4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in ENROLLED BILLcompared with ENGROSSED IN SENATE (Mar 25, 2026)

Technical corrections only. v3 is the enrolled version of the bill, reflecting its passage through both chambers of Congress and readiness for presidential signature. There are no substantive changes to the bill's text or policy provisions between v2 and v3.

S. 858119th CongressIntroduced Mar 5, 2025

Hershel ‘Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act

Became Public LawPublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV]
Committees: Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Sep 10, 2026

This analysis was written for v2 (ENGROSSED IN SENATE, Mar 25, 2026). ENROLLED BILL changed too little to need its own, so it reuses that one rather than a rewrite. The differences between the two are summarized above. View v2

Bottom line

This bill grants a specific exception to allow the National Medal of Honor Monument to be located in a restricted, prominent area of the National Mall.

What it actually does

This bill authorizes the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a commemorative work (a monument) within the 'Reserve' area of the National Mall. It specifically overrides a provision in existing law (40 U.S.C. 8908(c)) that generally restricts new commemorative works from being located in this area. The bill ensures that, apart from this specific location exception, the broader Commemorative Works Act still applies to the monument.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that the extraordinary valor, selfless service, and sacrifice displayed by Medal of Honor recipients warrant a monument in the most prominent and visible location on the National Mall. They contend that placing this monument within the Reserve ensures it receives the distinguished and accessible placement befitting such national heroes, allowing all Americans to easily honor their contributions.

Opponents contend

Critics might argue against granting exceptions to the established rules governing the National Mall's 'Reserve' area. They could express concerns that such overrides, even for worthy causes, could set a precedent, potentially leading to further encroachment on the open spaces and visual integrity of this historic and protected national landmark.

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it very easy for any reader to understand its provisions quickly and thoroughly.

Section 2(a)

Authorization for National Mall Location for Medal of Honor Monument

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision grants specific permission for the commemorative work honoring Medal of Honor recipients, authorized by Public Law 117-80, to be located within the 'Reserve' area of the National Mall. This is a direct override of section 8908(c) of title 40, United States Code, which typically prohibits new commemorative works within this designated area. The intent is to allow the monument to occupy a highly visible and significant space.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupNational Medal of Honor Museum FoundationImpactGains specific legal authorization to place its monument in a highly desirable and prominent location on the National Mall.MechanismStatutory override of existing land-use restrictions.ScaleSpecific to one organization and one monument.

GroupMedal of Honor recipients and their familiesImpactHonored with a monument in a symbolically significant and highly visible national location, enhancing public recognition of their valor.MechanismEstablishment of the commemorative work in a prominent area.ScaleSymbolic and national recognition for a distinguished group.

GroupGeneral public and visitors to the National MallImpactWill encounter a new national monument in a central area, potentially affecting the visual landscape and visitor experience.MechanismPhysical presence of the monument in a previously restricted zone.ScaleAffects the aesthetic and functional use of a major public space.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that the extraordinary valor and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients warrant a monument in the most prominent and visible location on the National Mall. They believe this placement will maximize public awareness and respect for these heroes, ensuring their legacy is honored in a truly national and accessible way.

Critics contend

Critics might argue that granting exceptions to the established rules for the Reserve area of the National Mall could set a problematic precedent. They contend that such overrides risk eroding the long-standing policy to preserve the open spaces and visual integrity of this historic area, potentially leading to future demands for similar exceptions.

Tradeoffs

This provision navigates the tension between the profound desire to honor national heroes with a prominent memorial and the established legal and planning principles aimed at preserving the open character and visual integrity of the National Mall's core 'Reserve' area.

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.