1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

President Trump cannot bypass federal law requiring congressional approval for monuments on federal land in Washington, D.C. and Congress must make certain that he does not. The Commemorative Works Act and 40 U.S.C. § 8106 both require express authorization from Congress before any monument or structure is built on federal reservations, parks, or public grounds in the nation's capital. The arch has not received this authorization. The proposed arch would be located on federal parkland, which falls under Area I of the Commemorative Works Act. It requires additional congressional approval for any new commemorative works due to concerns about overcrowding the monumental core of the capital. The law establishes consultation requirements with expert commissions and multiple layers of review to ensure new monuments reflect lasting national significance and preserve the integrity of the historic L'Enfant and McMillan plans for the city. Congress must not allow this waste of time and taxpayer money. If there is extra money laying around, use it for SNAP benefits, Medicaid, ACA subsidies, student loans or many other worthwhile services.