9/11 Memorial and Museum Act
- Bill Number
- S. 2734
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-08: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-07T13:05:59Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The "9/11 Memorial and Museum Act" (S. 2734) aims to provide federal financial support to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center. This support commemorates the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honors the victims by funding the site's operation, security, and maintenance.
Key Provisions
- Grant Authorization: The Secretary of Homeland Security awards a one-time grant to the eligible entity (the nonprofit organization operating the museum, which must be a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) under the Internal Revenue Code) for operation, security, and maintenance purposes. The grant amount is between $5 million and $10 million, determined based on the entity's needs and application.
- Application and Review Process: The entity submits an application to the Secretary, who reviews it and must award the grant within 90 days if criteria are met. Criteria include the entity's commitment to visitor safety, preservation, education for future generations, and increasing access for economically disadvantaged visitors, as well as projected visitor benefits.
- Conditions for Receiving the Grant:
- Provide free admission to the museum and related facilities for active and retired Armed Forces members, registered first responders from the 9/11 attacks, and family members of victims.
- Offer dedicated free admission hours for the general public at least once a week.
- Allow annual federal audits of financial statements (including ticket sales, donations, grants, salaries, and operations), which are reviewed by the Secretary and made public.
- Reporting Requirements: The recipient must submit annual reports to specified congressional committees detailing fund usage, expenditures, and any additional information requested by the Secretary. Reports are due 90 days after each fiscal year.
- Funding Limitations: The grant is subject to advance appropriations to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); no new funds are authorized beyond what's appropriated.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new one-time federal grant program specifically for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, administered by DHS. It does not amend prior laws but establishes fresh requirements for federal funding, accountability, and public access to the site. Previously, such memorials may have relied on other funding sources like donations or general appropriations, but this creates a targeted mechanism with strict oversight.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: DHS gains responsibility for reviewing applications, awarding funds, conducting audits, and administering reports, potentially increasing administrative workload but limited to this one-time effort.
- On Citizens: Enhances public access through mandated free admission for specific groups and weekly free hours, promoting education about 9/11 and broader visitation, especially for underserved communities. Victims' families, first responders, and military personnel benefit directly from free entry.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though the museum's role in commemorating a globally significant event could indirectly support U.S. efforts to honor shared histories of terrorism and resilience.
- Broader Effects: Provides financial stability for the museum's upkeep, potentially preventing service reductions, while ensuring taxpayer funds are transparently used.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National September 11 Memorial & Museum Foundation: Primary recipient, gaining funds but obligated to meet access, preservation, and reporting conditions.
- Department of Homeland Security (Secretary and Office): Oversees grant administration, reviews, and audits.
- Visitors and Public: Includes general audiences, economically disadvantaged individuals, 9/11 victims' families, first responders, and military members who gain improved access and safety.
- Congressional Committees: Senate and House committees on Homeland Security, Energy and Natural Resources, and Natural Resources receive reports and influence oversight.
- Taxpayers: Indirectly affected through appropriated funds and public financial transparency.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: Establishes enforceable conditions on grant receipt, including audits to prevent misuse of funds (a form of financial accountability under federal grant laws). The 501(c)(3) requirement ensures only qualified nonprofits benefit, aligning with tax code standards.
- Constitutional Implications: Supports the government's role in promoting national memorials (under Congress's spending power in Article I, Section 8), without raising free speech or establishment clause issues, as it funds a secular commemorative site.
- Political Implications: Reinforces bipartisan commitment to 9/11 remembrance (introduced by senators from New York, site of the attacks), potentially setting a precedent for targeted federal aid to historic sites. The one-time nature limits long-term fiscal commitments, but reporting to Congress enhances legislative oversight.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
Cosponsors (2)
Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-08: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 2025-09-08: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum Act — issued 2025-09-08 — PDF (6 pages)