Cole introduces bipartisan proposal to fund, construct journalists’ memorial in D.C.

U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) is the lead original cosponsor of a bipartisan bill that aims to erect a memorial for journalists in the nation’s capital.

“Throughout our nation’s history, members of the press have gone to great lengths to keep the American people informed,” Rep. Cole said. “Indeed, many journalists have even put themselves in harm’s way to chase down a story and accurately report on current events.”

Rep. Cole on June 25 led 15 other original cosponsors in introducing the Fallen Journalists Memorial Act of 2019, H.R. 3465, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA) to authorize the Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation to collect funds to establish a memorial in Washington, D.C.

“In remembrance of the thousands we have tragically lost along the way, I am proud to join Congresswoman Napolitano in introducing legislation to honor their contributions, dedication and sacrifice,” he said.

U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) on Tuesday introduced the same-named S. 1969 companion bill.

The proposal would task the foundation with planning the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the memorial in cooperation with the National Parks Service (NPS), according to information provided by Rep. Cole’s office, which noted that since 1837, more than 2,000 journalists have died supporting a free press.

Currently, the Newseum in Washington, D.C., honors the sacrifices of journalists, but the facility is scheduled to close at the end of 2019.

H.R. 3465 is under consideration by the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee while S. 1969 is being reviewed by the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.