Hoeven Reintroduces Legislation to Advance Establishment of Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) today reintroduced his legislation to support the establishment of 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 establish the presidential library and support the display of materials.
- This legislation follows the model of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, located in Springfield, Ill., which authorized the use of materials and objects relating to Abraham Lincoln, as well as $50 million over five years for its establishment under fiscal year (FY) 2001 appropriations legislation.
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 secured the bill’s passage by the U.S. Senate during the 118th Congress, and the senator is reintroducing the legislation as the House did not act on the bill prior to the end of the last Congress.

“The legacy of Theodore Roosevelt is inseparable from the history of North Dakota, with his time in the Dakota Territory having fundamentally shaped his perspective and character,” 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. That’s exactly what we seek to help accomplish through our legislation.”

“Teddy Roosevelt’s life was so much more than his presidency,” said Senator Cramer. “Our bill will help bring artifacts held by the federal government to Medora. Visitors from around the world will be immersed in the life of our favorite Rough Rider and experience firsthand the Badlands that shaped him.”

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 U.S. Forest Service land in Billings County to construct a library and museum honoring the life and legacy of President Teddy Roosevelt.
Secure legislation in the Interior appropriations bill to support loans of historic artifacts for display at the library.

-###-