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“CHANEY, GOODMAN, SCHWERNER FEDERAL BUILDING” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H2235-H2237 on March 23, 2010.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
CHANEY, GOODMAN, SCHWERNER FEDERAL BUILDING
Mr. PERRIELLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3562) to designate the Federal building under construction at 1220 Echelon Parkway in Jackson, Mississippi, as the ``Chaney, Goodman, Schwerner Federal Building,'' as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 3562
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. BUILDING DESIGNATION.
The Administrator of General Services shall ensure that the federally occupied building located at 1220 Echelon Parkway in Jackson, Mississippi, is known and designated as the
``James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner Federal Building''.
SEC. 2. REFERENCES.
With respect to the period in which the building referred to in section 1 is federally occupied, any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to that building shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner Federal Building''.
Amend the title so as to read: ``A bill to designate the federally occupied building located at 1220 Echelon Parkway in Jackson, Mississippi, as the `James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner Federal Building'.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Perriello) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.
General Leave
Mr. PERRIELLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 3562.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Virginia?
There was no objection.
Mr. PERRIELLO. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3562, as amended, which designates the federally occupied building located at 1220 Echelon Parkway in Jackson, Mississippi, as the ``James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner Federal Building.''
The events surrounding these three young men have a special place in the history of the civil rights movement. James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner were civil rights activists who were training in Ohio to organize African Americans in Mississippi during the Freedom Summer of 1964. These three young men represented a wave of young Americans that took time off from other parts of their lives to wade into certain adversity in the fight for equal rights for all Americans.
During this fateful summer, these three young men were arrested by the local police as they were leaving the site of the burned church and held by the police for several hours. Later, they were released, only to be rearrested shortly thereafter. After the second arrest, the local police official turned the three civil rights activists over to members of the Ku Klux Klan. All three activists were later murdered and their bodies were buried in an earthen dam outside of Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Many Members of this Chamber came of age during the civil rights movement, and it was a defining time in American history. This bill offers an opportunity to recognize the sacrifice of these young men, which galvanized the Nation's conscience on the brutality that everyday Americans were facing. The public's reaction to these events ultimately provided the momentum necessary for passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The bill is all the more significant since the named building will house the Jackson, Mississippi FBI field office, which was created at the behest of President Lyndon B. Johnson as a result of this horrific crime. It is fitting that we honor the memory of these young men in designating the federally occupied building located at 1220 Echelon Parkway in Jackson, Mississippi, as the ``James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner Federal Building.'' I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3562.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I want to thank the gentleman for his explanation of a moment in history that left a mark on this country and changed this country forever. These three individuals, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, whose blood was spilled in 1964 in their quest for freedom for civil rights, that blood was spilled and it became part of a wave of change that swept our country towards civil rights. Others also sacrificed a lot for those efforts. It's fitting that this building will be named for them. It will be a memorial not only for them, for their sacrifice, and for those others who sacrificed as well, but also a reminder as to how far we have come from those sad days in 1964. These three gentlemen gave their lives, but it was not in vain. We've seen the changes ever since. So, again, I think this is a fitting memorial and a fitting reminder for all of us as to the sacrifices that many have made and to how far we have come.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I would reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PERRIELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson), the author of this bill.
Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. I appreciate the time from the gentleman from Virginia.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3562, a bill to designate the FBI building under construction in Jackson, Mississippi, as the Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner Federal Building.
Mr. Speaker, 45 years ago, three young men lost their lives while attempting to organize and register voters during what became known as Freedom Summer. These men were James Chaney, a 21-year-old Meridian, Mississippi, native; Andrew Goodman, a 20-year-old college student from New York; and Michael Schwerner, a 24-year-old CORE organizer and social worker, also from New York.
Mr. Speaker, on July 21, 1964, the three men were driving from Meridian, Mississippi, to Longdale, Mississippi, to investigate the burning of Mount Zion United Methodist Church, which had been the meeting place for numerous civil rights groups. Along their journey, the trio was stopped by a Neshoba County deputy, who was also known as a member of the Ku Klux Klan. Subsequently, the three young men were arrested for speeding and held at the Neshoba County jail, without the use of a telephone. Hours later, they were fined and released. Shortly after the trio continued their journey, they were again pulled over by the sheriff's deputy, who was, unbeknown to them, followed by a mob of Klansmen who had assembled to abduct and kill the men. The three individuals were taken to a remote area of the county and were beaten and killed. Their car was burned and their bodies were buried in an earthen dam.
Mr. Speaker, the murders of James Chaney, who was black, and Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, both Jewish, attracted national attention to the voracity of the State's racial problems. As a result of their deaths, there was more pressure on the Federal Government to pass the Voting Rights Act. After significant investigation by the FBI, the individuals' bodies were found on August 4, 1964. Due to Mississippi officials' refusal to prosecute the individuals for murder, the Justice Department brought charges against 17 individuals for conspiracy to deprive the three workers of their civil rights. Seven of the 17 individuals were found guilty, but none of them served terms longer than 6 years in jail. Mr. Speaker, finally, on June 21, 2005, a Neshoba County jury convicted Edgar Ray Killen on three counts of manslaughter and sentenced him to three consecutive terms of 20 years in prison in connection with the deaths of the young men.
