Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Todd Young (R-IN) praised the passage of the bipartisan Kennedy-King National Commemorative Site (H.R.4851), which recognizes the Kennedy-King Park in Indianapolis as a National Commemorative Site and includes the park as part of the African American Civil Rights Network. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
The legislation recognizes the importance of Robert F. Kennedy’s speech in Indianapolis following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Nearly 50 years ago, Kennedy informed a large gathering of Hoosiers about the death of Dr. King, doing so in a manner that called for a nonviolent reaction. As a result, while many other cities erupted in violence and rioting following Dr. King’s assassination, Indianapolis did not suffer riots or bloodshed. 
To watch Donnelly and Young discuss the Kennedy-King bill, click here.
Donnelly said in the video, “RFK’s speech helped shape our community in a time of tragedy and sorrow. The speech carried on Dr. King’s vision of nonviolence. We are proud this legislation has passed the Senate and the House of Representatives.”
Young said in the video, “This legislation will ensure that the site where Robert F. Kennedy gave his famous speech following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is recognized for future generations to visit and learn from. We’re looking forward to President Trump signing it into law.”
Congressman André Carson (D-Ind.-07) and Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-Ind.-05) introduced H.R. 4851 in the House, and Senators Donnelly and Young introduced companion legislation, S. 2332, in the Senate. Additionally, the full Indiana delegation, led by Congressman Carson, sent a letter to Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke asking him to designate the site as a National Historic Landmark.
To view the letter to Secretary Zinke, click here.
