H.R. 143 – James K. Polk Presidential Home Study Act

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Updated April 13, 2026 at 11:45 PM UTC

The James K. Polk Presidential Home Study Act orders the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to examine whether the historic home of President James K. Polk in Columbia, Tennessee, should become part of the National Park System. The bill requires a detailed study of the site's national significance, feasibility, costs, and management options, and it will affect the Polk Home, nearby lands, and any agencies or groups involved in its potential preservation.

Key Provisions

The Secretary of the Interior must conduct a special resource study of the Polk Home and adjacent property.
The study must assess the site's national significance, suitability and feasibility for National Park designation, and include cost estimates for acquisition, development, operation, and maintenance.
The Secretary must consult with federal, state, local governments, private, nonprofit groups, and other interested parties during the study.
The study must identify alternative ways to manage, administer, and protect the site.
Within three years of receiving funding, the Secretary must submit a report with findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the House and Senate natural resources committees.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions

HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.

Federal Lands Subcommittee

February 5, 2019

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

January 3, 2019

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Natural Resources Committee

January 3, 2019

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.

Federal Lands Subcommittee

February 5, 2019

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued January 3, 2019

I

116th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 143

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 3, 2019

Mr. DesJarlais introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

A BILL

To direct the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating the James K. Polk Home in Columbia, Tennessee, as a unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the James K. Polk Presidential Home Study Act.

2.

Findings

Congress finds that—

(1)

in 1961, the James K. Polk Home was designated as a National Historic Landmark; and

(2)

in April 2015, the National Park Service completed a reconnaissance survey of the James K. Polk Home, in which the National Park Service—

(A)

determined that—

(i)

the James K. Polk Home is conclusively nationally significant; and

(ii)

a special resource study is needed to fully analyze the suitability, feasibility, and need for management of the James K. Polk Home by the National Park Service; and

(B)

recommended that Congress consider authorizing a special resource study for the James K. Polk Home and associated properties.

3.

Study

(a)

In general

The Secretary of the Interior (referred to in this Act as the Secretary) shall conduct a special resource study of the site of the James K. Polk Home in Columbia, Tennessee, and adjacent property (referred to in this Act as the site).

(b)

Criteria

The Secretary shall conduct the study under subsection (a) in accordance with section 100507 of title 54, United States Code.

(c)

Contents

In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—

(1)

evaluate the national significance of the site;

(2)

determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the site as a unit of the National Park System;

(3)

include cost estimates for any necessary acquisition, development, operation, and maintenance of the site;

(4)

consult with interested Federal, State, or local governmental entities, private and nonprofit organizations, or other interested individuals; and

(5)

identify alternatives for the management, administration, and protection of the site.

(d)

Report

Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that describes—

(1)

the findings and conclusions of the study; and

(2)

any recommendations of the Secretary.