WASHINGTON, D.C. – (June 23, 2021) – The U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks today held a legislative hearing on S.172, the National Medal of Honor Monument Act. The bill would authorize the creation of a national monument in Washington, D.C., recognizing the Medal of Honor – the nation’s highest military award for valor in combat – and the service and sacrifice of its fewer than 4,000 recipients.
The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) in February. The bill is accompanied by H.R.1664, which was introduced by Reps. Marc Veasey (D-Texas) and Blake Moore (R-Utah).
Following the hearing, National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation (NMOHMF) President and CEO James T. Connors released the following statement:
“The NMOHMF is delighted Congress is continuing to make progress on the National Medal of Honor Monument. When signed into law, the bill would establish a monument in our nation’s capital paying tribute to those who have earned the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest recognition for military valor, and the values it represents – courage, sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, integrity, and commitment. Sincere thanks to Senators Cornyn and Kaine for their leadership on this unifying and completely bipartisan project. We look forward to working with all members in the House and Senate to get this bill passed this year.”
The hearing follows a U.S. House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands hearinglast month on the National Medal of Honor Monument Act, in which the NMOHMF testified in support of the House version of the bill. No federal funds will be used to create the monument. The NMOHMF will be responsible for raising funds to cover the expenses associated with the project.
The creation of the Monument in Washington, D.C. will complement the future National Medal of Honor Museum, to be built in Arlington, Texas. The Museum is expected to break ground within a year, with an anticipated opening in 2024.
