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ShareWebb Introduces Bill to Establish Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission
Legislation aims to ensure suitable commemoration for Civil War’s 150th anniversary
November 3, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senators Jim Webb (D-VA) and Mary L. Landrieu (D-LA) introduced the Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission Act of 2009 on October 22 to establish a Commission to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The legislation has been referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee of which Senator Landrieu is a member.
“As someone with ancestors who fought on both sides of the American Civil War, its 150th Anniversary has personal significance,” said Senator Webb. “It is important that all Americans are aware of the many sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians alike, for which we emerged a stronger, more diverse and free nation. The intention of this commission is to ensure the proper recognition of the sesquicentennial, building upon previous legislative efforts to support education and commemoration of this turning point in American history.”
Consisting of 25 members from government, business and academia, this commission will develop and carry out programs to ensure suitable national observance of the anniversary. The commission will work together with state and local governments, as well as various organizations, to assist with commemoration activities and ensure that remembrance occurs at every level.
Last week, Senator Webb secured the full $9 million in funding he requested for the Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program (CWPP) through the FY 2010 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The legislation, passed in the Senate, now goes to the President to be signed into law.
Webb has been a leader in the Senate on a number of measures to protect and expand Virginia’s battlefields and national parks, provide federal designations for historic sites, and to maintain current landmarks. In 2007, he introduced the Civil War Battlefield Preservation Act in the Senate to reauthorize the program for another 5 years. The measure was included in the Omnibus Public Lands Bill of 2008, and signed into law by President Obama in March 2009.