Mike Lee Blocks Kennedy Center Bill

Sen. Mike Lee blocked a bipartisan Senate effort to fast-track the Protecting Presidential Memorials Act, which would have barred demolition of the Kennedy Center and other congressionally authorized presidential memorials without explicit congressional approval. The bill was led by Sen. Jeff Merkley and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who said Congress had authorized and funded renovations, not demolition. The fight began after Trump took control of the institution, removed its board, and tried to remake its programming and branding, including efforts to put his name on the building. Trump said the center needed his name to get renovation money. Lee called the bill partisan scaremongering. A judge has ordered notice before any demolition plans.