A Republican senator has halted a bipartisan effort to protect presidential memorials by blocking a bill that would require congressional approval before any such site could be demolished. The legislation, co-authored by senators from both parties, aimed to shield landmarks like the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials from destruction without explicit lawmaker consent. The objection came during a routine procedural vote, raising questions about the future of historic sites tied to past presidents. Supporters argue the measure would prevent unilateral changes to nationally significant memorials.
Mike Lee objected to the safeguard against the demolition of any presidential memorial Congress designatesUS politics live – latest updatesA Republican senator has blocked a bipartisan bill that would have prevented Donald Trump from demolishing the Kennedy Center without the approval of Congress.Mike Lee, of Utah, objected on Monday night when the Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley asked the Senate to pass the Protecting Presidential Memorials Act by unanimous consent. The bill, co-written with the Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski, would have banned the demolition of any presidential memorial designated by Congress, including the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, unless lawmakers explicitly approved it. Continue reading...
