Alabama’s entire U.S. House delegation backs bill for Tuskegee Airmen memorial

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July 23, 2026

All seven members of Alabama’s U.S. House delegation have signed on as original cosponsors of a bill that would authorize a permanent memorial to the Tuskegee Airmen in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Rep. Shomari C. Figures (D-Mobile) introduced the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Act of 2026 on Wednesday. The legislation would authorize Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated to establish a memorial on federal land in Washington, D.C., honoring the service, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.

All seven members of Alabama’s U.S. House delegation signed on as original cosponsors, including Figures, Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), Mike Rogers (R-Saks), Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), Dale Strong (R-Huntsville), Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) and Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham). The legislation is also cosponsored by Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) and Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio).

“The Tuskegee Airmen are among the most heroic and consequential soldiers that our nation has ever had,” Figures said. “While facing horrific discrimination at home, these men risked their lives to defend rights and freedoms abroad. Their courage, skill, and unwavering dedication not only contributed to the Allied victory but also helped pave the way for the desegregation of the U.S. military. Their contributions to our country deserve to be memorialized in our nation’s capital, and I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to make that a reality.”

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military pilots in U.S. history, training at Moton Field and the Tuskegee Army Airfield in Tuskegee, Alabama. They formed units including the 99th Fighter Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Group, flying more than 15,000 escort sorties over Europe during World War II while serving alongside thousands of Black mechanics, navigators, bombardiers and support personnel. Their combat record helped pave the way for the desegregation of the U.S. military.

According to a one-page summary released by Congressman Shomari C. Figures’ office, the proposed memorial would educate future generations about one of the nation’s most celebrated and decorated fighting forces, highlight the contributions of Black military pilots and support personnel during World War II, and give the millions of visitors who travel to Washington each year an opportunity to learn about and honor the Airmen’s legacy.

Angela Holmes, first vice president of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., said establishing a permanent memorial has become increasingly important as the surviving original members continue to pass away.

“The introduction of this authorizing legislation in Congress is a vital milestone in our ongoing mission to preserve and honor the legacy of our nation’s pioneering heroes,” said Ms. Angela Holmes, 1st Vice President for Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Representative Shomari Figures and our congressional partners for championing this effort. As we see the final generation of our original members passing, establishing a permanent landmark in Washington, D.C., ensures that their monumental contributions to military integration, excellence, and civil rights will never be forgotten by future generations.”

The legislation authorizes Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated to establish the memorial on federal land in accordance with the federal Commemorative Works Act. It also prohibits the use of federal funds for the project, meaning Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated would be responsible for raising the money needed to design, build and maintain the memorial.

Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history and achievements of the original Tuskegee Airmen while encouraging young people to pursue careers in aviation, aerospace and STEM fields.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].