WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) and Sens. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) have presented the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Act , a bipartisan effort seeking federal support for the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL) in Medora, North Dakota.
The journey toward establishing the library has faced various challenges, including funding shortages and bureaucratic complexities. The proposed act aims to address these obstacles and move the project forward.
Reps. Armstrong and Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) introduced the act in the House of Representatives, while Sens. Hoeven, Cramer, Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced it in the Senate. This legislative move marks a new phase in the ongoing efforts to establish the library, adding a federal dimension to the initiative.
The bill's primary objective is to authorize funding for the ongoing construction of the TRPL and ensure the preservation of Roosevelt’s history and legacy. It includes provisions enabling the TRPL Foundation to enter into interagency agreements aimed at preserving and exhibiting Roosevelt-associated federal curatorial collections that are currently in storage.
Presidential libraries serve as repositories of historical artifacts, documents and records. By securing federal funding for the TRPL, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Act aims to ensure that the project receives support and resources in line with established precedent for presidential libraries.
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“This legislation would be instrumental in completing the Library’s construction and help us achieve our goal of opening in time for our nation’s 250th-anniversary celebration,” said Edward O’Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
Theodore "Ted" Roosevelt V, the great-great-grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt, emphasized the act's role in serving future generations.
“Preserving Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy isn’t just about honoring the past, it’s about shaping the future,” he said. “With the approval of this legislation, Congress will help ensure that the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library will be a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all of the values of conservation, leadership and courage that define our national character. My family and I are grateful to the congressional delegation for spearheading this effort.”
Gov. Doug Burgum also praised the bipartisan effort.
“Building on the substantial and essential investments from the state of North Dakota and private donors, this legislation represents a historic opportunity to honor President Roosevelt’s legacy and inspire future generations to embody his values of conservation, leadership and public service,” he said.
Edward O’Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, underscored the role the legislation would have in advancing the completion of the library and its mission to commemorate Roosevelt’s enduring legacy.
“We are grateful for the support from the North Dakota congressional delegation as well as the state of North Dakota and private benefactors who have made this project possible,” he said. “This legislation would be pivotal to the project’s development and establish the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library as the nation’s premier institution for bringing the legacy of this 20th-century president to a 21st-century citizenry.”
Committees of both the House of Representatives and the Senate will host hearings and discussions over the bill before advancing it to the floor of each chamber for further debate and voting.
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Members of Congress will have the opportunity to discuss the bill and propose additional changes before a final vote is taken. Should there be discrepancies between the versions passed by the House and the Senate, a conference committee may be convened to reconcile differences.
If both chambers approve identical versions of the bill, it will be sent to the president for to be either vetoed or signed into law.
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