Washington Spy Ring National Historic Trail Designation Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8638
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-08T08:23:30Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to designate the Washington Spy Ring National Historic Trail—commemorating the Culper Spy Ring's intelligence efforts for George Washington during the American Revolution—by amending the National Trails System Act. It recognizes key historical sites and routes on Long Island, New York, to preserve and promote this history.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: "Washington Spy Ring National Historic Trail Designation Act."
- Findings:
- The Culper Spy Ring gathered intelligence on British forces and uncovered plots, including Benedict Arnold's treason and a plan to ambush French allies.
- Key sites include Raynham Hall (Oyster Bay), the Arsenal/Job Sammis House (Huntington), Brewster House (Setauket), and connecting roads.
- Trail Designation:
- A ~50-mile trail along village streets, town/city streets, and New York Route 25A, from Great Neck through Nassau and Suffolk Counties to Port Jefferson, NY.
- Follows a specific map (NERO 962/198100, dated November 2025), available for public inspection at the Secretary of the Interior's office.
- Administered by the North Shore Promotion Alliance (a tax-exempt business league under IRS Section 501(c)(6)) in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 5(a) of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(a)):
- Redesignates the existing paragraph on the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail from (31) to (32).
- Adds a new paragraph (33) designating and detailing administration of the Washington Spy Ring National Historic Trail.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior provides cooperative support but does not fully administer the trail, minimizing federal burden.
- Citizens and Local Communities: Enhances tourism, education, and preservation along Long Island's North Shore; boosts local economy through historic site visits.
- International Relations: None apparent.
- Broader Effects: Promotes public awareness of Revolutionary War history without mandating new spending or regulations.
Main Stakeholders
- North Shore Promotion Alliance: Primary administrator.
- U.S. Department of the Interior: Cooperative role, map maintenance.
- Local Entities: Communities in Nassau/Suffolk Counties, NY; owners/managers of sites like Raynham Hall, Arsenal, and Brewster House.
- Public: Tourists, historians, educators, and Revolutionary War enthusiasts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Standard trail designation under existing National Trails System Act framework; no new funding authorized, relying on partnership model to avoid federal overreach.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority over federal lands and historic preservation; no apparent conflicts.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (Reps. Suozzi and LaLota); focuses on local heritage without controversy, referred to House Committee on Natural Resources.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2026-04-30: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-30: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Washington Spy Ring National Historic Trail Designation Act — issued 2026-04-30 — PDF (4 pages)