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Explain The Law
USA Federal Legislation Simplified

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Act

S. 675
Jun 22, 2026
S. 675
Jun 22, 2026

Summary

Allows the government to give money and lend historical items to help build the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota.

What problem does this solve?

Building a presidential library for Theodore Roosevelt is a big project that needs a lot of money and historical items. This act helps by giving up to $50 million and lending government-owned artifacts for the library.

What does this bill do?

Authorizes federal grants for the library
Allows the Secretary of the Interior to provide up to $50 million in grants to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation for the library's establishment.
Requires private fundraising first
Prohibits federal grants from being provided until the foundation shows it has raised at least $100 million from the state of North Dakota or other non-federal sources.
Allows loan of federal artifacts
Permits the Secretary of the Interior to arrange loans of historical artifacts from agencies like the National Park Service to the library, at no cost to the foundation.
Restricts use of grant funds
Specifies that the federal grant money can only be used for establishing the library, not for its ongoing maintenance or operational costs.
Ensures non-federal operation
States that the federal government will not be involved in operating the library unless requested by the library's non-federal operators.

Who does this affect?

  • Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation
  • Historians and researchers
  • Residents of North Dakota

What is the real world impact?

•
Honors a former president's legacy
Helps create a place to preserve and teach the public about the life and impact of President Theodore Roosevelt, ensuring his contributions are not forgotten.
•
Uses public funds for a private project
Commits up to $50 million of taxpayer money to a library that will not be operated by the federal government. Critics might question if this is the best use of public funds, even with the private fundraising requirement.

When does this start?

The provisions of this act would take effect as soon as it is signed into law, but some actions have specific deadlines.
Agreement for artifact loans
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to potentially enter into agreements for loaning federal artifacts within 180 days after the act becomes law.