Establishment of the General George C. Marshall House as an Affiliated Area

The House considered S. 603 under suspension of the rules. The bill designates the General George C. Marshall House in Leesburg, Virginia as an affiliated area of the National Park System, with the George C. Marshall International Center managing the site and the Interior Department able to provide technical and financial assistance. Mr. Westerman said the bill honors Marshall’s service and noted that a private group would continue to manage and fund the property, so it would not become federal land. Ms. Elfreth said the designation would give the home of an influential historical figure national recognition and access to federal support. Members spoke in support and the House passed the bill.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

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4 statements

Bruce Westerman, AR

Republican
“I want the House to pass this bill. It makes General George C. Marshall's house in Virginia an affiliated area of the National Park System.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 603) to designate the General George C. Marshall House, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, as an affiliated area of the National Park System, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:

Bruce Westerman, AR

Republican
“I want the House to pass this bill. It connects General George C. Marshall's home to the National Park System to honor his service. A private group will still manage and pay for the property, so it will not become federal land.”
Official Congressional Record

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 603, which would designate the George C. Marshall House in Virginia as an affiliated area of the National Park System. General George C. Marshall was a war hero, statesman, master strategist, and one of the most important figures in modern American history. From his distinguished service in both World Wars to his prominent role in shaping the postwar peace, he was the rare American whose service touched every dimension of national strength. This bill recognizes George Marshall’s legacy and ensures that Americans can continue to draw inspiration from his story by designating his historic home and estate as an affiliated area of the National Park System. This designation conveys honor and recognition while keeping the estate’s management and fiscal responsibilities within the George C. Marshall International Center. This bill does not put property under Federal management or add to the Federal estate. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Sarah Elfreth, MD

Democrat
“I want the House to pass this bill. It connects General George C. Marshall's historic home in Virginia to the National Park Service so the site can get federal support and recognition.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 603 would establish the General George C. Marshall House, the home of one of America’s most influential historical figures, as an affiliated area of the National Park System. This would provide a deserved national recognition and allow the George Marshall House to receive technical assistance and limited financial aid from the National Park Service. General Marshall lived at the residence in Leesburg, Virginia, between 1941 and 1959, critical years during his career. He held an impressive resume, serving as Chief of Staff of the Army, special envoy to China, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and president of the American Red Cross. He was renowned for organizing the Allied victory in World War II and for his dedication to rebuilding European economies and democracies through the Marshall Plan, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize. His home was designated a historical landmark in 1996 for the National Park Service, and then, after a 10-year, $7 million restoration, it became a public museum on Veterans Day in 2005. The home meets all requirements for designation as an affiliated area of the National Park System, and the designation authorized by S. 603 will ensure that the contributions and values of George Marshall are recognized and commemorated by all Americans. I cannot wait to visit. Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not mention that this is the second time that the House has passed this bill. Back in May of this year, we sent the Senate H.R. 1352, the House companion introduced by Representative Subramanyam. Instead of passing our bill and sending it to the President for his signature, the Senate passed its own version after a disconnect among Republican leadership. But we should not let this infighting get in the way of a good thing. Again, I thank Representative Subramanyam and all members of the George C. Marshall International Center for their dedication to preserving the history and legacy of General Marshall. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 603, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman, AR

Republican

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“I want the House to pass this bill.”
  • Speech on a bill

    Signal 22 of 100

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Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 603, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Yakym). The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, S. 603. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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