Historic Preservation Fund Reauthorization Act

Bill Number: H.R. 3418
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Last Updated: 2026-05-16T08:08:06Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Historic Preservation Fund Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3418) aims to extend and increase federal funding for the Historic Preservation Fund, which supports efforts to preserve and protect historic sites, buildings, and cultural resources across the United States.

Key Provisions

Reauthorization Period: Extends the availability of funds through fiscal year 2035.
Funding Amount: Authorizes an annual appropriation of $250,000,000 for the fund, up from the previous level.
The bill amends Section 303102 of title 54, United States Code, which governs the Historic Preservation Fund administered by the National Park Service (NPS).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Previously, the fund was authorized at $150,000,000 per year through fiscal year 2023.
This legislation extends the authorization by 12 years (to 2035) and increases the annual funding cap by $100,000,000, providing more stable and robust financial support for preservation programs.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: The NPS and state historic preservation offices will receive enhanced funding to manage grants, surveys, and restoration projects, potentially improving efficiency in protecting national heritage sites.
Citizens: Communities and individuals involved in local preservation efforts may benefit from increased access to grants for maintaining historic properties, fostering cultural education and tourism.
International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though stronger domestic preservation could indirectly enhance the U.S.'s global image in cultural diplomacy.
Overall, the changes could lead to more preserved historic sites, but implementation depends on congressional appropriations (the bill authorizes funds but does not guarantee spending).

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal Government: Primarily the Department of the Interior and NPS, which oversee fund distribution.
State and Local Governments: State historic preservation officers and tribal entities that apply for and receive grants.
Non-Profit and Private Sector: Preservation organizations, museums, and property owners who rely on fund-supported projects.
General Public: Taxpayers funding the program and communities benefiting from preserved cultural landmarks.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Strengthens the framework under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 by ensuring long-term funding stability, without altering eligibility rules or oversight mechanisms.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power under Article I, Section 8, promoting the general welfare through cultural preservation; no apparent conflicts with federalism, as funds flow through state partnerships.
Political: Represents bipartisan support (introduced by members from both parties), signaling priority on heritage conservation amid budget debates; could influence future appropriations cycles by setting a higher funding baseline.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Turner, Michael R. [R-OH-10]

Cosponsors (39)

Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15], Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6]

Recent Actions

2025-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
2025-05-14: Introduced in House
2025-05-14: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Historic Preservation Fund Reauthorization Act — issued 2025-05-14 — PDF (1 pages)