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Norton Introduces Albert Pike Statue Removal Act as Part of Her Black History Month Bill Series

February 19, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) reintroduced a bill that would permanently remove the statue of Confederate General Albert Pike from federal land near Judiciary Square in the District of Columbia and authorize the Secretary of the Interior to donate the statue to a museum or a similar entity. The statue, which was illegally torn down last year, was donated to the federal government by the Freemasons, authorized by Congress in 1898 and installed in 1901. Last Congress, the House Committee on Natural Resources passed Norton's bill by voice vote.This is the second in a series of statue and memorial removal bills Norton is introducing as part of her Black History Month series.

In her introductory statement, Norton said, "This statue was authorized, not by the District, but by Congress in 1898, when the District had no home rule. The statue was constructed using both federal and private funds. The Freemasons, of which Pike was a member, donated the majority of the money needed to build and install the statue in 1901. I oppose destroying Confederate statues, because I believe they should be moved to more appropriate settings, like museums, to avoid erasing an important part of history from which Americans must continue to learn."

Norton's introductory statement can be viewed here.

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