Mr. Speaker, these young men paid the ultimate price attempting to bring justice and equality to my home State of Mississippi. While the naming of this building pales in comparison to the loss of a son or brother, we hope that the families of these three young men will find solace in our acknowledgment of their contribution by naming the latest symbol of justice in Mississippi after their loved ones. May the naming of this building service as a notice to domestic terrorists--in this instance, they were law enforcement officials, Ku Klux Klansmen, and trucking company owners--that their actions will never be tolerated again.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to insert in the Record from the City of Jackson, Mississippi and the Hinds County Board of Supervisors resolutions passed supporting the naming of this building in honor of Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner.
Mr. Speaker, while there may be many individuals who are worthy of having their names grace Mississippi's new FBI building, I cannot think of any more fitting for this honor than James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner.
Resolution of the Board of Supervisors of Hinds County, Mississippi in
Support of Naming the Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) Building in
Honor of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner
Whereas, it is the intent of the Hinds County Board of Supervisors, to rise strong in support and recognize the contributions of Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner, remarkable gentlemen who dedicated their lives to the service of others, in the effort to name the Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) Building located on 1220 Echelon Parkway, Jackson, Mississippi, in their honor; and,
Whereas, in June 1964, three young civil rights workers disappeared outside Philadelphia, Mississippi, where they were involved in the registering of African-Americans who had a desire to vote. The Department of Justice requested the Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) to intervene and lead the case. During this time, an intensive search for the young men was launched. At the request of President Lyndon Johnson, a new Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) field office opened in Jackson, Mississippi; and,
Whereas, as a result of the opening of the Jackson Division and the subsequent investigations, the bodies of the three civil workers were found in August 1964, in an earthen dam near Philadelphia, Mississippi. Seven men were convicted of federal conspiracy charges and sentenced to prison terms ranging from three to ten years. MIBURN, ``Mississippi Burning'' as the case was called, became one of the largest investigations ever conducted in Mississippi; and,
Whereas, today, the Jackson Division has Special Agents assigned at the headquarters office in Jackson and in the nine (9) Resident Agencies, located in Columbus, Greenville, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Oxford, Pascagoula, Southaven, and Tupelo, Mississippi; and,
Whereas, time may blur the enormous personal risk that they took in America in 1964; today these civil rights activists are recognized and remembered by people of all races for not only the effect they had on the civil rights movement but also for their selfless acts of heroicism: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Hinds County Board of Supervisors, does hereby express its unconditional support and commend the life and legacy of Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner, and supports the effort to name the Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) Building in their honor.
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Resolution of the City of Jackson, Mississippi, in Support of Naming the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Building in Honor of James
Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner
Whereas, it is the intent of the governing authorities of the City of Jackson, Mississippi (``City of Jackson''), to recognize the contributions of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, three (3) remarkable gentlemen who dedicated their lives to the service of others; and
Whereas, in June 1964, these three young civil rights workers disappeared outside Philadelphia, Mississippi, where they were involved in the registering of African-Americans who had a desire to vote; and
Whereas, the Department of Justice requested the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to intervene and lead the case; whereby, the FBI lead an intensive search for the young men; and
Whereas, during the investigation, and at the request of President Lyndon B. Johnson, a new Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) field office was opened in Jackson, Mississippi; and
Whereas, as a result of the opening of the Jackson Division and the subsequent investigations, the bodies of the three civil workers were found in August 1964, in an earthen dam near Philadelphia, Mississippi; and
Whereas, seven (7) men were convicted of federal conspiracy charges and sentenced to prison terms ranging from three (3) to ten (10) years; and
Whereas, MIBURN (``Mississippi Burning''), as the case was called, became one of the largest investigations ever conducted in Mississippi; and
Whereas, today, the Jackson Division employs Special Agents, which are assigned to the headquarters office in the City of Jackson, as well as in the nine (9) Resident Agencies located in the following Mississippi municipalities: Columbus, Greenville, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Oxford, Pascagoula, Southaven, and Tupelo; and
Whereas, these civil rights activists will always be recognized and remembered by people of all races, for not only the effect they had on the civil rights movement, but also for their selfless acts of heroicism: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the governing authorities of the City of Jackson, Mississippi, do hereby strongly urge and join in the effort to name the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Building, located on 1220 Echelon Parkway, Jackson, Mississippi, 39201, in honor of the life and legacy of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner.
Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like now to yield such time as he may consume to the ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the gentleman from Florida
(Mr. Mica).
Mr. MICA. First, I want to thank my ranking member of our subcommittee for yielding me the time, and then I want to turn my attention to thanking the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson) for his authorship of this legislation. Also, Ms. Norton from the District for her cosponsorship and sponsorship of this legislation.
