American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7618
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-04: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-09T05:23:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation amends title 54 of the United States Code to update grant programs under the American Battlefield Protection Program. Its goals include extending funding authorizations for battlefield preservation efforts and directing studies on historic sites from the French and Indian War and Mexican-American War.
Key Provisions
- Reauthorization of grant programs: Extends the Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program through fiscal year 2036.
- Updates to grant structures: Removes certain subsections from the Battlefield Interpretation Modernization Grant Program and the Battlefield Restoration Grant Program.
- Funding authorization: Provides up to $2,000,000 annually through fiscal year 2036 for grants related to battlefield interpretation and restoration.
- Site studies: Requires the Secretary of the Interior, through the National Park Service, to prepare or certify studies on sites linked to the French and Indian War (1754–1763) and Mexican-American War (1846–1848). These studies must identify sites, assess their significance and threats, and suggest preservation options, including possible addition to the National Park System.
- Study process and submission: Allows studies by the National Park Service in consultation with states, tribes, and others, or by external parties if certified. Results must be submitted to congressional committees within specified timelines, and they are classified as "Battlefield Reports."
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Extends program authorizations from 2028 to 2036.
- Eliminates prior subsections that may have included limits or requirements in the interpretation and restoration grant programs.
- Introduces new authority for targeted historic site studies on specific 18th- and 19th-century conflicts, with provisions for external involvement and congressional reporting.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Extends operational timelines and funding for the National Park Service to support battlefield grants and studies.
- Citizens and preservation efforts: Supports continued federal assistance for protecting historic sites, potentially aiding public access and education on these events.
- International relations: No direct effects identified, as the focus remains on domestic historic sites.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National Park Service and Department of the Interior.
- State, local, and Tribal governments.
- Organizations such as the American Battlefield Trust and other historic preservation groups.
- Interested individuals or entities involved in historic site studies.
- Congressional committees on natural resources and energy.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The bill clarifies that submitted studies qualify as official "Battlefield Reports," potentially streamlining their use in future preservation decisions.
- It promotes collaboration between federal agencies and non-federal parties, which could influence how historic preservation authority is shared without altering core constitutional roles in land management.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-04: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2026-06-03: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-06-03: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 - 13 (Roll no. 192). (Roll call 192)
- 2026-06-03: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 - 13 (Roll no. 192). (Roll call 192)
- 2026-06-03: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3793-3794)
- 2026-06-02: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- 2026-06-02: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7618.
- 2026-06-02: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3755-3757; text: CR H3755-3756)
- 2026-06-02: Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2026-05-20: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 578.
- 2026-05-20: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-664.
- 2026-05-20: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-664.
- 2026-04-21: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-04-21: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-04-21: Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
Bill Versions
- American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-03 — PDF (8 pages)
- American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-20 — PDF (4 pages)
- American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-04 — PDF (6 pages)
- American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-20 — PDF (8 pages)