Washington DC - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation authored by Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Queens & Brooklyn) to reopen the Statue of Liberty in her entirety for the first time since 9/11. Lady Liberty is the only national park that remains closed since the attacks.  

While the Statue’s base, pedestal, and observation deck were reopened in August 2004, her crown – and the observation deck it houses – remain closed.  Lady Liberty’s crown is the only site overseen by the National Park Service that has yet to re-open since 9/11.  The National Park Service overseas such sites as the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. 

The Interior Department’s failure to reopen Lady Liberty has had a profound impact on New York City’s economy.   Since her crown was closed to the public, the Statue has seen a 40.8% drop in visitors.  This loss of 2.24 million tourists has cost New Yorkers millions in lost economic benefits. 

“The House of Representatives has spoken, and the National Park Service should promptly restore the Statue of Liberty to her full glory,” said Rep. Weiner.