WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed the reauthorization of the Adams Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in honor of former President John Adams and his legacy. Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) introduced H.R. 3802, which extends the authorization of the Adams Memorial Foundation for seven years through December 2, 2020. Lynch’s bill language was included in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 3979 the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 is expected to be considered by the United States Senate next week and sent to the President.

The reauthorization allows the Adams Memorial Foundation, the National Park Service, the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission and all stakeholders to continue working toward the goal of siting and building a commemorative memorial honoring John Adams and his family and their role in shaping the nation.

Congressman Lynch stated, “John Adams has a lasting legacy as a dedicated public servant. He was one of our most influential founding fathers, a defender of due process, an experienced diplomat, Vice President, and President of the United States. John Adams and five generations of the Adams family called the City of Quincy home until 1927. I am proud to represent Quincy, nicknamed the “City of Presidents,” in the House of Representatives. While the City of Quincy has honored the Adams family with one of our country’s most significant national parks, the Adams National Historic Park, our nation’s capital lacks a memorial honoring this remarkable leader. The passage of this legislation allows the foundation the time necessary to find a fitting location in Washington, D.C. to honor this admirable man.”

“I am pleased that the House and Senate included the reauthorization of the Adams Memorial Foundation in the National Defense Authorization Act. I thank my colleagues in the Massachusetts delegation for their support of this important legislation, particularly Senator Ed Markey for introducing the companion bill in the Senate,” Lynch added. 

The bill was originally introduced in the House of Representatives by former Congressman William Delahunt. The last authorization extension expired on December 2, 2013. The Adams Memorial Foundation includes members of the Adams family and respected historians in its leadership.