Hershel ‘Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act
- Bill Number
- S. 858
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-27: Held at the desk.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-31T08:05:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation authorizes the establishment of a commemorative monument on the National Mall to honor Medal of Honor recipients for their acts of valor, selfless service, and sacrifice. The Medal of Honor is the highest U.S. military decoration, awarded for extraordinary bravery in combat.
Key Provisions
- Authorization and Location: Permits the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to build the monument within the "Reserve," a designated area of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as defined under federal law (40 U.S.C. § 8902(a)).
- Application of Existing Law: The Commemorative Works Act (chapter 89 of title 40, U.S. Code), which governs the design, construction, and maintenance of memorials on federal land, applies to the project except for the specific location override.
- Short Title: The act is named the "Hershel 'Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act," recognizing Hershel "Woody" Williams, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Overrides a restriction in 40 U.S.C. § 8908(c), which generally prohibits new commemorative works in the Reserve area of the National Mall to preserve its open space and historical layout. This exception allows the monument despite that rule, building on prior authorization from Public Law 117-80.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The National Park Service (which manages the National Mall) will oversee compliance with the Commemorative Works Act, including site approval, construction standards, and long-term maintenance, potentially requiring additional resources for planning and preservation.
- On Citizens: Enhances public access to a tribute to military heroes, fostering national pride and education about military history; it may draw more visitors to the National Mall, benefiting tourism.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it reinforces the U.S. image as a nation that honors its veterans, which could indirectly support diplomatic efforts related to military alliances.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation: Gains authority to proceed with the project, enabling fundraising, design, and construction.
- Medal of Honor Recipients and Families: Directly honored through the monument, providing a lasting public recognition of their sacrifices.
- General Public and Veterans' Groups: Benefits from increased visibility and commemoration of military valor; organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars may support or collaborate on the initiative.
- Federal Government (e.g., Congress and National Park Service): Responsible for implementation and oversight, ensuring the project aligns with federal land management policies.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes a targeted exception to the Commemorative Works Act, streamlining approval for this specific memorial while maintaining broader protections for the National Mall's integrity; no challenges to due process or property rights are introduced.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I to manage federal lands and commemorate national achievements; it promotes free speech through public monuments without infringing on First Amendment rights.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan commitment to honoring veterans, potentially serving as a unifying gesture in a divided political landscape; the naming after a specific veteran highlights personal stories of heroism, which could inspire future similar legislation for military tributes.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (13)
Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR], Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-27: Held at the desk.
- 2026-03-27: Received in the House.
- 2026-03-27: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2026-03-25: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S1605)
- 2026-03-25: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-03-25: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S1605)
- 2026-03-25: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-03-25: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-12-17: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 2025-12-09: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
- 2025-03-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-03-05: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Hershel ‘Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act — issued 2026-03-25 — PDF (4 pages)
- Hershel ‘Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act — issued 2025-03-05 — PDF (4 pages)