Pearce Expresses Disappointment Regarding National Parks Service Decision Permanently Closing Statue of Liberty Crown

Pearce Expresses Disappointment Regarding National Parks Service Decision Permanently Closing Statue of Liberty Crown
Parks Subcommittee Chairman may schedule hearings in September

Washington, D.C., Aug 9 -

House National Parks Subcommittee Chairman Steve Pearce (NM, 2nd District) expressed his disappointment today regarding the decision announced by the National Park Service (NPS) that it has permanently closed public access to the Statue of Liberty's crown. The NPS issued this determination through a letter signed by NPS Director Fran Mainella responding to the inquiries of New York Senator Charles Schumer, New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez, and New York Congressman Anthony Weiner.

"While I respect the Park Service's justified concern for public safety, I am disappointed with their apparent decision to stop trying- a determination they made without consulting the New York congressional delegation. Continuing advances in technology and techniques always hold out hope that we can re-open this cherished symbol of our freedom.

"As we fight the War on Terror, Americans have a right to hear something better from their National Park Service than the implied message of this letter, which is 'never.'"

Rep. Pearce indicated that he may schedule hearings on this matter when Congress returns from the August District Work Period in September.

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http://pearce.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=48353