James Oberstar: “I rise in support of H.R. 5001, a bill to direct the redevelopment of the Old Post Office Building, which is not only a…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 5001, a bill to direct the redevelopment of the Old Post Office Building, which is not only a landmark in the Nation's capital, but a jewel of 'America's Main Street,' Pennsylvania Avenue. I commend the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) for introducing this legislation and for her work on this issue as Chair of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management. Completed in 1899, the Old Post Office building was intended to be the U.S. Post Office Department Headquarters building as well as the city's main post office. The Old Post Office building was awarded a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This Romanesque building is the second tallest structure and one of the first steel-frame buildings in the District of Columbia. Despite the magnificence of this building and its extraordinary location, it has been difficult to develop this building to its fullest potential.”