History bill could aid Wilson Library

From staff reports
Published: October 1, 2008

A Congressional bill authorizing funding for presidential libraries has been passed by both the U.S. Senate and House, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum of Staunton said Wednesday.

Wilson Library officials and the office of Virginia U.S. Sen. Jim Webb said the bill would allow for a matching grant program through the National Archives and Records Administration for presidential libraries.

The Wilson Library said the bill culminates a three-year effort to get the legislation passed. The current version was introduced by 6th District Rep. Bob Goodlatte and Virginia U.S. Sens. John Warner and Webb on Sept. 11. The legislation now goes to President Bush for his signature.

Eric Vettel,  executive director of the Wilson Library and Museum, said the passage of the Presidential Records Preservation Act of 2008 “establishes unprecedented opportunity for organizations like the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum to preserve presidential records and educate the public about the history of the American presidency.”