{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/frederick-douglass-bicentennial-commission-act-becomes-law", "Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission Act Becomes Law", "2017-11-02", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC: On Thursday, November 2, President Trump signed into law H.R. 2989, the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission Act. This legislation establishes a commission to plan, develop, and carry out programs and activities to honor Frederick Douglass for the bicentennial anniversary of his birth. The original sponsors and cosponsors of this legislation, Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01), Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At large), Senator Ben Cardin (MD), and Senator Chris Van Hollen issued the following statements praising the enactment of this law:\n\u201cI commend my colleagues in Congress for their bipartisan and bicameral efforts to pass this legislation, and I am grateful to President Trump for his attention to this important matter. As we approach the bicentennial of Frederick Douglass\u2019 birth, it is critical that Douglass\u2019 contributions to our nation are recognized and celebrated. Frederick Douglass was the father of the abolitionist movement and left a lasting imprint on American culture,\u201d said Congressman Harris. \u201cNow that the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission Act is law, the commission can be formed to develop its recommendations.\u00a0 I am eager to hear the commission\u2019s recommendations, and participate in the activities honoring this American hero and Eastern Shore native.\u201d\n\u201cFrederick Douglass was one of the most transformative figures in our nation\u2019s history,\u201d said Delegate Norton. \u201cIt is only fitting that the federal government and the nation celebrate and honor his life on the 200th anniversary of his birth. Commemorative commissions for individuals are understandably rare, but there is perhaps none more deserving than Douglass. We in the District of Columbia are particularly proud he called D.C. home for most of his adult life. His home here in Southeast is an official national historic site and one of our city\u2019s treasures, visited by thousands of tourists and residents annually. I am grateful that the House and Senate passed the bill with unanimous bipartisan support and that the President signed it in time for the commission to do its important work.\u201d\n\u201cNow more than ever, it\u2019s important that we remember the work and passion of Frederick Douglass,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen. \u201cHe fought tirelessly to improve our great nation and create a more perfect union.\u00a0 His impact on Maryland can be seen across our state and still has lasting impacts on our communities. This commission will explore how we can learn from his legacy and continue to apply these lessons today. As Douglass once stated, \u2018The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.\u2019 We should never stop fighting to move our country forward.\u201d\n\u201cFrederick Douglass, who was born in 1818 in the State of Maryland, escaped from slavery and became a leading writer, orator, publisher, and one of the United States\u2019 most influential advocates for abolitionism and the equality of all people,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cHonoring Douglass on his bicentennial allows the nation to look back at the incredible life and work of this great man. It also gives us a unique lens to view our world and nation today and the continuing fight for civil rights and equality.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/frederick-douglass-bicentennial-commission-act-becomes-law"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.6869682110846043, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}