To authorize the establishment of memorials to the Wisconsin infantry officers and enlisted men who fought in the Battle of Antietam and the Second Battle of Bull Run, and for other purposes.

Bill Number

H.R. 7495

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-11: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Last Updated

2026-04-21T08:06:35Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This bill (H.R. 7495) authorizes the creation of two memorials to honor the officers and enlisted men from specific Wisconsin Infantry Regiments who participated in key Civil War battles: the Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862) and the Second Battle of Bull Run (August 28-30, 1862). The goal is to preserve and commemorate their contributions at relevant national battlefield sites.

Key Provisions

• Authorization of Memorials:
• A memorial at Antietam National Battlefield for members of the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th Wisconsin Infantry Regiments.
• A memorial at Manassas National Battlefield Park for members of the 2nd, 6th, and 7th Wisconsin Infantry Regiments.
• Approval Process:
• The Secretary of the Interior approves suitable locations within the park boundaries.
• The Secretary selects the organizations or individuals responsible for establishing the memorials.
• The Secretary must approve the memorials' size, design, and inscriptions.
• Funding Restrictions:
• No federal funds can be used for designing, acquiring, preparing sites, or installing the memorials; all costs must come from private sources.
• Oversight and Reporting:
• The Secretary can suspend authorization if fundraising misrepresents ties to the federal government or the memorials.
• Selected entities must submit annual reports on fundraising and progress until installation is complete.
• Maintenance:
• After installation, the Secretary assumes responsibility for ongoing maintenance.
• The Secretary may accept private contributions for maintenance, which are directed to a dedicated account with the National Park Foundation (a nonprofit supporting national parks).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This legislation introduces new authorizations specifically for these Wisconsin-focused Civil War memorials at the designated national parks. It does not amend broader laws on national memorials (such as the Commemorative Works Act) but adds targeted permissions and restrictions, emphasizing private funding and federal maintenance without upfront costs. Previously, no such memorials for these regiments were authorized at these sites.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior and National Park Service will gain responsibility for maintaining the memorials post-installation, potentially increasing minor operational costs offset by private donations. No initial federal expenditure is required, easing budget burdens.
• Citizens: Enhances public access to Civil War history, particularly for Wisconsin residents, veterans' descendants, and park visitors, fostering education and remembrance. It may boost tourism to Antietam and Manassas parks.
• International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic historical commemoration.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Government: Secretary of the Interior and National Park Service (oversight, approvals, and maintenance roles).
• Private Entities: Selected organizations or individuals (likely historical societies, veterans' groups, or nonprofits) responsible for fundraising, design, and installation.
• Public Groups: Descendants of Wisconsin Civil War soldiers, historians, and visitors to the national battlefields who benefit from the educational and commemorative value.
• Wisconsin Representatives: Sponsors (e.g., Reps. Fitzgerald, Steil, and others) who initiated the bill to honor state heritage.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Aligns with existing federal authority over national parks (under the National Park Service Organic Act) by delegating approvals to the Secretary, ensuring compliance with design standards for public lands. The private funding requirement avoids unconstitutional use of public funds for non-essential projects.
• Constitutional: No significant issues; it respects First Amendment interests in historical expression while maintaining government neutrality in approvals.
• Political: Promotes bipartisan historical preservation (though introduced by Republican representatives), potentially strengthening regional ties to national heritage without controversy. It sets a precedent for state-specific Civil War commemorations, which could encourage similar bills for other units or battles.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5]

Cosponsors (7)

Rep. Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6], Rep. Tiffany, Thomas P. [R-WI-7], Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-11: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• 2026-02-11: Introduced in House
• 2026-02-11: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• To authorize the establishment of memorials to the Wisconsin infantry officers and enlisted men who fought in the Battle of Antietam and the Second Battle of Bull Run, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-02-11 — PDF (3 pages)