Full Breakdown
Jim Justice Secures Unanimous Senate Approval for WWII Hero Monument
9/7/2026, 10:33:16 PM
Legislative Path and Bipartisan Dialogue
Senator Jim Justice, a Republican from West Virginia, introduced the Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, his first Senate bill. The measure directs a monument honoring Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams to a prominent spot within the Reserve on the National Mall. After the House passed the legislation in August, the Senate approved it unanimously in March. Justice attributes the breakthrough to a brief, personal conversation with Democratic colleague Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) on the Senate floor steps, which he says defused the partisan stalemate that had stalled the proposal.
Official Statements & Responses
Justice told Fox News Digital that the monument will commemorate Williams—who earned the Medal of Honor for heroic actions on Iwo Jima and was the last surviving World War II recipient before his death in 2022—and all Medal of Honor recipients. He expressed optimism that President Donald Trump will sign the act within the coming week. Justice also used the episode to criticize broader Senate gridlock, noting the 60-vote filibuster threshold and “Romper Room behavior” that hampers cooperation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're really hopeful he's going to sign it this coming week,” — Republican Jim Justice
- “I was about three feet from going into the Senate chambers," Justice recalled.” — Republican Jim Justice
- “SAYS RECOGNITION IS BITTERSWEET AFTER LOSING 'SO MUCH' "And he looked right at me, and he said, you know, people here don’t talk to one another," Justice said.” — Republican Jim Justice
- “And if there's anything in the world I could do, I wish to goodness that I could tell everybody, you know let's grow up a lot.” — Republican Jim Justice
Significance and Next Steps
The monument aims to provide a lasting public tribute to Williams and to the broader Medal of Honor community, linking their legacy to future generations. Justice framed the effort as a rare instance of bipartisan problem-solving, suggesting that personal dialogue can overcome entrenched partisanship. With the legislation awaiting the president’s signature, the monument’s placement on the National Mall will become a tangible reminder of both military valor and the potential for cross-aisle collaboration in a polarized Senate.
