It is both an honor and exciting to share the history of Arlington House. I feel a responsibility to the ancestors to lift up their narrative. We are encouraged to currently have 100 cosponsors for the House legislation, H.J. Res. 76. Yet, our Congress is stuck on the inability of the left and right to have meaningful conversation that leads to meaningful governance on a variety of issues. This legislation will face a difficult road without the support of members who caucus with Republicans.  It is imperative to engage those members who will consider and understand the value of redesignating Arlington House as a National Historic Site so that both the name and the interpretation are not only educational, but also inclusive of the complex history of the site.

To that end, we are working to meet with Republican House members.  Our goal? To highlight the broad history of Arlington House and the importance of sharing it with the public.  There is a group of House members who have chosen to be members of the Problem Solvers Caucus.  The caucus is composed of both Republicans and Democrats who are "committed to advancing common-sense solutions to key issues facing our nation."

An example of a Problem Solvers Caucus member who is making a difference is Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE-02). After the death of George Floyd, Rep. Bacon sponsored the bipartisan bill that established a commission to rename US Military installations named for confederate leaders. The Congressman is a member of the Armed Services Committee to which our bill H.J. Res. 76 was referred. It would be a wonderful accomplishment to have the Congressman help make our bill bipartisan. With his support, other problem solvers are likely to follow.

Here is how you can help. We'll be seeking to meet with Rep. Bacon or his staff in the coming weeks. Your voice can amplify the message we leave with the Congressman by sending him a short message to acknowledge his leadership. Ask him to make this bipartisan legislation by becoming a cosponsor of the bill. We can use everyone's help, but especially the constituents of Congressman Bacon in Nebraska's second congressional district.  Send the Congressman a supportive message here.

Together, we can do this!