A bipartisan proposal intended to prevent the demolition of the Kennedy Center faced a setback in the U.S. Senate on Monday after a Republican senator blocked an attempt to fast-track the legislation.
The bill sought to require congressional approval before any presidential memorial established through an act of Congress, including the Kennedy Center, could be demolished.
The measure was introduced by Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley and received support from lawmakers from both parties, including Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski and Democratic Senators Jack Reed, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Chris Van Hollen.
Sen. Mike Lee speaks during a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in on September 29 in Washington, DC. Win McNamee/Getty Images/File
Supporters attempted to move the legislation forward through a unanimous consent request, a Senate procedure that allows bills to advance quickly if no senator objects. However, Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah opposed the request, effectively preventing the proposal from advancing through that process.
The debate comes amid recent controversy surrounding the Kennedy Center. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump was photographed reviewing a poster that reportedly included the words “Kennedy Center Demolished.” Later, his administration informed a judge that the Washington-based arts institution would need to close because of what it described as structural deterioration.
Speaking on the Senate floor, Merkley argued that the legislation was intended to safeguard congressional authority and preserve memorials established by federal law.
He said the bill was about protecting the rule of law, maintaining the separation of powers, and preserving a national memorial dedicated to former President John F. Kennedy.
Senator Lee objected to both the measure and further discussion of it on the Senate floor. He did not publicly explain the reasons for his opposition during the proceedings.
As a result, the legislation remains stalled, and its supporters will need to pursue other avenues if they wish to advance the proposal in the future.
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