HOUSE TO VOTE TODAY ON REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS’ POLK HOME HISTORIC PRESERVATION BILL

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on Congressman Scott DesJarlais’ legislation to study the feasibility of placing the James K. Polk Home in Columbia, Tennessee, under National Park Service (NPS) protection.

    The Interior Department study would be a major step towards supporting the local charity that maintains the property, where the eleventh U.S. president lived as a young man, while beginning his political career. It is his only surviving private residence, which receives some state assistance.

    However, NPS support would help its caretakers improve the property, including a museum, and more Americans to enjoy Tennessee history and downtown Columbia, according to the James K. Polk Memorial Association, the charity. Representatives DesJarlais and Marsha Blackburn represent the area in Congress.

    In the House, Rep. Blackburn is a co-sponsor of the James K. Polk Presidential Home Study Act. Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander sponsored companion legislation in the Senate. The House will likely approve its version on Monday under special rules to hasten passage.

    The Memorial Association and Columbia city leaders requested Rep. DesJarlais’ attention to the issue. For several years, he has worked to turn their hopes into reality, he said. “We’re all so proud of our rich Tennessee history and want future generations to share our enthusiasm for President Polk and great Tennesseans who shaped the United States with hard work, patriotism and perseverance," said Rep. DesJarlais.

    “I am certain Columbia’s future will be as impressive as the city’s past.”

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