Sponsors (20)
The bill expands and funds free access and oversight for the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum—improving affordability and accountability—while imposing a modest federal cost and posing risks to museum revenue stability and donor privacy.
Veterans, first responders, and families of 9/11 victims receive guaranteed free admission to the Memorial & Museum, increasing access and reducing out-of-pocket costs for these groups.
The general public gains at least one weekly free admission period, improving affordable access for low-income visitors and the broader community.
Provides a one-time federal grant of $5–$10 million to support Memorial & Museum operations, security, and maintenance, helping preserve the site and protect visitors.
Weekly free admission hours may reduce paid admission revenue, potentially straining the Museum's earned income and its ability to operate if the federal grant is insufficient.
Taxpayers would ultimately bear the cost of the $5–$10 million grant if appropriated, increasing federal spending pressure.
Limiting the program to advance appropriations and authorizing no new mandatory funds could delay or prevent the grant if Congress does not provide advance funding, risking promised benefits.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to award a one-time grant of between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000 to the nonprofit that operates the National September 11 Memorial & Museum to support operation, security, and maintenance. The grant is subject to application review, eligibility requirements, and availability of advance appropriations (no new funds authorized). The recipient must provide specified free admission benefits for certain veterans, first responders, and family members, offer weekly free hours to the public, permit annual federal audits of financial statements (which will be public), and submit annual reports to specified congressional committees. The Secretary must award funds within 90 days of a completed application if criteria are met.
Introduced January 31, 2025 by Nicholas LaLota · Last progress February 5, 2025