Washington ? The Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Mo., would be the nation’s official World War I museum under a bill speeding toward passage in Congress.

The designation “will open many doors for us, both financially and educationally,” said Steve Berkheiser, executive director of the Liberty Memorial Assn.

The memorial stands on a hill at the edge of downtown. It was dedicated in 1926 by leaders from Belgium, Italy, France, Great Britain and the United States.

“Our amendment would provide well-deserved recognition for Kansas City, which is very proud to have one of the largest World War I collections in the country,” said Sen. Jim Talent, R-Mo., a sponsor of the effort. Democratic Reps. Ike Skelton and Karen McCarthy backed the proposal in the House.

The measure is part of a defense spending bill that is moving toward final passage in the House and Senate.