WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) secured House passage of H.R. 5577, legislation that would rename the Atlanta Main Post Office at 3900 Crown Road SW as the “John R. Lewis Post Office Building.” The bill passed with 421 yes votes and was co-sponsored by the Georgia Congressional delegation and 364 Members of the House of Representatives, more than any other bill in the 117th Congress. Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01) co-led the legislation and Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced companion Senate legislation to Congresswoman Williams’ original bill. To watch Congresswoman Williams’ speech in support of the bill, click here. 

To rename a United States Postal Service building, the entire Congressional delegation and both U.S. Senators representing the state where the building is located must introduce legislation that passes in both chambers before being signed into law by the President. 

“Renaming the Fifth Congressional District’s main United States Post Office after Congressman John Lewis is a proper, lasting tribute to the life of a civil rights hero” said Congresswoman Williams. “Congressman Lewis was my friend and mentor, and his sacrifices paved the way for me to serve Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District. It speaks volumes to Congressman Lewis’ legacy that the House of Representatives was so united to honor his memory, but this vote should be the starting point. The House must continue channeling our inner John Lewis and create the ‘Beloved Community’ he spoke of by strengthening our democracy through voting rights, passing common sense gun control legislation, and legislating out of compassion.” 

“John Lewis epitomized the American Dream. A man of faith, his wisdom and courage were unyielding. He never lost faith in the Democratic process and fought, right up until the end, to make the American Dream accessible to all,” said Congressman Carter. “John Lewis was a dear friend who made a lasting impact on me and on our nation. I am proud that the House came together today to honor his legacy. A giant among men and a fierce defender of freedom, John Lewis will not soon be forgotten in the halls of Congress, the streets of Atlanta, or the pages of history.”

“I was John Lewis’s pastor, but he was my mentor,” said Senator Reverend Warnock (D-GA). “John Lewis was a giant in the face of adversity and injustice, putting his life on the line for our freedoms and committing his life to protecting the right to vote. It is a privilege to join my colleagues in the House and Senate to honor him. In remembrance of his legacy, I will continue working to ensure all Georgians, and Americans, have an equal voice in our democracy and society.” 

“Congressman Lewis loved to visit the main post office in Atlanta,” said Linda Earley Chastang, Interim President, the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. “I remember one time he went there during the holiday rush just to say ‘thank you.’ They surprised Congressman Lewis with a celebration of him. If you know John, you know that he stayed to shake hands and have a word with everyone at work that day!  They may not have gotten a lot of work done that afternoon. But, the Congressman was so happy and so humbled. Congressman Lewis so admired the hard work and dedication of postal workers  – through sleet, snarling dogs, snow, anthrax and now COVID. By naming the post office after him, he will be forever associated with the people who work there. He would be so honored!”

Click here to read the text of the legislation. 

CONTACT: PressGA05@mail.house.gov

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