Bill Summary
The proposed legislation seeks to designate the General George C. Marshall House in Virginia as an affiliated area of the National Park System. This designation aims to enhance public appreciation of the significant contributions of George C. Marshall, a prominent U.S. military leader and statesman. The legislation outlines the specific area to be included, establishes the George C. Marshall International Center as the management entity, and allows the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical assistance and enter into cooperative agreements for the area's promotion and preservation. Importantly, the legislation clarifies that the Secretary will not have the authority to acquire property or take on overall financial responsibility for the area's management.
Possible Impacts
The legislation to designate the General George C. Marshall House as an affiliated area of the National Park System could affect people in various ways, including the following:
1. **Cultural and Historical Education**: By establishing the General George C. Marshall House as an affiliated area, the legislation promotes public appreciation and education regarding the significant contributions of George C. Marshall. This could lead to increased school trips, educational programs, and community events centered around the history of the house and its significance, enriching the cultural knowledge of visitors and residents alike.
2. **Economic Impact on Local Tourism**: The designation is likely to attract more tourists and history enthusiasts to the area, potentially boosting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. Increased visitor traffic may generate revenue for the local economy, creating job opportunities and encouraging development in the region.
3. **Preservation and Conservation Efforts**: The management of the General George C. Marshall House by the George C. Marshall International Center, along with potential financial assistance from the Secretary of the Interior, can lead to enhanced preservation efforts for the site. This could ensure that the historical integrity of the house is maintained, benefiting both current visitors and future generations who wish to learn about Marshall's legacy.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 603 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 603
To designate the General George C. Marshall House, in the Commonwealth
of Virginia, as an affiliated area of the National Park System, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 13, 2025
Mr. Kaine (for himself and Mr. Warner) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To designate the General George C. Marshall House, in the Commonwealth
of Virginia, as an affiliated area of the National Park System, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GENERAL GEORGE C. MARSHALL HOUSE AS AN
AFFILIATED AREA.
(a) In General.--The General George C. Marshall House in the
Commonwealth of Virginia is established as an affiliated area of the
National Park System (referred to in this section as the ``affiliated
area'') to promote public appreciation of the significant historic
contributions made by United States military leader and statesman
George Catlett Marshall, Jr.
(b) Description of Affiliated Area.--The affiliated area shall
consist of the area generally depicted as the ``General George C.
Marshall House Property, Leesburg, Virginia'' on the map entitled
``General George C. Marshall House, Proposed Affiliated Area'',
numbered 999/189,974, and dated September 2023.
(c) Administration.--The affiliated area shall be managed in a
manner consistent with--
(1) this section; and
(2) any law generally applicable to units of the National
Park System.
(d) Management Entity.--The George C. Marshall International Center
shall be the management entity for the affiliated area.
(e) Agreements.--The Secretary of the Interior (referred to in this
section as the ``Secretary'')--
(1) may provide technical assistance and enter into
cooperative agreements with the management entity designated by
subsection (d) for the purpose of providing financial
assistance for the marketing, marking, interpretation, and
preservation of the affiliated area; and
(2) shall enter into an agreement with the management
entity designated by subsection (d) that describes the roles
and responsibilities for the management of the affiliated area
consistent with the policies and standards that apply to units
of the National Park System.
(f) Limited Role of the Secretary.--Nothing in this section
authorizes the Secretary--
(1) to acquire property at the affiliated area; or
(2) to assume overall financial responsibility for the
operation, maintenance, or management of the affiliated area.
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