Press Releases

Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01) and Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-32), Chairman of the House Committee on Rules, along with twelve of their colleagues, introduced a resolution in the United States House of Representatives today recognizing the historical importance of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and calling on the National Museum of African American History and Culture to appropriately honor his life and work.

“Justice Thomas’ exclusion from the National Museum of African American History and Culture is a tragedy,” said Carter. “In a museum designed to highlight American values like resiliency and optimism, Justice Thomas’ background and accomplishments should be highlighted as a representation of overcoming adversity to reach great heights. It is a disservice to his legacy and to the history of this nation to mention his name in a single caption, but provide no exhibit sharing and preserving his remarkable story and critical contributions to our judicial system. Justice Thomas’ contributions to America, his unique life story, and strongly held convictions should be shared and celebrated and I will not give up until the Smithsonian properly recognizes and shares this important part of history."

“The museums of the Smithsonian Institution should highlight the historical achievements made in all areas of our nation’s rich history. The new National Museum of African American History and Culture should be no exception to this tradition of celebrating historical excellence and intellectual diversity,” said Chairman Sessions. “The sole sentence in the Museum recognizing the accomplishments of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is a disservice to history. Justice Thomas’ story epitomizes the American Dream and is a reminder that in America, no matter where or how you grow up, your highest aspirations are achievable. His immense contributions to our great nation should be celebrated and revered. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and the Smithsonian Institution to ensure Clarence Thomas receives the recognition that he deserves.”

Click here to read the full text of House Resolution 942, which was cosponsored by Dave Brat (VA-07), Mo Brooks (AL-05), Bradley Byrne (AL-01), Doug Collins (GA-09), Ron DeSantis (FL-06), Blake Farenthold (TX-27), Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Raul Labrador (ID-01), Mark Meadows (NC-11), Phil Roe (TN-01), Austin Scott (GA-08), and Steve Stivers (OH-15).