Senate Passes Hoeven Legislation for Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) today secured Senate passage of his legislation to support the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Hoeven’s bipartisan bill, which is cosponsored by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) 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. Hoeven previously passed the bill in the Senate during the 118th Congress and reintroduced the legislation as the House did not act on the bill prior to the end of the last Congress. “Teddy Roosevelt is an iconic individual in the history of the United States. He embodies the frontier spirit, and his life’s work is pivotal to our state and nation’s heritage of outdoorsmanship. These qualities were largely shaped by his time in the Dakota Badlands, and it is fitting that we are establishing his presidential library in Medora. Our legislation helps advance this effort, providing funding for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and supporting the display of materials and artifacts to outline his life and legacy for current and future generations. We appreciate our Senate colleagues for joining us in passing this bill, and we look forward to moving it through the House,” said Hoeven. The bill comes as part of 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 93 acres of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land in Billings County to construct a library and museum honoring the life and legacy of President Teddy Roosevelt. Hoeven worked with local and state officials and the Medora Grazing Association to negotiate the legislation and find an agreement for the land purchase. The agreement ensured the availability of acres for grazing and included a written commitment from the USFS to maintain the Medora Grazing Association contract for its full 10-year term. Secure legislation in the Interior appropriations bill to support loans of historic artifacts for display at the library. -###-