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Norton Announces Senate Passage of Bill to Establish Commission to Honor Bicentennial of Frederick Douglass’ Birth

October 19, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced that the Senate last night passed her Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission Act (H.R. 2989). The bill, which last week passed the House and now heads to the president's desk, would establish a commission to plan, develop and carry out programs and activities to honor and celebrate the life of Frederick Douglass, the country's greatest abolitionist for slavery, during the bicentennial anniversary of his birth, in 2018. Representative Andy Harris (R-MD) is the original cosponsor of Norton's bill, and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced the Senate companion.

"I am grateful to the Republican and Democratic Senate leadership for ushering swift passage of our bipartisan bill to honor the life of Frederick Douglass," Norton said. "With the president's signature, the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission can begin planning its recommendations for the most fitting ways Congress and the nation can celebrate the life of a truly great American. We in the District of Columbia, Douglass' home for most of his adult life, are particularly excited to start brainstorming possible events to recognize his significant contributions to our city and the nation."

The Commission would plan, develop and carry out programs and activities that are fitting and proper to honor Douglass on the occasion of the bicentennial of his birth. The Commission would also recommend programs and activities to Congress. The Commission would be composed of 16 members appointed by the president and congressional leadership. Four members appointed by the president would be based on the recommendations of the D.C. mayor and the governors of Maryland, Massachusetts and New York.