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

Official Congressional Record (opens in a new tab)

Bruce Westerman, AR

Republican
“I am managing this bill on the floor. I want the House to suspend normal rules and pass the bill. The bill would add a historic house in Virginia to the National Park System.”
39% shorter Analysis
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 support this bill. The bill honors a great American. His house should be recognized. But the federal government won't take over the property or pay for it. That's why I want this bill to pass.”
80% shorter Analysis
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
“This bill is a good idea. I support it. This house should get this recognition. It meets all the rules for it. The Senate is playing games. They passed their own bill. They should have passed ours. I want this bill to pass.”
88% shorter Analysis
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

Linked statement

“I want this bill to pass. That's all I have to say.”
85% shorter Analysis
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.

More from issue 144

All 73 items ·
  1. House of Representatives Recognizing Donna Mills 4 statements
  2. House of Representatives Recognizing the Sudanese-American Iowa National Soccer Team Club 3 statements
  3. House of Representatives Remembering Father Vincent Robert Capodanno 2 statements
  4. House of Representatives Pending Retirement 3 statements
  5. House of Representatives Honoring Chris Fisher 4 statements
  6. House of Representatives Land Conveyance, Fort Bragg, Harnett County, North Carolina 4 statements
  7. House of Representatives Advisory Committee on the Records of Congress Sunset Act 4 statements
  8. House of Representatives Gpo Modernization Act of 2026 5 statements
  9. House of Representatives Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act 5 statements
  10. House of Representatives Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act 5 statements
  11. House of Representatives Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act 4 statements
  12. House of Representatives National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act of 2025 4 statements
  13. House of Representatives National Park System Long-Term Lease Investment Act 5 statements
  14. House of Representatives Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act 5 statements
  15. House of Representatives Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Clarification Act 5 statements
  16. House of Representatives Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand 4 statements
  17. House of Representatives Transfer of Administrative Jurisdiction over Certain Federal Land in the State of California 4 statements
  18. House of Representatives Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025 5 statements
  19. House of Representatives Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025 5 statements
  20. House of Representatives National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025 4 statements
  21. House of Representatives Providing for the Equitable Settlement of Certain Indian Land Disputes Regarding Land in Illinois, and for Other Purposes 5 statements
  22. House of Representatives Advancing Water Research and Collaboration Act of 2025 6 statements
  23. House of Representatives Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act 4 statements
  24. House of Representatives Barbara L. Cubin National Historic Trails Interpretive Center 4 statements
  25. House of Representatives Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2026 4 statements
  26. House of Representatives Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act 4 statements
  27. House of Representatives Establishment of the General George C. Marshall House as an Affiliated Area 4 statements
  28. House of Representatives National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act 4 statements
  29. House of Representatives Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (Waters) Act 6 statements
  30. House of Representatives Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act of 2026 7 statements
  31. House of Representatives Common Cents Act 6 statements
  32. House of Representatives Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception Act of 2026 6 statements
  33. House of Representatives Fostering the Use of Technology to Uphold Regulatory Effectiveness in Supervision Act 8 statements
  34. House of Representatives Whistleblower Protection Act of 2025 3 statements
  35. House of Representatives Directing the President, Pursuant to Section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to Remove United States Armed Forces from Hostilities with Iran 16 statements
  36. House of Representatives Recognizing Trucker Appreciation Week 8 statements
  37. Senate Elections 5 statements
  38. Senate Unanimous Consent Request--S. 5389 (Executive Calendar) 5 statements
  39. Senate 25th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 Attacks 4 statements