Establishment of A Visitor Services Facility on the Arlington Ridge Tract

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4789) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish a structure for visitor services on the Arlington Ridge tract, in the area of the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, and for other purposes.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 4789

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. DEFINITION.

In this Act, the term ``Arlington Ridge tract'' means the parcel of Federal land located in Arlington County, Virginia, known as the Nevius Tract and transferred to the Department of the Interior in 1953, that is bounded generally by--

(1) Arlington Boulevard (United States Route 50) to the north;

(2) Jefferson Davis Highway (Virginia Route 110) to the east;

(3) Marshall Drive to the south; and

(4) North Meade Street to the west. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF A VISITOR SERVICES FACILITY ON THE ARLINGTON RIDGE TRACT.

Notwithstanding section 2863(g) of Public Law 107-107, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to construct a structure for visitor services to include a public restroom facility on the Arlington Ridge tract in the area of the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the United States Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, honors the many members of the Marine Corps who have given their lives fighting for our country. This is one of the most popular memorials in the area, attracting over 1 million visitors annually and hosting several popular events, such as the Summer Sunset Parades and the Marine Corps Marathon.

Despite the popularity, the site only has portable toilets and no permanent bathroom facilities for visitors. This bipartisan, straightforward bill introduced by Congressman Don Beyer authorizes the construction of a visitor services center that includes permanent restroom facilities.

Due to a generous donation from billionaire David Rubenstein, this new visitor service center will come at no cost to the taxpayer. This new facility represents a more respectful and permanent solution to improve visitor experiences at this important site.

I urge the adoption of the measure.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this bill.

I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source