Hoeven Statement After House Natural Resources Committee Approves His Theodore Roosevelt Library Bill

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after the House Natural Resources Committee approved his legislation to support the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora. The Senate approved Hoeven’s bill in June and since then, the senator has been working to advance the bill through the House of Representatives. “We appreciate the House Natural Resources Committee for approving our Theodore Roosevelt Library bill. This is a key step that advances our bill to the full House for consideration, the last hurdle before it can be signed into law,” said Hoeven. “The Theodore Roosevelt Library is truly a unique tribute to President Roosevelt that enables visitors to learn about the enduring impact of our Rough Rider president. Our legislation will provide funding for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and help ensure the library is able to display materials and artifacts that showcase President Roosevelt’s life and legacy for current and future generations.” Hoeven’s bipartisan bill, which is cosponsored by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N. Dak.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), would: Authorize the Department of the Interior to provide grants to the presidential library and support the display of federal materials. This legislation follows the model of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, located in Springfield, Ill. The fiscal year (FY) 2001 appropriations legislation authorized the use of materials and objects relating to Abraham Lincoln, as well as $50 million over five years, to establish that museum. 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. -###-