A.G. Gancarski
Florida’s government is one step closer to guiding the process for the future Donald Trump Presidential Library.
Indeed, it’s just a Ron DeSantis signature away.
The House passed by an 89-20 vote Senate President Pro Tempore Jason Brodeur’s measure (SB 118) that would preempt local governments and cede control to Tallahassee.
House sponsor Alex Andrade offered an argument for the legislation with uniquely vivid imagery.
“There are a few truths we hold to be self-evident,” Andrade said. “‘Die Hard’ is a Christmas movie; almond and cashew milk is more accurately described as nut juice; and President Trump’s library should be located here in the state of Florida.”
Andrade’s intro didn’t preclude debate.
Rep. Angie Nixon cited the “irony of what’s happening here today,” saying that “we should support returning citizens across the board,” calling the President “one of the biggest felons” in the country and urging a “no” vote.
The eventual library is expected to be located in South Florida, near where the Trump family resides when not at the White House. The Associated Press says Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University are among the sites being explored for construction.
The bill reserves to the state “all regulatory authority over the establishment, maintenance, activities, and operations of presidential libraries.” It blocks “counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions from enacting or enforcing any ordinance, resolution, rule, or other measure regarding presidential libraries unless authorized by federal law.”
Central to the legislative premise is the idea that such libraries are “unique national institutions designated to house, preserve, and make accessible the records of former presidents.”
The bill uses the definition of a presidential library adopted by Congress in 1986, under Ronald Reagan’s presidency, which encompasses “research facilities and museum facilities.” It enshrines them as part of the National Archives system.
The federal legislation applied to Presidents after Reagan, such as George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama; it took effect for chief executives inaugurated for their first terms after 1985, when Reagan began his second and final term as President.
One comment
MH/Duuuval
April 29, 2025 at 6:45 pm
And, grits are groceries.
Please keep this proposed monstrosity in South Florida where folks like I M Peachy have easy access — if they have the price of admission. The few books to pass muster will be bound in gold and what Trump said will be printed in red.