House Passes Bipartisan Cohen/Byrne Amendment to Increase Funding for Civil Rights Movement Preservation Sites

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Last night, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan amendment to the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill offered by Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) to increase funding for the Historic Preservation Fund by $2 million to be used for competitive grants to preserve the sites and stories of the Civil Rights Movement.

“I am pleased the House passed our amendment to increase funding to preserve sites that tell the story of the struggle of the Civil Rights Movement,” said Congressman Cohen. “I am proud to represent Memphis, home of historic sites such as the Lorraine Motel and National Civil Rights Museum, and the iconic Church of God in Christ Mason Temple. These funds will further the Department of the Interior’s ability to highlight sites across the country that mark the struggle of the brave men and women who risked their lives to demand full and equal protection in our nation throughout the Civil Rights Movement, helping to tell a more complete story of America.”