4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Jun 3, 2026)

Technical corrections only. The diff between v3 and v4 primarily reflects the bill's procedural movement from the House to the Senate, including the Senate referral information and the Clerk's name. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill text.

H.R. 7618119th CongressIntroduced Feb 20, 2026

American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026

Passed HousePublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]
Committees: Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Sep 30, 2026

Bottom line

This bill extends and modifies federal grant programs for battlefield preservation and interpretation, while also initiating new studies to expand the recognition of historical sites from earlier American conflicts.

What it actually does

This bill extends the authorization for the Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program, modifies and reauthorizes appropriations for the Battlefield Interpretation Modernization and Restoration Grant Programs, and mandates new studies for sites related to the French and Indian War and Mexican-American War. It aims to enhance the preservation and interpretation of nationally significant historical battlefields across the United States.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue this bill ensures continued funding for vital battlefield preservation, expands the scope of historical recognition to include underrepresented conflicts, and modernizes grant programs to better protect and interpret nationally significant sites for future generations, fostering a deeper understanding of American history.

Opponents contend

Critics might argue that while historical preservation is important, the expansion of studies and reauthorization of grants could lead to increased federal spending without clear prioritization, potentially diverting resources from other pressing national needs or creating unfunded mandates for future site designations.

The bill is very concise and clearly structured, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions by any informed reader.

Section 2(a), Section 308103(f) of title 54, United States Code

Reauthorization of Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision extends the authorization for the Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program by eight years, from fiscal year 2028 to fiscal year 2036. This program provides federal grants for the acquisition of land or interests in land for the preservation of historically significant battlefields, helping to protect them from development and ensure their long-term integrity.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupState, local, and Tribal governmentsImpactContinued eligibility for federal grants to acquire and preserve historic battlefield land.MechanismScale

GroupHistoric preservation organizationsImpactAccess to federal funding to support their efforts in acquiring and protecting battlefield sites.MechanismScale

GroupLandownersImpactOpportunity to sell land or interests in land for preservation purposes, potentially receiving fair market value.MechanismScale

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that extending this program is crucial for the ongoing protection of historically significant battlefields, preventing their development and ensuring their preservation for public education and historical understanding for future generations.

Critics contend

No specific opposition is typically raised against the reauthorization of established battlefield preservation programs, though some might question the long-term financial commitment or specific acquisition priorities in the broader context of federal spending.

Tradeoffs

This provision balances the desire for long-term historical preservation and public access to significant sites with the ongoing federal budgetary commitments required to fund such acquisitions.

Section 2(b) and (c), Sections 308104 and 308105 of title 54, United States Code

Modification and Authorization of Appropriations for Interpretation and Restoration Grants

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section modifies the Battlefield Interpretation Modernization Grant Program and the Battlefield Restoration Grant Program. It strikes existing authorization language and inserts a new consolidated authorization of $2,000,000 to be appropriated annually for both programs, for each fiscal year through 2036. This ensures continued federal support for projects aimed at enhancing public understanding and physical restoration of battlefields.

Section 3

Mandated Studies for French and Indian War and Mexican-American War Sites

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the National Park Service, to prepare or certify studies of sites and structures in the United States related to the French and Indian War (1754-1763) and the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). These studies will identify significant sites, assess threats to their integrity, and propose alternatives for their preservation and interpretation, including potential designation as units of the National Park System.

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.

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Jun 3, 2026)

H.R. 7618119th CongressIntroduced Feb 20, 2026

American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026

Passed HousePublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]
Committees: Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Sep 30, 2026

Bottom line

What it actually does

Proponents argue

Opponents contend

The bill is very concise and clearly structured, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions by any informed reader.

Section 2(a), Section 308103(f) of title 54, United States Code

Reauthorization of Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program

prominently featuredstraightforward

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupState, local, and Tribal governmentsImpactContinued eligibility for federal grants to acquire and preserve historic battlefield land.MechanismScale

GroupHistoric preservation organizationsImpactAccess to federal funding to support their efforts in acquiring and protecting battlefield sites.MechanismScale

GroupLandownersImpactOpportunity to sell land or interests in land for preservation purposes, potentially receiving fair market value.MechanismScale

Supporters argue

Critics contend

Tradeoffs

This provision balances the desire for long-term historical preservation and public access to significant sites with the ongoing federal budgetary commitments required to fund such acquisitions.

Section 2(b) and (c), Sections 308104 and 308105 of title 54, United States Code

Modification and Authorization of Appropriations for Interpretation and Restoration Grants

prominently featuredstraightforward

Section 3

Mandated Studies for French and Indian War and Mexican-American War Sites

prominently featuredstraightforward