Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven announced that the U.S. Senate has passed legislation he introduced to support the creation of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. The bipartisan bill, cosponsored by Senators Kevin Cramer, Richard Blumenthal, Martin Heinrich, and Mitt Romney in the Senate and sponsored by then-Congressman Kelly Armstrong in the House, aims to authorize the Department of the Interior to provide grants for establishing the library.

The proposed legislation draws inspiration from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum model in Springfield, Illinois. It authorizes using materials related to Abraham Lincoln and allocated $50 million over five years under fiscal year 2001 appropriations legislation for its establishment.

Key provisions of Hoeven's bill include requiring non-federal funds to match federal grants at a 2:1 ratio and prohibiting federal grants from being used for maintenance or operations of the interpretive center.

“As President Teddy Roosevelt proudly claimed, he would not have ascended to the presidency had it not been for his formative years in North Dakota,” said Senator Hoeven. “It is fitting that we establish this presidential library, which will commemorate his life and work, adjacent to the national park that bears his name."

Senator Kevin Cramer added that "a year and a half from now, North Dakotans and visitors from around the world are going to be able to see the story of our 26th President." He emphasized that "this legislation is going to help immerse visitors in Theodore Roosevelt’s world as they view artifacts from every era of his life."

The bill is part of Hoeven's ongoing efforts as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. His previous initiatives include passing legislation enabling land purchase by the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation for constructing a library and museum in Billings County. Additionally, he secured support through Interior appropriations for loans of historic artifacts held by Smithsonian institutions for display at this new library.