Mike Conaway: “I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time and bringing this bill forward. Mr. Speaker, as the title says, this bill…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time and bringing this bill forward. Mr. Speaker, as the title says, this bill authorizes the National Park Service to study the feasibility of maintaining the George W. Bush Childhood Home. It has already undergone a reconnaissance study, which says that the Service does believe that it meets these criteria, but this will be the final piece in that process. Mr. Speaker, last week, our Nation honored, mourned, and celebrated the life of George H.W. Bush, as we should. As a part of that, I think it is really timely that, this week, we have an opportunity to further that memorialization of the Bush family by pushing the National Park Service further in its responsibilities to maintain this home. We are reminded, as of last week, of the importance of preserving the visual imprints of our past for the benefit of our future. The Bush family is the epitome of the American Dream. They not only worked hard and achieved success, but built on their accomplishments and devoted their entire lives to public service. Personal success means nothing, Mr. Speaker, without the initiative to give back. The George W. Bush Childhood Home serves to educate its visitors and celebrate the strong work ethic and earned west Texas grit of the Bush legacy, of the home that tells the story of two Presidents, two Governors, and a remarkable First Lady. It was in this home that George H.W.…”