HR7618-119

What This Bill Does

The American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026 updates the National Park Service battlefield preservation program in title 54. It extends program authority from 2028 to 2036 and authorizes $2,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2036 for grants under the battlefield protection grant sections.

The reported bill also directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to prepare or certify studies of U.S. sites and structures connected to nationally significant events from the French and Indian War and the Mexican-American War. Those studies must identify sites, rank their relative significance, assess short- and long-term threats, and describe preservation or interpretation alternatives. The studies may be prepared by the National Park Service or by interested outside entities if the Secretary certifies that the studies meet statutory requirements.

Who Benefits and How

National Park Service battlefield staff benefit from extended authority and a clearer grant authorization through 2036. State historic preservation programs receive expanded opportunities to participate in studies and preservation alternatives. Indian Tribes and local governments gain a formal consultation role when affected sites are studied. The American Battlefield Trust and historic preservation organizations benefit because their prior reports may be used and their privately prepared studies can be certified by the Secretary. Communities near French and Indian War or Mexican-American War sites benefit from potential National Park System designation, interpretation, and preservation planning. Battlefield preservation grant applicants benefit from continued grant authority and the $2,000,000 annual authorization.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The Secretary of the Interior and National Park Service study staff must prepare or certify the new battlefield studies, review outside studies within one year, and submit completed studies to the House Natural Resources Committee and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Federal taxpayers bear the cost if Congress appropriates the authorized $2,000,000 per year and funds the studies. State historic preservation offices, Indian Tribes, local governments, and preservation organizations may need to supply information, coordinate with NPS staff, or respond to consultation requests. Property owners near studied sites may face planning uncertainty if preservation alternatives include future federal, state, local, Tribal, or private protective actions.

Key Provisions

• Extends American Battlefield Protection Program authority from 2028 to 2036.
• Authorizes $2,000,000 per fiscal year through 2036 for battlefield protection grants.
• Removes expired grant-program language in title 54 sections 308104 and 308105.
• Requires the Secretary of the Interior and National Park Service to prepare or certify studies of French and Indian War and Mexican-American War sites.
• Directs the studies to identify sites, rank significance, assess threats, and describe preservation or interpretation alternatives.
• Requires certified studies to be sent to the House Natural Resources Committee and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.