S.675 - Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Museum Artifacts Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Museum Artifacts Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide grants to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation, up to $50 million, for the establishment of the Library in Medora, North Dakota. These grants are contingent upon the Foundation raising $100 million from non-federal sources or contributions from the State of North Dakota. The Act also allows the Secretary to loan federal artifacts and objects related to Theodore Roosevelt to the Foundation.
Expected Effects
The Act aims to enhance the preservation and public accessibility of materials related to Theodore Roosevelt's life and legacy. It will also provide educational services related to Roosevelt's life. The library's operation will remain non-federal, ensuring local control and management.
Potential Benefits
- Preservation of historical artifacts and materials related to Theodore Roosevelt.
- Enhanced public access to educational resources about Roosevelt's life and presidency.
- Potential for increased tourism and economic activity in Medora, North Dakota.
- Encourages private and state funding for cultural and educational initiatives.
- Supports the mission of the National Park Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service by providing a venue to display artifacts not currently on public display.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misuse of federal funds if the Foundation does not meet its matching requirements or mismanages the grants.
- Opportunity cost of allocating $50 million to this project, as those funds could be used for other federal programs.
- Limited scope of impact, primarily benefiting a specific region and a specific historical figure.
- Possible administrative burden on the Secretary of the Interior and federal agencies involved in loaning artifacts.
- The act does not address the long-term financial sustainability of the library beyond the initial establishment phase.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble), as it promotes education and cultural preservation. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to appropriate funds for general welfare purposes. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The matching requirement ensures some degree of state and private support, reducing the burden on federal taxpayers.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).