On behalf of all of the Republicans, I am fortunate to be the Republican leader of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the biggest committee in Congress, and proud of the work of this subcommittee in bringing forth this legislation to honor three young heroes, three brave students who, in the summer of 1964, instead of playing games and doing whatever young people did that summer, they chose to become engaged in the civil rights movement and signing up people who previously hadn't had the ability to vote to exercise their constitutional right.
Most young people today wouldn't know the names of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner. This is 46 years ago. But 46 years later, we're making a small memorial in naming this FBI building now in Mississippi, the headquarters, after these three individuals who made such a difference in the civil rights movement. And through their tragic and horrific death came so much good that other people could have rights that they were fighting for in that summer of 1964.
On behalf of the Republicans on the committee, I know I join in thanking, again, Mr. Thompson, Ms. Norton, and our ranking member, Mr. Diaz-Balart, for bringing this bill forward and for honoring those who haven't been honored before in this manner. What a great day for this Congress. What a great day for their memory. What a great day for the United States of America.
Mr. PERRIELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Towns).
Mr. TOWNS. I'd like to thank the gentleman for yielding. Of course, I also would like to join those who have indicated, in terms of Mr. Thompson from Mississippi, in recognizing Schwerner, Goodman, and Chaney. I know that this is not bringing them back, but I think it says to the families of those that are left behind that the good that they did changed America, and to move America in the right direction. When you stop and you think about it, they gave of their lives in order to help to change America.
I want to say to the gentleman from Mississippi, I think it's very honorable for him to come to the floor of the House and to offer this naming and this resolution of this Federal building, because when we look back and we see in terms of the things that they went through--not to do anything for themselves; they were trying to help others. And that's the reason why I think that this is so honorable, because they gave of their lives to be able to make America better. They made it possible for people like me to be able to come and be a part of the United States Congress. If it were not for their actions, we probably wouldn't even be here.
{time} 1545
Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank the gentleman from Mississippi. He mentioned a little while ago that there are some individuals that we name buildings after who are very meritorious. But this is a little bit different. These are three individuals who, frankly, changed our country for the better, and they gave it all. They gave their lives to change our country, to make our country a better place. So this is one of those that, frankly, is of great historic significance. I know it's important to the family members, but it is also equally important for our Nation for all to see, for all to remember, for all to know the sacrifices that so many, including these three individuals, made. This is the country that it is because people have been willing over the years to sacrifice, to even give their lives. And this was a tragic moment. Again, what a fitting tribute and reminder it is to name this building. So I want to thank the gentleman from Mississippi. I also need to thank Chairwoman Norton. She is now at this moment actually chairing her subcommittee, and I want to thank her also for her involvement, for her leadership, for moving this forward so quickly.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. PERRIELLO. Mr. Speaker, let me just thank, again, the gentleman from Mississippi for his comments and his work in this effort. I may be one of the few Members of this body that was born after the events that we discussed here today. I had the great joy of growing up in a generation that knew the freedoms that these men fought and died for.
But their legacy continues, and their lives continue through the inspiration they have spread. I remember working with kids in New Haven when I was in college, and we told the story of these three gentlemen. We told of their bravery and their courage to make sure that those who grow up today in a more free and equal society understand the blood and the tears that went into making that effort possible. Many in this body were part of that struggle to call this Nation to its greatest self and its truest ideals. In making them immortal in the naming of this office, I think we do a great honor to history and a great honor to this country at its best. We thank not only the people involved in bringing this resolution today but the families of these three gentlemen who sacrificed, that they may know that this Nation continues to honor their tremendous courage and their gift to this country.
Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3562, introduced by the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson). H.R. 3562, as amended, designates the federally occupied building located at 1220 Echelon Parkway in Jackson, Mississippi, as the ``James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner Federal Building''.
James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner were civil rights activists who were lynched in the summer of 1964 while attempting to organize African Americans to vote and pursue other civil rights in Mississippi. On June 21, 1964, the three men drove to Longdale, Mississippi, to investigate the site of a burned church in Neshoba County. They were arrested by the Neshoba County police as they were leaving the site and held by the police for several hours. They were later released only to be rearrested shortly thereafter. After the second arrest, the Neshoba County police officer turned the three civil rights activists over to local Klansmen. On August 4, 1964, 44 days later, their bodies were found buried in an earthen dam near Philadelphia, Mississippi.
I was a young staffer working on Capitol Hill during this time period and can easily remember how the tragic plight of these three young men gripped this nation during that summer. Their deaths remain fixed in my mind and I am deeply moved as I remember how this incident helped strengthen the momentum for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The great public uproar also led President Lyndon B. Johnson to direct Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director J. Edgar Hoover to open the Jackson Division of the FBI. The FBI flooded the State with agents in an attempt to solve the crime and eventually arrested 18 suspects on Federal conspiracy charges in the murder of these civil rights activists.
These young men were courageous in the face of blistering adversity during the sustained march for civil rights in Mississippi during the summer of 1964. It is fitting we offer this permanent honor of their sacrifices with the designation of the Jackson, Mississippi FBI field office as the ``James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner Federal Building''.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3562.
Mr. PERRIELLO. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Perriello) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3562, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. PERRIELLO. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the grounds that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
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