James Robinson, chief of Thompson Valley EMS and a board member of the National EMS Memorial Foundation, testified in support of H.R. 2196, a bill to extend the legislative authority for the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs. The Foundation said it needs more time to complete site selection and design work.

Robinson described the foundation’s mission and the annual remembrance events for EMS providers who died in the line of duty. "What is missing and still is missing is a permanent place for hosting these events for private reflections...throughout the year," Robinson said. He presented the memorial as a recognition of the commitment and sacrifice of EMS providers who respond around the clock.

Mike Caldwell told the subcommittee the Department of the Interior supports HR 2196 and said the Foundation has made "significant progress" but needs additional time. Caldwell stated the bill would extend the foundation’s legislative authority—originally granted in public law—and that the extension would give the foundation the certainty needed to complete the memorial. Caldwell also noted the Foundation had received unanimous support from the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission.

No formal action was taken at the hearing. Witnesses said the foundation had narrowed potential sites to three, with a preferred location near Third and Independence SW in Washington, D.C., and said additional time is needed to advance design and construction planning under the Commemorative Works Act process.