Reps. Sak, Booher, Kathleen Law, Green, Steil, Huizenga, Hansen, Agema, Ball, Bauer, Brandenburg, Brown, Constan, Cushingberry, Dean, Farrah, Garfield, Gonzales, Hammel, Hildenbrand, Hopgood, Horn, Rick Jones, LaJoy, Leland, Lemmons, Marleau, Meekhof, Melton, Pearce, Polidori, Proos, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Alma Smith, Spade, Stahl, Byrnes, Clack and Hammon offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 148.
A resolution to request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the placement of a statue of President Gerald R. Ford as part of the National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol.
Whereas, Each state is permitted to have two statues of prominent citizens on display in our nation's capitol as part of the National Statuary Hall Collection, which was created by federal law in 1864. This collection is a strong reminder of the heritage we share and the exceptional men and women who have helped shape our nation. Michigan's two statues are of Lewis Cass and Zachariah Chandler, leaders who played pivotal roles in the history of our state and nation; and
Whereas, The federal law governing the National Statuary Hall Collection also provides a procedure for states to replace an existing statue with a new one. This reflects the continuing growth and development of our country. With the recent passing of Gerald R. Ford, Michigan's only president and a man who devoted his entire life to the service of our state and nation, the people of Michigan wish to acknowledge this native son and commence the process of placing a statue of him in the National Statuary Hall Collection; and
Whereas, Under the established guidelines, the legislature must adopt a resolution to express formally its support for the statue of the person to be honored and to request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the placement of the statue. The governor must also express support; and
Whereas, Under the procedures that govern the replacement of a statue in the collection, the resolution requesting the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress must identify the entity that will select the sculptor and pay for all aspects of the process; and
Whereas, Relocating the statue of Zachariah Chandler to Michigan would allow many more Michigan citizens, including young people, to learn more of the life of this exceptional man and his contributions to our state; and
Whereas, Gerald Ford's life of honesty, integrity, and service constitutes one of Michigan's most important contributions to our nation. As a veteran of World War II and Grand Rapids congressman for a quarter century, Gerald Ford, a man of abiding principle and a strong sense of duty, came to the highest office in our land under most difficult circumstances. As the 38th president, Gerald Ford took the oath of office as our country faced a crisis in confidence. Acting with little regard for political expediency, President Ford helped the country heal through his own honesty and trustworthiness. These qualities, long known by the people of Grand Rapids and his colleagues in Congress, left a legacy that stands strong; and
Whereas, The Gerald R. Ford Foundation is committed to the effort to add an image of President Ford to the National Statuary Hall Collection. The Gerald R. Ford Foundation has agreed to serve as the body selecting a sculptor and to fund all of the costs associated with the placement of the new statue and the relocation of the statue of Zachariah Chandler to Michigan; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the placement of a statue of President Gerald R. Ford as part of the National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol and to authorize the removal of the statue of Zachariah Chandler and its relocation to Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress, the members of the Michigan congressional delegation, the Office of the Governor, and the Gerald R. Ford Foundation.