World War II Women's Memorial Location Act
- Bill Number
- S. 1088
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-09: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-17T11:03:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to authorize the placement of a commemorative memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to honor the service and sacrifices of women who supported the U.S. military efforts on the home front during World War II. It builds on a prior authorization by specifying a prominent location to extend the legacy of these women's contributions.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The Act is titled the "World War II Women's Memorial Location Act."
- Findings: Congress recognizes that over 18 million women worked in essential roles (e.g., pilots, engineers, mechanics, code breakers) during World War II, producing vital military equipment and sustaining the war effort. It references a 2023 law (section 702 of division DD of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023) that authorized the World War II Women's Memorial Foundation to establish the memorial on federal land in the District of Columbia area. Placing it on the National Mall is seen as a fitting tribute.
- Location Authorization: The memorial may be sited within:
- Area I, as shown on the map "Commemorative Areas Washington, DC and Environs" (numbered 869/86501 B, dated June 24, 2003); or
- The Reserve, defined under section 8902(a) of title 40, United States Code (a designated area around the National Mall for potential future commemorative sites).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Overrides section 8908 of title 40, United States Code (part of the Commemorative Works Act), which generally prohibits new commemorative works in the most central and iconic parts of the National Mall (Area I) to preserve its character and limit overcrowding. This exception allows the WWII women's memorial to bypass that restriction, while still adhering to other planning and approval processes under the Commemorative Works Act.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The National Park Service (which manages federal lands in Washington, D.C.) may need to coordinate site selection, design reviews, and construction oversight, potentially integrating the memorial into existing Mall maintenance and visitor programs.
- On Citizens: Enhances public education and remembrance of women's historical roles in WWII, providing an accessible site for veterans, families, educators, and tourists to reflect on national history. It could foster greater recognition of gender contributions to U.S. military support efforts.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, though the memorial may indirectly promote U.S. cultural heritage to international visitors.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- World War II Women's Memorial Foundation: Gains flexibility to place the memorial in a high-visibility location, aiding fundraising and implementation.
- Women Veterans and Descendants: Directly honored, potentially increasing visibility for their stories and sacrifices.
- General Public and Visitors: Benefits from an enriched National Mall experience with added historical significance.
- Federal Agencies (e.g., National Park Service, Commission of Fine Arts): Involved in approvals, construction, and long-term management.
- Congressional Sponsors: Senators Shaheen, Blackburn, and Duckworth, who introduced the bill, represent interests in historical preservation and women's contributions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Amends the Commemorative Works Act by creating a targeted exception, ensuring the project complies with environmental reviews, design standards, and funding requirements under prior authorizations. No challenges to established processes are introduced.
- Constitutional: None apparent; the bill aligns with Congress's authority over federal lands and commemorative projects under Article I.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan support (introduced by senators from different parties) for recognizing women's wartime roles, potentially advancing discussions on gender equity in historical narratives without altering broader policies. It emphasizes preservation of the National Mall while making a symbolic exception for this memorial.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (7)
Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-09: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
- 2025-03-24: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-03-24: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- World War II Women's Memorial Location Act — issued 2025-03-24 — PDF (3 pages)