WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) announced today that Congress has approved H.R. 146, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, a bipartisan package that includes more than 160 individual measures dealing with federal lands and waters.

          H.R. 146 incorporates the Harry S. Truman Birthplace Study Act, which would direct the Secretary of Interior to study whether it is feasible to include the Harry S. Truman Birthplace State Historic Site in Lamar, Missouri, as part of the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site or as a separate entity within the National Park System.  Congressman Skelton re-introduced the Harry S. Truman Birthplace Study Act in the 111th Congress on January 8, 2009. 

“After a long legislative journey, I am pleased that Congress has approved this public lands package, which includes my legislation designed to further honor the life and legacy of Missouri’s favorite son, President Harry S. Truman.  I have every reason to believe that the President will sign the bill into law so that the National Park Service can begin this long overdue study about the Truman birthplace site,” said Skelton.

          After H.R. 146 was approved by Congress, Congressman Skelton sent a letter to the Acting Director of the National Park Service, urging him to expedite the Harry S. Truman Birthplace study. 

          H.R. 146, which replaces an earlier version of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 285 to 140.  On March 19, 2009, the U.S. Senate approved the bill by a vote of 77 to 20.  The bill will now be sent to the President’s desk for his signature.  

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Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee . For further information, please contact Rebecca Loving or Whitney Frost at 202-225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton’s website at http://www.house.gov/skelton.