August 19, 2026 · updated October 2 after bipartisan anti-demolition legislation advanced in Congress · Kennedy Center / Governance / Federal court / Congress / Closure and renovation dispute
Bipartisan bill would require Congress to authorize Kennedy Center demolition
A bipartisan group in Congress is pursuing legislation that would prohibit demolition of a congressionally designated presidential memorial, including the Kennedy Center, unless Congress authorizes it by law. Senator Jeff Merkley and Senator Lisa Murkowski co-led the Senate effort, with Representative Chellie Pingree leading the House effort. Merkley tried to pass the measure by unanimous consent on September 28, but Senator Mike Lee objected, preventing fast-track passage. Reuters reported October 2 that supporters were considering attaching the measure to end-of-year legislation. The proposal is pending legislation, not current law, and remains separate from the federal court order requiring 30 days’ notice before any demolition steps.
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