National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Extension Act

Bill Number: H.R. 2196
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-03-17: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Last Updated: 2026-06-11T23:26:40Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation, titled the "National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Extension Act," aims to extend the time allowed for the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work honoring emergency medical services personnel in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas. It prevents the authority from expiring prematurely, ensuring the project can proceed.

Key Provisions

Short Title: The Act is officially named the "National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Extension Act."
Extension of Authority: Amends Section 1(b) of Public Law 115-275 (the original law authorizing the memorial) to extend the foundation's legislative authority. Specifically, it replaces the original seven-year expiration period with a new deadline of seven years after the enactment date of this Act.
The amendment modifies references in section 8903(e) of title 40, United States Code (which governs commemorative works in the National Capital Region), to align with the extended timeline.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The original Public Law 115-275 granted the foundation authority to establish the memorial but set a strict seven-year limit from its enactment in 2018, which would have expired around 2025.
This Act shifts the expiration to seven years from the date this new law is enacted (likely around 2033), providing an additional extension without altering other requirements for site approval, construction, or funding.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The National Park Service (NPS) and the Commission of Fine Arts, which oversee commemorative works in the capital region, will continue to review and approve the project under extended timelines, potentially delaying but not halting administrative processes.
On Citizens: Benefits the emergency medical services (EMS) community, including paramedics, EMTs, and their families, by preserving the opportunity to create a lasting national tribute. No direct costs or burdens on the general public.
On International Relations: None; this is a domestic commemorative project with no foreign policy implications.

Main Stakeholders Affected

National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation: Primary beneficiary, gaining more time to secure funding, design, and construct the memorial.
EMS Professionals and Organizations: Honored groups, such as first responders and related advocacy bodies, who support the memorial as recognition of their service.
Federal Agencies: NPS and related entities in the Department of the Interior, responsible for site selection and maintenance of commemorative works.
Congress and Local Authorities: Involved in oversight, with the bill referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for further review.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: This is a straightforward procedural extension under the Commemorative Works Act (40 U.S.C. Chapter 89), which regulates memorials to avoid overuse of federal land. It ensures compliance with existing statutes without introducing new obligations or challenges.
Constitutional: No significant issues; it aligns with Congress's authority over the District of Columbia and federal lands (Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution).
Political: A non-controversial bill reflecting bipartisan support for honoring public servants; it passed the House on March 16, 2026, and was referred to the Senate, indicating routine legislative housekeeping rather than divisive policy.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-9]

Cosponsors (6)

Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4]

Recent Actions

2026-03-17: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
2026-03-16: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-03-16: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2523)
2026-03-16: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2523)
2026-03-16: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2196.
2026-03-16: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2523-2524)
2026-03-16: Mr. Wittman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2026-02-24: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 443.
2026-02-24: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-518.
2026-02-24: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-518.
2026-02-11: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
2026-02-11: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2026-02-11: Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
2025-09-18: Subcommittee Hearings Held
2025-09-11: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.

Bill Versions

National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Extension Act — issued 2026-03-16 — PDF (4 pages)
To provide for an extension of the legislative authority of the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs. — issued 2025-03-18 — PDF (2 pages)
National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Extension Act — issued 2026-03-17 — PDF (2 pages)
National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Extension Act — issued 2026-02-24 — PDF (4 pages)