America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. ONDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in favor of H.R. 1945, America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act.

This legislation will formally recognize America's National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri, as a national historic landmark, a designation long overdue and deeply deserved.

Nearly 80 years ago this week, in 1946, Westminster College hosted one of the most consequential speeches of the 20th century: Winston Churchill's ``Sinews of Peace,'' better known as the Iron Curtain speech. With President Harry Truman at his side, Churchill warned the world of the division descending over Europe. Many historians marked that moment as the beginning of the Cold War. It was also a call to defend democracy, restore alliances, and uphold freedom.

To honor Churchill's words and legacy, Westminster College embarked on an extraordinary project. Rather than erecting a statue or plaque, the college acquired, transported, and reconstructed a Christopher Wren-designed church from London, a building more than 900 years old. St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury, survived the great fire of London in 1666, was rebuilt by Wren, and was nearly destroyed again during the blitz of World War II. Its walls stood in ruin for two decades before being shipped stone by stone across the Atlantic and rebuilt in Fulton as a memorial to Churchill's leadership.

This building is more than an architectural marvel. It is a symbol of resilience, partnership, and the enduring fight for freedom. Built by the British, bombed by the Germans, and rebuilt by the American Midwest, it stands as a powerful testament to our shared history and values.

Over the decades, the site has continued to shape history. Presidents Reagan and Gorbachev, Prime Minister Thatcher, and other leaders have stood at Westminster College to address the world on peace, security, and democracy using the same lectern Churchill used in 1946. The museum also houses Churchill's own annotated draft of his Iron Curtain speech, rare artifacts, and a sculpture crafted from sections of the Berlin Wall.

In 1972, the museum was added to the National Register of Historic Places and was formally renamed by Congress in 2009 as ``America's National Churchill Museum.'' H.R. 1945 will elevate that recognition to the level of national historic landmark. This is more than a title. It is a commitment to preserve the site, support education, and honor the unique role this institution plays in telling our Nation's history.

At a time when we continue to grapple with challenges to freedom and democracy around the world, there is no better moment to reinforce the lessons of Churchill's call to vigilance and cooperation. I thank Chairman Westerman and the Natural Resources Committee for their support.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this bill and ensure that America's National Churchill Museum receives the recognition it clearly merits as a national historic landmark.

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