Hoyer Statement on the Passage of Bill to Establish Park to Honor Harriet Tubman in Maryland

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement on House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2015, which included a provision that established the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Maryland and the Harriet Tubman National Park in Auburn, New York:

"Harriet Tubman is a national hero and one of the greatest figures in our country's history. I'm pleased that through these national parks – one in her birthplace on Maryland's Eastern Shore and the other in New York, where she lived for several decades – we will honor her extraordinary life and legacy and provide Americans with the opportunity to learn more about her work to advance equality, opportunity, and justice.

"Born a slave in Dorchester County, Harriet Tubman escaped and courageously led many others to freedom on the Underground Railroad. She inspired people of all backgrounds through her work fighting the injustice of slavery and working for equality for all Americans. I was proud to support this bill to pay tribute to her through the establishment of these national parks, which are the first to be named in honor of an African-American woman, and I urge the Senate to take up and pass this bill swiftly so that the President can sign it into law."