3 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Jan 21, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The changes between v2 and v3 reflect the bill's procedural progression from being engrossed in the House to being referred in the Senate, including the addition of the House Clerk's name. There are no substantive policy changes to the bill's text.

H.R. 186119th CongressIntroduced Jan 3, 2025

Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act

Passed HousePublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Moore, Blake D. [R-UT-1]
Committees: Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Dec 9, 2025

Bottom line

This bill designates a prime location on the National Mall for a monument honoring Medal of Honor recipients, ensuring its prominent placement by overriding existing restrictions.

What it actually does

This bill authorizes the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a commemorative work honoring Medal of Honor recipients within 'the Reserve' on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It specifically overrides a provision of the Commemorative Works Act that generally prohibits new commemorative works in this area, ensuring the monument's prominent placement.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that placing the National Medal of Honor Monument on the National Mall is essential to properly honor the extraordinary valor and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients. They contend this location, in close proximity to the Lincoln Memorial, extends President Lincoln's legacy and will inspire future generations by showcasing the highest ideals of American service and heroism.

Opponents contend

Critics, if any, might express concern that overriding the Commemorative Works Act's restrictions on 'the Reserve' could set a precedent, potentially leading to further encroachment on the open space and monumental core of the National Mall, thereby diminishing its intended aesthetic and historical integrity.

The bill is very short and clear, making it easily digestible for any reader to understand its core purpose within minutes.

Section 3(a)

National Medal of Honor Monument Location within the Reserve

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision explicitly authorizes the National Medal of Honor Monument to be located within 'the Reserve' on the National Mall. This is a crucial detail because it overrides section 8908(c) of title 40, United States Code, which generally restricts the placement of new commemorative works in this highly protected area. By doing so, the bill ensures the monument can be built in a prominent, central location.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupNational Medal of Honor Museum FoundationImpactGains specific legal authority to place the monument in a highly desired, prominent location on the National Mall.MechanismStatutory override of existing land use restrictions.ScaleEnables the project to proceed with its preferred, high-visibility site.

GroupMedal of Honor recipients and their familiesImpactReceives enhanced national recognition and honor through the prominent placement of a dedicated monument.MechanismCreation of a highly visible and accessible commemorative work.ScaleSignificant symbolic and national recognition.

GroupGeneral Public and Visitors to the National MallImpactAccess to a new national monument honoring American valor, contributing to the educational and commemorative landscape of the National Mall.MechanismAddition of a new commemorative work to a major public space.ScaleMinor change to the physical landscape, significant addition to national symbolism.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that the Medal of Honor represents the highest acts of valor and selfless service, warranting a location of supreme national importance. Placing it within the Reserve, near the Lincoln Memorial, appropriately links it to President Lincoln's legacy and ensures maximum visibility and impact for inspiring future generations.

Critics contend

Critics, if any, might contend that making an exception to the Commemorative Works Act for 'the Reserve' could weaken the protective framework designed to preserve the open space and monumental core of the National Mall, potentially leading to a proliferation of monuments in this historically protected area.

Tradeoffs

This provision navigates the tension between the desire to provide the highest possible honor to Medal of Honor recipients through prominent placement and the established policy of preserving the aesthetic and open character of the National Mall's core, as codified in the Commemorative Works Act.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.