Chambliss, Isakson Applaud Passage of Legislation Recognizing Enslaved African Americans’ Contributions to Construction of Nation’s Capitol

U.S. senators Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., co-sponsored a resolution recognizing enslaved African Americans’ contributions to the construction of the nation’s Capitol. The measure passed the Senate unanimously late yesterday evening.

The resolution authorizes a plaque to be placed near the original east front wall of the Capitol to acknowledge the role and contributions enslaved African-American laborers played in the evolution of the building, and, by extension, our democracy.

“It is one of the great, sad ironies of American history that the very foundation of this building in which we have debated essential questions of liberty – and even decided who was free and who was not – was laid by those in shackles,” said Chambliss. “We can never pay these laborers their due, but we can, even belatedly, recognize their significant contributions.”

“Slavery is one of our nation’s greatest tragedies and regrets, and I’m very pleased Congress will officially recognize the significant role that enslaved African Americans played in constructing our U.S. Capitol,” Isakson said. “History is our greatest teacher, and I believe it’s essential for future generations to know the important role these individuals played in building our democracy.”
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