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Senate committee adopts amendment urging federal restoration of SS United States; some members oppose use of federal funds
Summary
The Senate Rules Committee on May 19 adopted an amendment and advanced Senate Joint Memorial 10 urging federal purchase and restoration of the ocean liner SS United States, specifying funds transferred from the U.S. Department of Defense.
SALEM, Ore. — The Senate Committee on Rules on May 19 adopted an amendment and advanced Senate Joint Memorial 10 urging the president and Congress to purchase and restore the ocean liner SS United States and to designate it as a national landmark.
The dash‑1 amendment the committee adopted changed language to urge use of funds transferred from the U.S. Department of Defense for the restoration and adjusted wording about the landmark designation and timing for restoration. The amendment passed on a committee roll call vote in which Senator Golden, Senator Patrick, Vice Chair Bonham and the chair voted aye and Senator Manning voted no.
Why it mattered
Proponents described the measure as a preservation effort for an historic vessel and suggested the ship could be an educational and tourist asset. Senator Starr and others said designating and restoring the vessel would honor historical service and create a public attraction.
Opponents' arguments
Senator Manning and others objected that the memorial has no direct benefit to Oregonians and expressed concerns about asking for federal funds at a time when they said Oregon needs federal resources for urgent state needs. Manning told the committee, “this proposal has no connections with Oregon … I cannot get behind this.” Another senator expressed concern about directing Department of Defense funds to the project.
Committee action
Vice Chair Bonham moved and the committee adopted the dash‑1 amendment; the committee then voted to advance SJM 10 to the Senate floor with the committee’s recommendation. The committee record shows a division among members on whether requesting federal funds for a non‑Oregon project was appropriate, but the amendment and the referral to the floor both passed in committee.
What’s next
SJM 10 will go to the Senate floor with the committee’s recommendation. The memorial urges federal action but does not create a state appropriation or direct state funds toward the project.
