S205DEC23

TheWeekInCongress.com

Week Ending December 23, 2005

S 205 A bill to authorize the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish in the State of Louisiana a memorial to honor the Buffalo Soldiers.

BRIEF

The ABMC can solicit contributions to build the monument and appropriations are also authorized. The committee report explained the background and need for the bill this way, “Following the Civil War, Congress authorized the formation of two cavalry regiments and four infantry regiments (which were soon reduced to two) composed of African-American soldiers. These regiments, the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 24th and 25th Infantry, were stationed throughout the West, where they saw action in countless battles and skirmishes during the Indian Wars. The American Indians nicknamed the members of these regiments `Buffalo Soldiers.'

“The Buffalo Soldiers performed outstanding service to the United States not only during the Indian Wars, but the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, and the raids against Pancho Villa. In addition, Buffalo Soldiers built forts, escorted wagon trains, mail stages, and railroad crews, drew maps, located sources of water, and were largely responsible for opening millions of square miles of western land to settlement. Twenty Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded to Buffalo Soldiers.

Legislation is needed to authorize a fitting memorial in New Orleans, where two of the regiments were recruited, to recognize the meritorious service and notable accomplishments of the Buffalo Soldiers.”

Sponsor: Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA)

Vote: Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent (July 27, 2005). Passed House by voice vote December 19, 2005.

Cost to the taxpayers: “CBO estimates that the commission would spend less than $5 million to build the Buffalo Soldier memorial over the next several years. The bill could increase revenues and direct spending if the commission raised private contributions to offset the cost of the memorial.”

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