WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) re-introduced legislation today that would direct the Secretary of Interior to study whether it is feasible to include the Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site in Lamar, Missouri, as part of the Harry S Truman National Historic Site or as a separate entity within the National Park System.

“President Harry S Truman holds a special place in the hearts of Missourians.  Because the late President is a significant historic figure for our state and for our country, in the past, Congress has honored him by designating sites important to the President’s life under the National Park System.  His birthplace in Lamar, Missouri, however remains in control of the state of Missouri.

“Adding the President’s birthplace to the National Park System would add perhaps the most critical piece of Harry Truman’s life to the current group of national historic sites.  I am hopeful that the 111th Congress can enact this legislation and that the National Park Service’s study will proceed quickly and will yield favorable results.  Its addition to our federal system would not only honor Missouri’s favorite son, but it would help provide an economic boost to Barton County.”

          During the previous Congress, Congressman Skelton introduced the original version of this bill, H.R. 3265.  That bill was approved by the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands and was included as part of a larger, comprehensive federal lands bill, H.R. 3998.  On December 4, 2007, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 3998 by a vote of 326 to 79.  The legislation then moved to the Senate for approval, but the bill was not considered in that chamber prior to the close of the 110th Congress.

          On January 7, 2009, Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) introduced S. 22, a bill nearly identical to H.R. 3998.  S. 22 includes the Harry S Truman Birthplace Study Act.  While the Senate may consider S. 22 as soon as January 11, 2009, Congressman Skelton felt it was necessary to re-introduce the bill in the House in the event the Senate does not approve its new legislation.

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Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee . For further information, please contact Rebecca Loving or Whitney Frost at 202-225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton’s website at http://www.house.gov/skelton.