Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 186
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-09: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T19:38:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, titled the Hershel 'Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, aims to designate a specific location on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for a commemorative monument honoring Medal of Honor recipients. The Medal of Honor is the U.S. military's highest award for bravery in combat. The act builds on a 2021 law (Public Law 117-80) that authorized the monument on federal land in D.C., but now specifies its placement to extend the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln, who established the award, and to recognize the sacrifices of recipients, including the late Hershel "Woody" Williams, the last living World War II recipient.
Key Provisions
- Location Authorization: The monument must be placed within the "Reserve," a protected area on the National Mall defined under federal law (40 U.S.C. § 8902(a)), near the Lincoln Memorial. This overrides a general restriction on new monuments in that area.
- Application of Existing Law: The Commemorative Works Act (chapter 89 of title 40, U.S. Code), which governs the design, construction, and maintenance of such monuments on federal land, applies fully except for the location override. This includes requirements for site approval, fundraising, and long-term oversight by the National Park Service.
- Congressional Findings: The act includes background statements emphasizing the Medal of Honor's history (established in 1863), its role in inspiring national values, the declining number of living recipients, and the monument's importance as a symbol of heroism deserving a prominent spot on the National Mall.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- It amends the implementation of the 2021 authorization by waiving section 8908(c) of title 40, U.S. Code, which typically bans commemorative works in the Reserve to preserve the Mall's open space and historical focus. This creates a targeted exception for this monument, allowing it in an area previously off-limits for new structures.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The National Park Service will gain responsibility for site selection, construction oversight, and perpetual maintenance, potentially increasing administrative and funding needs from federal budgets. The Department of the Interior may need to coordinate approvals.
- On Citizens: The monument will serve as an educational and inspirational site for the public, veterans, and tourists, promoting awareness of military valor and national history. It could boost visits to the National Mall, enhancing civic engagement without direct costs to individuals.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts; the monument focuses on U.S. military history and has no foreign policy elements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation: Primary beneficiary, as it is authorized to establish, fundraise for, and build the monument.
- Medal of Honor Recipients and Families: Honored directly, with living recipients (now fewer than 70) and descendants gaining a lasting tribute; it addresses the urgency due to their declining numbers.
- Veterans' Organizations and Military Branches: All U.S. Armed Forces branches are represented in the award, so groups like the American Legion or VFW may support and use the site for events.
- General Public and Tourists: As a National Mall feature, it affects visitors seeking historical sites.
- Congress and Federal Agencies: Involved in oversight, with the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources handling referrals.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Creates a precedent for exceptions to the Commemorative Works Act, potentially influencing future monument approvals by balancing preservation with commemoration. It ensures compliance with federal land-use rules while streamlining the process for this project.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges; it aligns with Congress's authority over federal property (Article I, Section 8) and does not infringe on free speech or other rights.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan consensus (unanimous 2021 passage referenced), honoring military service amid declining veteran populations. It politically elevates the Medal of Honor's status, tying it to iconic sites like the Lincoln Memorial, which could foster national unity but raise debates on Mall overcrowding.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (8)
Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11], Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Hunt, Wesley [R-TX-38], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-09: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
- 2025-01-22: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-01-21: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-01-21: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 414 - 0 (Roll no. 18). (text: CR H237) (Roll call 18)
- 2025-01-21: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 414 - 0 (Roll no. 18). (text: CR H237) (Roll call 18)
- 2025-01-21: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H250)
- 2025-01-21: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- 2025-01-21: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 186.
- 2025-01-21: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H237-238)
- 2025-01-21: Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-01-03: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-01-03: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-03: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act — issued 2025-01-21 — PDF (6 pages)
- Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act — issued 2025-01-03 — PDF (4 pages)
- Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act — issued 2025-01-22 — PDF (4 pages)