By Alex Robinson
A bill U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) introduced to make historic sights in Flushing part of the National Park Service passed the House of Representatives Monday night.
The bill would require the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to study the viability of adding the John Bowne and Old Quaker Meeting houses — both in downtown Flushing — to the list of sites supported by the National Parks Service.
“The passage of this legislation brings us one step closer towards many more Americans learning about the important role that Queens played in the history of religious freedom in America,” Meng said. “By studying the [Flushing] Remonstrance and locations associated with it, the Bowne House and Quaker Meeting house could receive important federal resources while preserving their autonomy, integrity and critical place in history.”
The bill will now wait to be brought to the U.S. Senate floor for a vote.
Reach reporter Alex Robinson by e-mail at arobinson@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
