Lawmakers Warn Trump Administration on Arch Project

A group of lawmakers issued a warning to the Trump administration about potential legal consequences if the plans to build a 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington proceed without Congressional approval.

In a letter addressed to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and two National Park Service officials, Democrats responsible for overseeing natural resources, alongside a Senate independent, expressed that executing the project would contravene at least three laws. This action could lead to fines or even criminal charges for the officials involved.

Appropriated funds may be applied only to the objects for which Congress appropriated them, the letter stated. Officials were cautioned that using unauthorized funds could result in penalties such as suspension without pay, removal from office, and for deliberate violations, criminal fines and imprisonment.

Senator Angus King, a Maine independent who aligns with the Democrats, and Representative Jared Huffman of California, a leading Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, were among the signatories.

The letter further explained that moving ahead with the project would breach the Commemorative Works Act. This act regulates monuments on federal land in Washington. It would also violate a 1912 statute prohibiting the erection of buildings or structures on federal land in the capital without explicit Congressional authorization. Additionally, the Height of Buildings Act, which restricts construction heights to a maximum of 160 feet in Washington, would be infringed upon.

Mr. King described the situation as being stone-cold illegal. He emphasized his stance by noting, It is one of the clearest legal cases I’ve seen in more than 50 years of being a lawyer.