Adams Memorial Commission seeks reauthorization, new site option and matched federal funding

The subcommittee heard testimony on H.R. 2306, the Adams Memorial Great American Heroes Act, which would reauthorize the Adams Memorial Commission, add an additional site for consideration near the Ellipse and authorize federal appropriations up to $50,000,000 subject to a 1:1 private match.

Jackie Gingrich Cushman, chair of the Adams Memorial Commission, said the commission has completed organizational steps and is working with the Adams Memorial Foundation to raise private funds. Cushman described the Adams family’s historical role — John Adams, Abigail Adams and John Quincy Adams — and urged action to place a memorial that she said would address a gap in the National Mall’s representation of founding figures. She described the proposed parcel northeast of the Ellipse (a derelict visitors' pavilion footprint) as ‘‘perfect’’ for a memorial that would extend the north‑south commemorative axis and honor John Adams as the first President to live in the White House.

Cushman described financial guardrails in the bill: federal appropriations would be limited to $50 million and conditioned on a 1:1 private match; administrative costs would be capped at 4 percent. She said the commission does not anticipate requesting federal appropriations until the private fundraising and design phases are complete.

Supporters framed the bill as consistent with semiquincentennial goals of educating and unifying the nation. Several members, including Representative Molinar (house lead noted in the hearing), urged the committee to vote in favor and highlighted the commission’s bipartisan membership. No committee vote occurred at the hearing; Cushman said the commission will continue private fundraising and work with relevant agencies on site selection and design.