Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act

Bill Number

H.R. 4467

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.

Last Updated

2026-06-11T05:06:26Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act (H.R. 4467) aims to transfer specific federal lands within the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi to the state government. This transfer is intended to improve public access to the park and enhance the overall visitor experience while maintaining the park's historical and interpretive mission related to the Civil War Battle of Vicksburg.

Key Provisions

• Land Conveyance: The Secretary of the Interior must transfer two parcels of federal land to the State of Mississippi via a quitclaim deed (a legal document that releases the government's interest in the property without warranties) at no cost:
• A 1.69-acre parcel, as shown on a specific map (numbered 306/194,908, dated September 2024).
• A 5.74-acre parcel, as shown on another map (numbered 306/194,907, dated September 2024).
• Boundary Adjustment: Upon transfer, the park's boundaries will be redrawn to exclude these parcels, reducing the federal footprint.
• Land Use Requirements: The state must use the land to support park access and visitor improvements in line with the park's educational goals. The Secretary can impose restrictions to prevent any negative effects on park resources or visitors, such as environmental damage or interference with historical sites.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This act amends the management of the Vicksburg National Military Park, established under federal law (16 U.S.C. 430 et seq.), by authorizing the removal of approximately 7.43 acres from federal control. Previously, all park land was under exclusive National Park Service (NPS) jurisdiction; this introduces state co-management for these specific areas, with federal oversight on usage to ensure compatibility.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior and NPS will have reduced land management responsibilities, potentially lowering maintenance costs, but must monitor state uses to protect park integrity.
• Citizens and Visitors: Local residents and tourists may benefit from better access and facilities (e.g., parking or pathways) that improve the park's usability without altering core historical areas.
• International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic land management issue focused on U.S. historical preservation.
• Broader Effects: Could set a precedent for similar boundary adjustments in other national parks to optimize federal resources while partnering with states.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Government: Primarily the Secretary of the Interior and NPS, responsible for conveyance, boundary changes, and enforcing use restrictions.
• State of Mississippi: Gains ownership of the land and must manage it for public benefit, potentially involving state parks or local tourism agencies.
• Park Visitors and Local Communities: Benefit from enhanced access; nearby residents in Warren County may see tourism boosts.
• Historical Preservation Groups: Organizations focused on Civil War history could influence or monitor implementation to safeguard the site's interpretive value.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The act relies on Congress's authority under the Property Clause (U.S. Constitution, Article IV, Section 3) to manage federal lands. The quitclaim deed simplifies transfer but limits federal liability post-conveyance. No challenges to property rights are anticipated, as the land is currently federal.
• Constitutional: Aligns with federalism principles by delegating limited state control over former federal property, without infringing on national preservation duties.
• Political: Represents bipartisan support for efficient park management (passed the House in 2026), potentially appealing to conservationists and fiscal conservatives by reducing federal overhead while promoting public enjoyment. No major controversies, as it avoids commercial development.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Kelly, Trent [R-MS-1], Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3], Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-17: Received in the Senate.
• 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 H2509)
• 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 H2509)
• 2026-03-16: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4467.
• 2026-03-16: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2509-2510)
• 2026-03-16: Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
• 2026-01-14: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 387.
• 2026-01-14: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-452.
• 2026-01-14: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-452.
• 2025-11-20: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
• 2025-11-20: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-11-20: Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
• 2025-09-18: Subcommittee Hearings Held
• 2025-09-11: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.

Bill Versions

• Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act — issued 2026-03-16 — PDF (6 pages)
• Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act — issued 2025-07-16 — PDF (2 pages)
• Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act — issued 2026-01-14 — PDF (6 pages)