior on H.R. 10084, a bill to extend the authorization of the African American Civil Rights Network.

The Department supports H.R. 10084 with an amendment.

H.R. 10084 would amend Section 308404 of title 54, United States Code, to extend the authorization of African American Civil Rights Network for an additional 10 years after enactment of this bill. The authority for this program is currently scheduled to expire on January 8, 2025.

Established by Public Law 115-104 in 2018, the African American Civil Rights Network (Network) is a collection of properties, facilities, and programs that offer a comprehensive overview of the people, places, and events associated with the African American civil rights movement. The Network provides an opportunity to ensure that the history of the civil rights movement and the sacrifices made by those who fought for its cause are remembered, shared, and commemorated. There are 189 members of the Network in 29 states and the District of Columbia, as well as nationwide facilities, organizations, and programs.

Inclusion in the Network is non-competitive and all properties, facilities, and programs that meet the criteria will be added to the Network. Properties will only be included with the consent of the property owner. Members may use the official African American Civil Rights Network logo and are eligible to receive technical assistance from the National Park Service (NPS). The NPS may also enter into cooperative agreements to carry out the program.

The Department recommends amending H.R. 10084 to include a provision that would expand the eligibility of NPS units and programs for inclusion in the Network. Currently, the statute specifies inclusion of NPS units and programs related to the civil rights movement during the period from 1939 through 1968. The non-NPS entities eligible for addition to the Network are not limited to this time period. Removing this time-period requirement would allow current and future NPS units and programs that have relevance to and interpret African American civil rights history before 1939 or after 1968 to be eligible for Network membership. We would be happy to provide recommended language for this amendment.

Chairman Tiffany, Ranking Member Neguse, this concludes our statement.

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