World War II Women's Memorial Location Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2290
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-10: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, titled the "World War II Women's Memorial Location Act," aims to authorize the placement of a memorial honoring the women who worked on the home front to support U.S. military efforts during World War II. It specifically allows this memorial to be located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., by overriding existing location restrictions.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The Act is officially named the "World War II Women's Memorial Location Act."
- Memorial Location Authorization (Section 2): Despite the general prohibition in section 8908(c) of title 40, United States Code (which restricts certain commemorative works from specific areas), the memorial—previously authorized by section 702 of division DD of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328)—may now be sited in:
- Area I, as shown on the map titled "Commemorative Areas Washington, DC and Environs" (numbered 869/86501 B, dated June 24, 2003); or
- The Reserve (a designated area around the National Mall for potential commemorative uses).
- Definitions (Section 3): The term "Reserve" is defined as per section 8902(a)(3) of title 40, United States Code, referring to a reserved zone near the National Mall for future memorials.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This Act modifies the Commemorative Works Act (title 40, United States Code, sections 8901–8906), which governs the approval and placement of monuments and memorials in the nation's capital. Specifically, it creates an exception to the ban in section 8908(c) on placing new commemorative works in the core area of the National Mall (often called Area I), allowing this particular memorial to proceed there without needing broader amendments to the underlying law.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The National Park Service (which manages the National Mall) will need to accommodate the memorial's design, construction, and maintenance in a high-profile, restricted area, potentially affecting site planning and visitor flow.
- On Citizens: It enables public access to a new tribute recognizing women's contributions during World War II, promoting education and remembrance for veterans, families, and the general public. No direct financial burdens on citizens are imposed.
- On International Relations: Minimal impact, as the memorial focuses on domestic U.S. history, though it could subtly enhance the U.S. image abroad by highlighting inclusive wartime narratives.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Women and Families: Direct honorees include women who served on the home front (e.g., in factories, farms, or support roles) during World War II, along with their descendants and advocacy groups pushing for recognition.
- Government Entities: The National Park Service, the Commission of Fine Arts (which reviews designs), and congressional committees like Energy and Natural Resources will oversee implementation.
- Public and Visitors: Tourists, historians, and educators who engage with National Mall sites, benefiting from expanded historical storytelling.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Provides a targeted waiver to federal commemoration laws, streamlining approval for this memorial while preserving restrictions for others. It builds on prior authorization in the 2023 appropriations act, ensuring continuity without challenging the Commemorative Works Act's overall framework.
- Constitutional: No direct implications; the bill aligns with Congress's authority under Article I to regulate federal property and establish monuments.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan recognition of women's historical roles, potentially advancing gender equity in public memorials. It reflects ongoing efforts to diversify National Mall tributes, which have faced debates over space limitations and representation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (42)
Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4], Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Turner, Michael R. [R-OH-10], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Loudermilk, Barry [R-GA-11], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-10: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-12-09: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-12-09: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5082)
- 2025-12-09: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5082)
- 2025-12-09: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2290.
- 2025-12-09: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5082-5083)
- 2025-12-09: Mr. Crank moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2025-09-15: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 240.
- 2025-09-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-284.
- 2025-09-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-284.
- 2025-07-23: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-07-23: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-07-23: Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
- 2025-07-16: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2025-07-09: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
Bill Versions
- World War II Women's Memorial Location Act — issued 2025-12-09 — PDF (4 pages)
- World War II Women's Memorial Location Act — issued 2025-03-24 — PDF (3 pages)
- World War II Women's Memorial Location Act — issued 2025-12-10 — PDF (2 pages)
- World War II Women's Memorial Location Act — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (4 pages)