Salazar to see the Statue of Liberty with Menendez

Menendez statement afterwards (0.00 / 0)

"Secretary Salazar showed that he is a man of his word by visiting these national treasures a week after he committed to me during his confirmation hearing that he would do so," said Senator Menendez. "It's one thing to listen to the arguments for why we should reopen these national treasures from afar, but it's another thing to be here in person, where you can fully appreciate what an unrestricted visit to these landmarks means to all of us as Americans. It really has an impact on you and your sense of country.

"We climbed to the top of Lady Liberty's crown, where I helped make the case that it should be reopened - it's a very moving and powerful setting in which to have that discussion. On Ellis Island, it was clear that the Secretary was moved by our visit to the dilapidated buildings which remain closed and the history that they hold within their walls.

"The Secretary must now make sure he does a thorough examination into the reopening and restoration process, and he has some further information to gather. I am optimistic that he will look for a management solution that allows Lady Liberty's crown to reopen while ensuring the safety of its visitors. I am also optimistic that he will look for the ability within his upcoming budgets to help complete the full restoration of Ellis Island."

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

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by: Hopeful @ Fri Jan 23, 2009 at 23:40:25 PM UTC