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(Washington, D.C.) U.S. Rep. Mike Ross (AR-04) Thursday announced that H.R. 4192, legislation which designates the William J. Clinton Birthplace Home as a National Historic Site and Unit of the National Park System, passed overwhelmingly in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 409 - 12. This legislation, introduced by Ross, will designate Clinton’s Birthplace Home in Hope, Arkansas as one of 32 Presidential Sites of the National Park Service to be operated, maintained, and staffed by the National Park Service.
“The naming of the William J. Clinton Birthplace Home in Hope as part of the National Park Service is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. This is not about partisan politics. This is about preserving our history, a Presidential legacy, for not only the City of Hope and Southwest Arkansas, but also for the State of Arkansas and the United States. The placement of the home on the National Park Registry will create jobs and boost tourism in Hope and the surrounding communities,” said Ross.
“As a 1979 graduate of Hope High School and a representative for the people of Hope, I took a personal interest in ensuring Clinton’s Birthplace home joins the ranks of the other 32 Presidential sites on the National Park Registry. As a Member of Congress, I believe that every Presidential Birthplace Democrat and Republican alike, if still standing, should be preserved as a part of history for future generations to experience,” continued Ross.
“Today, the home is a tourist attraction with visitors from all 50 states and around the world to the credit of the privately run Clinton Birthplace Foundation. American Presidents are a hallmark of our society. We place a great significance on the homes of Presidents because they are a part of our nation’s history. This is where our Presidents formed their core beliefs and value systems that shaped their decisions in the nation’s highest office – the Office of the President. The birthplace home of President William Jefferson Clinton holds a piece of our presidential history, and it is only fitting for it to be designated as a National Historic Site,” said Ross.
Since Ross entered office in 2001, he has worked with the City of Hope and the Clinton Birthplace Foundation to ensure that President Clinton’s birthplace would be preserved for generations to come. In addition to the full, bipartisan support of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation, H.R. 4192 also enjoys the support of Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo (CA-11) and House Speaker Dennis Hastert (IL-14). Additionally, Ross has received letters of support from Governor Mike Huckabee and Clinton’s former Chief of Staff, Mack McLarty. This legislation must be approved by the Senate and signed by President Bush before becoming law. |
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