Technical corrections only. The changes between v1 and v2 reflect the bill's procedural progression from being considered and passed by the Senate to being engrossed in the Senate, including updates to the bill's status and formal attestation. No substantive policy changes were made to the text of the bill.
National Historical Park and National Historic Landmark Establishment and Boundary Adjustments Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Hawley, Josh [R-MO]
- Last action
- Dec 17, 2025
Bottom line
This bill creates a new National Historical Park and designates a National Historic Landmark, focusing on preserving sites of historical significance related to World War II refugees and Winston Churchill.
What it actually does
This bill establishes the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park in New York, preserving the site where 982 World War II refugees were housed from 1944 to 1946. It also designates America's National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri, as a National Historic Landmark and mandates a special resource study to assess its suitability as a unit of the National Park System.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is crucial for preserving significant historical sites, ensuring that the stories of Holocaust refugees and the legacy of Winston Churchill are remembered and interpreted for future generations. They emphasize the educational value and the importance of recognizing these contributions to American history and international relations.
Opponents contend
No direct opposition is explicitly stated in the bill text or commonly associated with such commemorative legislation. Potential, though unlikely, opposition might arise from concerns about federal land acquisition, management costs, or the expansion of the National Park System, but these are not typically voiced against historical park designations of this nature.
The bill is concise and clearly structured, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(b)(1)
Establishment of Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park
This provision establishes a new unit of the National Park System in New York, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of 982 World War II refugees who found shelter at Fort Ontario from 1944 to 1946. The park's establishment is contingent on the Secretary of the Interior acquiring sufficient land within a specified boundary, and notice of its establishment will be published in the Federal Register.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that establishing this National Historical Park is vital for honoring the memory of Holocaust refugees and educating future generations about a unique chapter in American history regarding refugee policy during wartime. They emphasize the importance of preserving sites that tell stories of humanitarian efforts and the challenges faced by those fleeing persecution.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the establishment of historical parks commemorating humanitarian efforts. Any potential concerns would likely revolve around the cost of federal land acquisition and ongoing maintenance, rather than the purpose itself.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension involves balancing the desire for federal preservation with potential local control issues and the financial commitment required for establishing and maintaining a new park unit.
Section 2(c)
Administration and Land Acquisition for Fort Ontario Historical Park
This section outlines how the new National Historical Park will be managed by the Secretary of the Interior under general National Park System laws. It authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with state, public, and private entities for interpretive services and resource restoration. Land acquisition is permitted through donation, purchase, or exchange, with state-owned land specifically limited to acquisition by donation.
Section 3(b)(1)
Designation of America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark
This provision formally designates America's National Churchill Museum at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, including the existing Winston Churchill Memorial, as a National Historic Landmark. This designation recognizes its national significance without altering property ownership or administration by the College, City, or State.
Section 3(c)
Special Resource Study for America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark
This provision directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the newly designated America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark. The study will evaluate its national significance, assess its suitability and feasibility for designation as a unit of the National Park System, and consider alternatives for its preservation, including cost estimates for federal involvement. A report on the study's findings is due to Congress within three years of funding.