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Cohen Introduces Bill to Bring More Diversity to U.S. Capitol

April 1, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) yesterday introduced the Share America’s Diverse History in the Capitol Act to bring more diversity to the U.S. Capitol by letting states display a third statue – preferably of a woman or minority. Currently, states only display two statues and most fail to represent the full diversity of our country.

“My measure would increase diversity among the honored in the United States Capitol by letting states display a third statue of notable women and minorities,” said Congressman Cohen, who spoke on the House floor about the measure. “It would also exhibit that equal representation of all Americans is essential to the historical and educational value the Capitol offers thousands of annual visitors.”

Currently, each state can submit a maximum of two statues honoring people of notable history for display in the Capitol. Of the 100 statues submitted, only 16 are representative of women and racial or ethnic minorities. These include 10 women (three Native Americans), three Native American males, two Hispanics and one Pacific Islander. Despite many noteworthy African and Asian-American men and women, no state has submitted a statue representing them for display.

In an effort to increase the diversity of notable people honored in the Capitol, the measure would permit states to submit up to three statues and encourages the inclusion of notable women and minorities who have made significant contributions to American history.

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