James K. Polk Presidential Home Study Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, as mentioned, the James K. Polk Presidential Home Study Act would require the Department of the Interior to study adding our 11th President's only surviving residence to the National Park Service. The aim of my bill is to help the charity that currently maintains the property in Columbia, Tennessee, to preserve it for future generations.

Two hundred years ago, Columbia was a frontier town in a new State. Nobody knew the United States would eventually stretch from sea to shining sea, but James Polk had confidence and vision.

He was a country lawyer who rose from the Tennessee State house to the Governor's office, then to the House of Representatives here in Congress. James Polk was the only Speaker of the House to ever be elected President.

Polk oversaw the establishment of the U.S. Naval Academy, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Department of the Interior.

Most importantly, he fulfilled his promise to Western settlers to expand the country's boundaries to the Pacific. Without James Polk's contributions, the United States might not look like it does today, a strong, prosperous Nation spanning a continent.

The outcome was not always certain; however, today, we enjoy the fruits of President Polk's often overlooked legacy. Many historians consider him to be the most successful pre-Civil War President. People in Columbia consider him a local hero. He is a national hero and deserves a place of honor in our National Park System.

I appreciate Representative Marsha Blackburn's support for my legislation to accomplish this goal. I also thank Senator Lamar Alexander, who has offered companion legislation in the Senate, and we all anticipate progress.

I want to thank the Columbia city leaders and the many volunteers who have tirelessly worked on this project and helped bring this issue to my attention. We all look forward to its continued prosperity and recognition.

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