Oversight Needed Before The National Mall's Reflecting Pool Is Painted Blue

SAFEGUARD THE INTEGRITY OF THE REFLECTING POOL Recent reporting says the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is being resurfaced with a swimming-pool-style coating in “American flag blue.” Because this is one of the nation’s most visible civic landmarks and a place of national memory, Congress should ensure that no cosmetic or structural change proceeds unless every applicable requirement has been fully satisfied. That includes federal, District of Columbia, and other legal requirements, preservation rules, environmental reviews, procurement rules, and approval processes. ENSURE ALL REQUIRED REVIEWS AND APPROVALS ARE COMPLETED The Reflecting Pool belongs to the American people. If repairs are needed, they should be completed lawfully, carefully, and transparently. The Reflecting Pool should not be made to resemble a swimming pool. Congress should require written confirmation from the National Park Service and all responsible agencies that the project has been properly reviewed, authorized, documented, and publicly justified before any permanent alteration is made. PROTECT THE PUBLIC’S CONFIDENCE IN FEDERAL OVERSIGHT This issue should not be treated as partisan. Every administration has a duty to preserve nationally significant public spaces according to law, expert judgment, and respect for history. A proposed light blue, pool-like coating that changes the visual character of the Reflecting Pool raises legitimate questions about process, preservation, cost, materials, and long-term impact. CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT REQUESTED I respectfully urge Congress to: (1) Require written certification that all applicable laws, permits, environmental reviews, historic-preservation requirements, procurement rules, and approval processes have been followed. (2) Request a formal written briefing from the National Park Service detailing the legal basis, approvals obtained, cost, contractors, materials used, and long-term maintenance implications of this project. (3) Urge that no permanent visual alteration occur until the required reviews are complete. (4) Ensure that any change to the Reflecting Pool is lawful, transparent, justified, reversible where appropriate, and consistent with the dignity and historic purpose of the site. Thank you.