Summary of HR 1352: Designation of the General George C. Marshall House

Purpose and Intent

HR 1352 aims to designate the General George C. Marshall House, located in Leesburg, Virginia, as an affiliated area of the National Park System. This designation is intended to enhance the preservation, interpretation, and marketing of the site, which is significant for its historical connection to General George C. Marshall, a prominent military leader and statesman.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

1. Affiliated Area Establishment:

   • The General George C. Marshall House is officially established as an affiliated area of the National Park System.
   • The area is defined by a specific map titled "General George C. Marshall House, Proposed Affiliated Area," dated September 2023.

2. Management:

   • The George C. Marshall International Center will serve as the management entity for the affiliated area.
   • The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to provide technical assistance and enter into cooperative agreements with the management entity to support financial assistance for various activities related to the area, including marketing and preservation.

3. Limitations on Authority:

   • The Secretary of the Interior is not authorized to acquire property within the affiliated area or to take on managerial or financial responsibilities for its operation.
   • The bill explicitly states that it does not affect the land use rights of adjacent private property owners and does not create buffer zones around the General George C. Marshall House.

4. Activity Regulation:

   • The bill clarifies that activities outside the General George C. Marshall House will not be regulated based on their visibility or audibility from within the house.

Impact

The designation of the General George C. Marshall House as an affiliated area of the National Park System is expected to:

• Enhance the historical significance and preservation efforts of the site.
• Provide opportunities for educational programs and public engagement related to General Marshall's legacy.
• Ensure that the management of the area aligns with the standards and policies applicable to national park units, while respecting the rights of neighboring property owners.

Legislative Timeline

• Introduced: February 13, 2025
• Referred to Committee: February 13, 2025 (House Committee on Natural Resources)

Sponsorship

The bill is primarily sponsored by Representative Suhas Subramanyam.

This summary provides an overview of HR 1352, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on the General George C. Marshall House and its surrounding community.