On Wednesday, November 30, 2016, the House will consider H.R. 6282, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2024 Jerome Avenue, in Bronx, New York, as the “Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Jr. Post Office Building,” under suspension of the rules. H.R. 6282 was introduced on September 28, 2016, by Rep. Jose Serrano (D-NY) and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which ordered the bill reported by unanimous consent on November 16, 2016.
H.R. 6282 designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2024 Jerome Avenue, in Bronx, New York, as the “Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Jr. Post Office Building.”
Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Jr. was a Tuskegee Airman and one of the first African Americans to fly a combat mission during World War II. In total, he flew 68 combat missions during his service. In 2007, President George W. Bush recognized Dr. Brown, Jr. and his fellow Airmen with the Congressional Gold Medal for their heroic wartime service.[1]
Dr. Brown, Jr., was also known and venerated as a trusted leader during the civil rights movement in the 1960’s and 70’s, advocating for better treatment of African Americans in New York City. He eventually became a well-known educator at New York University and served as President of Bronx Community College for 17 years, working diligently to expand opportunities for non-traditional students.[2]
Sadly, on July 2, 2016, Dr. Brown, Jr. passed away at the age of 94. He is survived by his four children. According to the bill’s sponsor, “Dr. Brown was a revered figure in the Bronx and the rest of the country for his important work in education and advancing civil rights…he left the world in a much better place than he found it, and it is our hope that this small gesture will help keep his spirit and memory alive in the Bronx.”[3]
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[1] See Rep. Serrano’s Press Release, September 27, 2016.
[2] Id.
[3] Id.
A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate for this bill is currently unavailable.
For questions or further information please contact John Wilson with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 6-1811.
