House Takes Action on Douglass House As part of the fiscal 2004 Interior Department Appropriations bill, the House last week passed legislation authorizing $955,000 for preservation efforts at Cedar Hill, the southeast Washington home of abolitionist Frederick Douglass from 1877 until his death in 1895.

The Frederick Douglass National Historic site is currently undergoing a three-year, $2 million renovation. Congressional funding, now pending approval in the Senate, will help with roofing and structural repairs, painting and the preservation of Douglass’ 1,200-strong collection of books, among other improvements.

Also last week, the Senate approved legislation that would allow a visitor center to be built at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The bill, which passed unanimously, still faces hurdles because of an amendment that would prohibit the construction of additional monuments on the National Mall. Legislation under consideration in the House does not include this provision.

— Bree Hocking