[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 25 (Thursday, March 2, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         WOODROW WILSON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AUTHORIZATION ACT

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                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 2, 2006

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce the Woodrow 
Wilson Presidential Library Authorization Act.
  As a statesman, scholar, and President, Woodrow Wilson faced economic 
crisis, democratic decay, and a world war. Presidential historians 
agree that World War I, and President Wilson's leadership, radically 
altered the role of diplomacy as a tool of foreign policy--a policy 
that established a new path for America's role in promoting democracies 
throughout the world. So too did Wilson's high-minded ideals craft a 
legacy that shaped the powers and responsibilities of the Executive 
Branch in times of war.
  As a professor and president of Princeton University, Wilson created 
a more selective and accountable system for higher education. By 
instituting curriculum reform, Wilson revolutionized the roles of 
teachers and students and quickly made Princeton one of the most 
renowned universities in the world. Due to Wilson's legacy at 
Princeton, I am pleased to have the support of current President 
Shirley Tilghman as we seek to establish a Presidential library and 
museum at Wilson's birthplace in Virginia.
  On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson went before a joint 
session of Congress to seek a Declaration of War against Germany, for 
``The world must be safe for democracy.'' Eighty-eight years later, we 
continue to champion that right of mankind.
  In order to increase the awareness and understanding of the life, 
principles and accomplishments of the 28th President of the United 
States, I ask that you join me in co-sponsoring legislation that will 
enable the construction of a Presidential Library and Museum dedicated 
to Woodrow Wilson at his birthplace in Staunton, Virginia.
  Specifically, this legislation will make grants from the National 
Archives for the establishment of a Presidential Library to provide 
educational and interpretive services to honor the life of Woodrow 
Wilson. To ensure that a public-private partnership exists, my 
legislation also mandates that no grant shall be available for the 
establishment of this library until a private entity has raised at 
least twice the amount to be allocated by the Congress. Finally, once 
the library is complete, this legislation states that the Federal 
government shall have no role or responsibility for the operation of 
the library.
  In studying the life and times of the 28th President, we see how 
Woodrow Wilson affected and continues to influence how the United 
States responds to national and international crises. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this legislation that would 
establish the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library in Staunton, 
Virginia.

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