American Sovereignty and Monterey Historic Military Site Study Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8735
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-21: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-02T20:33:38Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of Lower Presidio Historic Park in Monterey, California, to assess its potential as a unit of the National Park System.
Key Provisions
- The bill requires the Secretary to evaluate the site's national significance, determine suitability and feasibility for National Park designation, and consider alternative preservation options by federal, state, local, tribal, or private entities.
- The study must include consultations with federal agencies, state and local governments, Tribes, and nonprofit organizations, plus cost estimates for any federal involvement.
- The study follows existing procedures under section 100507 of title 54, United States Code.
- A report on results, conclusions, and recommendations must be submitted to the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources within three years of funding availability.
- The bill includes extensive congressional findings detailing the site's history from indigenous stewardship by the Esselen and Rumsen peoples through Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. military periods.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This Act introduces no amendments to current statutes. It simply authorizes a one-time special resource study under established National Park Service evaluation processes.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Could require the Department of the Interior to allocate resources for the study and, if recommended, future management responsibilities.
- On citizens: May expand public access and interpretation of the site if designated, while maintaining its current use as part of an active U.S. Army installation under a lease with the City of Monterey.
- On international relations: No direct effects identified.
- The study could lead to recommendations for federal acquisition, development, or operation of the park.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The City of Monterey and local residents.
- Indigenous Tribes, including Esselen and Rumsen descendants.
- U.S. Army Garrison Presidio of Monterey.
- Federal agencies such as the National Park Service.
- Nonprofit organizations and historical preservation groups.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation operates entirely within existing authorities for National Park studies and raises no apparent constitutional concerns. It emphasizes consultation with Tribes and multiple levels of government, consistent with standard federal land management practices.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-21: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-05-12: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
- 2026-05-12: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2026-05-12: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- American Sovereignty and Monterey Historic Military Site Study Act — issued 2026-05-12 — PDF (8 pages)