Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2215
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Became Law
- Became Law
- Public Law 119-25
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-15: Became Public Law No: 119-25.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-11T03:38:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to redesignate the existing Salem Maritime National Historic Site as a national historical park to better reflect its significance and to authorize a study for potential boundary expansions that could incorporate additional historical resources related to maritime, coastal defense, and military history in the Salem, Massachusetts area.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The Act is titled the "Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act."
- Redesignation: The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is renamed the "Salem Maritime National Historical Park." All references to the former name in U.S. laws, regulations, maps, documents, or records are automatically updated to the new name.
- Boundary Study: The Secretary of the Interior must conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of adding sites and resources in the Salem area to the park. The study focuses on:
- Maritime history.
- Coastal defenses.
- Military history, including activities of the National Guard and local militias.
- Study Area Definition: The study covers Salem, Massachusetts, and its surrounding vicinity, specifically including the Salem Armory Visitor Center building and adjacent Salem Armory Park.
- Reporting Requirement: Within three years of receiving funding, the Secretary must submit a report to the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The report includes the study's results, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The primary change is the official renaming of the site to a "park," which updates federal nomenclature but does not alter the site's core management or protections under the National Park System.
- Introduces a new mandate for a boundary study, which did not previously exist for this site, potentially paving the way for future expansions without immediately committing resources.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior (specifically the National Park Service) will need to allocate resources for the boundary study, including research, site evaluations, and report preparation. This could lead to increased administrative workload but no immediate budget changes beyond study funding.
- Citizens and Local Communities: Residents and visitors in Salem, Massachusetts, may benefit from enhanced historical preservation and potential tourism growth if the park expands. No direct impacts on international relations.
- Broader Effects: Could promote public education on U.S. maritime and military heritage, potentially increasing visitation and local economic activity without significant burdens on taxpayers unless expansion occurs.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Department of the Interior and National Park Service (responsible for implementation); congressional committees (House Natural Resources and Senate Energy and Natural Resources) for oversight and review.
- Local Entities: City of Salem, Massachusetts, government; owners or managers of sites in the study area, such as the Salem Armory; historical societies and preservation groups focused on maritime and military history.
- Public: Tourists, educators, and historians interested in the site's resources; local residents who may see changes in land use or community benefits.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The redesignation is administrative and ensures consistency in federal references, with no challenges to existing property rights or environmental laws. The boundary study follows standard procedures under the National Park Service Organic Act (a law governing park management), requiring feasibility assessments before any additions.
- Constitutional: No significant implications, as it involves congressional authority over federal lands and does not infringe on states' rights or individual liberties.
- Political: Supports bipartisan goals of historical preservation and could foster local-federal partnerships in Massachusetts. It signals congressional interest in expanding national park representation of American history without mandating costly actions upfront.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-15: Became Public Law No: 119-25.
- 2025-07-15: Became Public Law No: 119-25.
- 2025-07-15: Signed by President.
- 2025-07-15: Signed by President.
- 2025-07-03: Presented to President.
- 2025-07-03: Presented to President.
- 2025-06-23: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2025-06-18: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.
- 2025-06-18: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.
- 2025-06-18: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3459)
- 2025-06-18: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-05-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-05-14: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-05-14: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 382 - 31 (Roll no. 125). (text: 5/13/2025 CR H1984) (Roll call 125)
- 2025-05-14: 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): 382 - 31 (Roll no. 125). (text: 5/13/2025 CR H1984) (Roll call 125)
Bill Versions
- Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act — issued 2025-05-14 — PDF (4 pages)
- Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act — issued 2025-06-24 — PDF (2 pages)
- Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act — issued 2025-03-18 — PDF (3 pages)
- Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act — issued 2025-05-15 — PDF (3 pages)