House of Representatives - May 1, 2007

Debate on Congressman Pitts' resolution (H.Res. 158) honoring the life and accomplishments of William Wilberforce

I thank the gentle lady for yielding.

And I thank her for her principled leadership on the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Madam Speaker, with this resolution, we rightly honor one of humanity’s great heroes.

William Wilberforce was a man of integrity, a man of courage, a man of faith, and a man of principle.

And he used these qualities, Madam Speaker, to forever change the world for the better.

He is someone that each of us in this chamber can relate to, and draw inspiration from.

In a legislative body of 435 members, it can be difficult to make progress on the issues we care about.

Indeed, the odds sometimes appear insurmountable.

But the life and accomplishments of William Wilberforce are proof that individuals of character truly can change the world.

Wilberforce was himself a member of an elected legislative body – He was first elected to the British Parliament more than 220 years ago.

In his day, the human slave trade dominated England’s economy.

As a result, the interests of the slave traders were firmly entrenched in the halls of Parliament.

Arguments used to justify the sale and trade of human beings and the horrific injustices that occurred in that trade were commonplace in that day.

But William Wilberforce refused to accept these arguments.

He knew that slavery was an unspeakable injustice, and he made it his life’s object to end it.

This conviction would lead him on a decades-long effort to end slavery in England.

It was a journey full of setbacks and disappointment.

Again and again, he introduced his bill in Parliament to end the British slave trade.  And again and again it was soundly defeated.

For years this went on, and the discouragement grew. 

But all the while, Wilberforce’s call to conscience was slowly winning over hearts and minds.

His willingness to stand for what is right and fight what is wrong was being noticed by his colleagues.

And after 20 years of perseverance; 20 years of unbending principle; 20 years of standing for justice in the face of daunting odds, Wilberforce at last tasted success.

On February 23^rd, 1807, Parliament voted to outlaw the British slave trade – a move once thought impossible.

And 26 later, Wilberforce was informed on his death bed that the House of Commons had voted to abolish slavery altogether in the British Empire.

Madam Speaker, throughout this year, we celebrate the 200^th anniversary of this tremendous accomplishment.

As part of this celebration, a number of efforts are underway to inform people about this often forgotten hero of humanity.

The resolution before us today is part of this celebration – and the life and accomplishments of William Wilberforce are certainly worthy of our recognition.

But, Madam Speaker, I would submit that this is not merely an effort to look back and give credit where credit is due.

It is also a call to fight modern-day injustice.

Sadly, every generation must confront evil in its own time.

Ours is no different.

Around the world, thousands of people are deprived of their basic human rights every single day.

Good men and women of this world have a moral duty to fight these modern-day injustices.

The U.S. State Department estimates that approximately 800,000 men, women and children are trafficked each year into slavery; Into the sex industry and other slave-like labor conditions.

In India, an entire class of people numbering in the millions are considered to be “untouchable.”  As a result they are denied basic services and subjected to terrible living conditions.

Horrible human rights abuses continue in places like Burma, Sudan, China and many others.

These are just a few examples.  The list could go on.

Madam Speaker, as we honor William Wilberforce, may we also be inspired.

Inspired to educate ourselves and others about modern-day injustice.

Inspired to not turn a blind eye to millions of people worldwide who need our help.

And inspired, Madam Speaker, to act.

I thank the gentle lady for yielding, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this important resolution.

I yield back.