Technical and procedural updates only. The changes reflect the bill's progression from its introduction in the Senate to being engrossed after passing the Senate, including updated dates and the addition of "AN ACT" to the title. No substantive policy changes were made to the text of the bill itself.
A bill to transfer administrative jurisdiction over certain parcels of Federal land in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV]
- Committees
- Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 4, 2026
Bottom line
The bill reorganizes federal land administration in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, to optimize land use for both national security training and national historical park expansion, without direct monetary exchange between agencies.
What it actually does
This bill transfers administrative jurisdiction over approximately 25 acres of federal land in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, from the Secretary of the Interior (National Park Service) to the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for its Advanced Training Center. Concurrently, it transfers administrative jurisdiction over approximately 71.51 acres from CBP to the Secretary of the Interior, to be administered as part of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. All transfers are without monetary reimbursement, and the bill includes provisions for land surveys and a reversion clause for the land transferred to CBP.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill represents a practical and efficient administrative adjustment that optimizes federal land use. It allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection to expand its critical Advanced Training Center, enhancing national security capabilities, while simultaneously expanding and consolidating the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, benefiting conservation and public access. The non-monetary transfers streamline the process, and the reversion clause ensures long-term protection for the land.
Opponents contend
Given the nature of the bill, which involves administrative land transfers between federal agencies for clearly defined public purposes, organized opposition is unlikely. Critics might raise concerns if the transfers were perceived to negatively impact public access to park land, environmental conservation, or local community interests, but the bill's provisions for park expansion and land reversion mitigate such concerns.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it easy for a reader to understand its provisions and implications quickly.
Section 1(a)(1)
Transfer to U.S. Customs and Border Protection
This provision transfers administrative control of approximately 25 acres of federal land in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, from the Department of the Interior (which manages national parks) to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This land will be used as part of CBP's Advanced Training Center and will no longer be considered part of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park boundary.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this transfer is essential for enhancing national security by allowing CBP to expand its Advanced Training Center, which is vital for training personnel in critical border protection functions.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision, as it is an administrative adjustment between federal agencies for public purposes. Potential concerns about park land reduction are offset by other provisions.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for national security training infrastructure with the preservation goals of a national historical park. The tradeoff involves a small reduction in park-administered land for a specific federal law enforcement purpose.
Section 1(a)(2)
Transfer to the Secretary of the Interior
This provision transfers administrative control of three parcels of federal land, totaling approximately 71.51 acres, from U.S. Customs and Border Protection back to the Secretary of the Interior. This land will then be managed as part of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, expanding its overall footprint and administrative coherence.
Section 1(a)(3)
No Monetary Reimbursement for Transfers
This section explicitly states that the land transfers between the Department of the Interior and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will occur without any monetary payment or additional financial consideration. This means the agencies will not exchange funds for the land, simplifying the administrative process.
This provision establishes a reversion mechanism: if the 25 acres transferred to U.S. Customs and Border Protection are no longer required for its Advanced Training Center, administrative jurisdiction over that land will automatically transfer back to the Secretary of the Interior. Upon reversion, the land will be included within the boundary of, and administered as part of, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Crucially, an existing acreage limitation for the park (under 16 U.S.C. 450bb(d)) will not apply to this specific inclusion.
Section 1(b)(4)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to include future disposition and technical waivers in relevant sections dealing with land management. It is not necessarily evasive, but rather a comprehensive approach to land transfer.
Case for: Proponents argue this clause provides essential long-term protection for the land, ensuring that if CBP's specific need for the 25 acres ceases, the land will revert to the National Park Service, preventing its potential sale or transfer to other entities. The waiver of the acreage limitation removes a potential legal barrier to this future park expansion.
Case against: No specific case against this provision is typically raised, as it serves as a protective measure for a national park and ensures responsible future land management.
Estimated impact: Ensures the long-term preservation and potential future inclusion of 25 acres into the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, safeguarding its natural and historical value even after CBP's operational needs change.