Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven has reintroduced legislation aimed at establishing the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. The bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by Senators Kevin Cramer and Richard Blumenthal, seeks to authorize the Department of the Interior to provide grants for the library's establishment and support material displays.

The proposed legislation follows a model similar to that of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois. It would require non-federal funds to match federal grants on a 2:1 basis and prohibit federal grants from being used for maintenance or operations.

Hoeven had previously secured Senate passage of this bill during the 118th Congress, but it was not acted upon by the House before Congress ended. "The legacy of Theodore Roosevelt is inseparable from the history of North Dakota," said Senator Hoeven. "Between the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and this new presidential library, our state will honor his life and his lasting contributions to our nation."

Senator Cramer added, "Teddy Roosevelt’s life was so much more than his presidency. Our bill will help bring artifacts held by the federal government to Medora."

This effort is part of Hoeven's broader initiative to establish the presidential library. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he has worked on legislation enabling land purchases in Billings County for constructing a library and museum dedicated to President Teddy Roosevelt.