President. on October 28. the United States will celebrate the centennial anniversary of the dedication of the Statue of Liberty. It was 100 years ago that the statue was unveiled before President Grover Cleveland at the original dedication ceremony. A gift from our French neighbors. the statue has come to represent the worldwide recognition of our quest* for freedom and the hopes of immigrants. past and future. At the base of the statue stands a small museum. the American Museum of Immigration. The museum documents and celebrates the immigrants experience in America. This museum has been supported by thousands of private donors. who understand the value and need to commemorate our immigrant heritage. Our Government. by situating the museum at the base of the statue. has also signaled its convictions and implicit understanding of the special status of immigrants in the American social fabric. The museum has been located at the base of the Statue of Liberty since its inception in 1956. At one time. the National Park Service considered relocating the museum. but concluded that the current site is an appropriate one for the museum. In an agreement signed with museum representatives on September 5. 1985. the Park Service pledged to maintain the museum at the current site and to improve its facilities. This bill has a simple purpose: To ratify that signed agreement and to ensure the continued maintenance of the American Museum of Immigration at the base of the Statue of Liberty. I am pleased to be joined by Senators LAUTENBERG. MOYNIHAN. and DAMATO in introducing this legislation.
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