Establishing the Adams Memorial Commission

Floor Speech

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Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1220) to establish the Adams Memorial Commission to carry out the provisions of Public Law 107-62, and for other purposes, as amended.

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Mr. Speaker, several of the central figures in the winning of American independence and the founding of our constitutional republic are given short shrift among the memorials in this capital city, and none among them is more deserving than John Adams.

By all accounts, he was the animating figure in pushing the Continental Congress to declare independence; he was indefatigable in the prosecution of the war, both from stations at home and from Europe; and is our first vice president under Washington; and as our second President, he established many of the traditions and policies that set our course.

Public Law 107-62 authorized the nonprofit Adams Memorial Foundation to establish a memorial to John Adams in the District of Columbia under the Commemorative Works Act and to collect private donations for that purpose. No Federal funds can be used for the memorial.

The foundation has developed initial design concept, it has conducted location reviews, and coordinated with Congress, the National Park Service, and other stakeholders, but it has not yet been able to select a site, design the memorial, receive the approvals, or raise sufficient funds for construction.

Under the Commemorative Works Act, the foundation's authority to erect a memorial expires in December of 2020.

H.R. 1220, by Congressman Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts, would transfer that authority to the Adams Memorial Commission.

The commission would have all the powers and responsibilities of the foundation and would consist of 12 members. Its authority to erect a memorial will expire in 7 years, consistent was the CWA timeline.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for adoption of the measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers and I am ready to close.

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Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I just want to compliment Congressman Lynch and thank him on behalf of the Nation for keeping this memorial alive and keeping its momentum going.

This is highly deserved, it is long overdue, and this measure takes us another step toward the recognition of one of America's greatest Founding Fathers.

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