Karen Bass: “I would like to talk for a minute or two about an issue that may not be the most pressing issue before the Nation today…”

“I would like to talk for a minute or two about an issue that may not be the most pressing issue before the Nation today, but it is one that is, nonetheless, important for the historical nature of the U.S. Capitol and its grounds. The gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Frelinghuysen) and I have been made aware recently that the oldest tree on the Capitol grounds may be cut down on the recommendation of the Architect of the Capitol and his arborist advisers. Frankly, despite earlier assurances to Congress that many trees planted by Frederick Law Olmsted, one of the Capitol's earliest landscape architects, would be saved, far too many trees have been sacrificed for this new visitor's center. The oldest tree, which, by the way, is right outside the door here, if you go outside the door and look at about 1 o'clock you will see it there, it was planted by Frederick Law Olmsted, as I said. He was the Capitol's earliest Architect. We were told it would be saved. Now, this tree is a rare English Elm, reputed to be over 175 years old, and it was never slated in the original plans to be removed. In fact, earlier assessment by a notable national tree company employed by the Architect of the Capitol said that it should be preserved. Reports now that the tree is 'dangerous' seem to have little factual foundation, other than a more recent report by the same arborist. Furthermore, other old trees on the Capitol grounds are no more or less dangerous than this elm tree.”