Senate ENR Committee Approves Hoeven Legislation Supporting Establishment of Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

Senate ENR Committee Approves Hoeven Legislation Supporting Establishment of Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill Authorizes Grants to Support Preservation & Display of Materials at TR Library in North Dakota

WASHINGTON - At a meeting of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee today, Senator John Hoeven secured committee approval of legislation he introduced to support the preservation and display of materials at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Hoeven's bipartisan, bicameral bill, which is cosponsored by Senators Kevin Cramer, Richard Blumenthal and Martin Heinrich in the U.S. Senate and sponsored by Congressman Kelly Armstrong in the U.S. House of Representatives, would:

• Authorize the Department of the Interior to provide grants to establish the presidential library and support the display of materials.
  • This legislation follows the model of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, located in Springfield, Ill., which authorized the use of materials and objects relating to Abraham Lincoln, as well as $50 million over five years for its establishment under fiscal year (FY) 2001 appropriations legislation.
• Require the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation to utilize non-Federal funds to provide a 2:1 match for each federal grant awarded.
• Prohibit the use of federal grants for maintenance or operations of the interpretive center.

"Our legislation supports the important mission of preserving and honoring the life and work of President Teddy Roosevelt," said Senator Hoeven. "This presidential library will be a tremendous asset to western North Dakota, while helping to educate the public about President Roosevelt's critical role in our state and nation's history. Having now secured approval by the Senate ENR Committee, we look forward to working with our colleagues in the full Senate and the House to get this bill passed into law."

"The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library promises to be one of a kind, much like the man himself," said Senator Cramer. "As a Rough Rider, governor, and president, his influence cannot be overstated. Today's markup brings us one step closer to securing funding for the library and transferring artifacts so visitors can learn more about his leadership and vision for our country."

"I am thrilled that the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Act," said Rep. Armstrong. "We are now one step closer to paying a fitting tribute to one of North Dakota's favorite adopted sons. I encourage my colleagues to support the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Act to preserve and honor President Roosevelt's legacy and dedication to conservation."

The bill's advancement comes as the latest in Hoeven's efforts to support the establishment of the presidential library, having worked as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee to:

• Sponsor and successfully pass legislation enabling the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation to purchase U.S. Forest Service land in Billings County to construct a library and museum honoring the life and legacy of President Teddy Roosevelt.
• Secure legislation in the Interior appropriations bill to support loans of historic artifacts currently held by the Smithsonian for display at the library.

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