Huffman on Trump Arch Approval: “We’re a Nation of Laws, Not Kings or Kangaroo Commissions”

Huffman on Trump Arch Approval: "We're a Nation of Laws, Not Kings or Kangaroo Commissions"

Washington, D.C. - Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the National Capital Planning Commission approved the final design of President Trump's proposed monumental arch. Huffman testified before the commission yesterday, urging members to reject the project.

"Two days after voters told Donald Trump exactly what they think of him, his hand-picked minions masquerading as commissioners signed off on a 250-foot monument to his ego at the gates of Arlington National Cemetery, towering over the grounds where Americans who actually sacrificed for this country are buried. It's an insult to their service, to the rule of law, and to the people this government is supposed to serve.

"As I told the commission, we're a nation of laws, not kings or kangaroo commissions. A rubber stamp from this commission does not put anyone above the law. Congress has not authorized this arch, and the administration's use of a century-old law authorizing a bridge to justify it is not a blank check for Trump to build whatever he wants. Every official who keeps this project moving and every firm that signs on to build it should understand the legal risk they're taking on.

"If Trump wants a tribute to himself, he can build one at one of his glitzy resorts or private golf clubs. But the ground between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington belongs to the American people and the families who have buried loved ones there.

"Come January, a new Congress will demand answers from the people enabling this abuse of our public lands and our laws. Anyone foolish enough to treat this vote as permission to bulldoze should understand: the oversight and accountability coming from the next Congress won't stop at the White House door."

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