Sponsors (20)
The bill expands public access and provides one-time federal support and clearer federal oversight for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, but does so with eligibility limits, reporting requirements, potential administrative burdens, and uncertain funding that may shift costs or constraints onto taxpayers and the museum operator.
Veterans, first responders, and the general public will get greater access because eligible veterans and first responders receive guaranteed free admission and the museum must offer at least one weekly period of free admission.
The museum would receive a $5M–$10M one-time grant to support operations, security, and maintenance, helping preserve memorial infrastructure and visitor safety.
The grant requires public federal audits and annual reporting to Congress, increasing financial transparency and accountability for how funds are used.
The authorized grant is subject to availability of advance appropriations, so the $5M–$10M may be delayed or never provided despite the authorization.
Taxpayers could indirectly bear the cost of the $5M–$10M grant or see DHS resources diverted to support the museum, potentially reducing funds available for other DHS priorities.
Grant conditions (required free admission periods and detailed reporting) may impose operational and administrative burdens and costs on the museum operator.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Allows DHS to award a one-time $5M–$10M grant to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum for operations, security, and maintenance, subject to appropriations and access/transparency conditions.
Provides a one-time federal grant of between $5 million and $10 million to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum to support its operation, security, and maintenance. The Department of Homeland Security Secretary must award the grant within 90 days of receipt of a completed application that meets specified criteria, and the award is subject to the availability of appropriations. The bill requires the museum to meet conditions to receive funds, including free admission for certain groups, weekly free hours for the public, annual public federal audits, and annual reports to specified congressional committees. No new funds are authorized by the text; grants depend on advance appropriations made available to DHS for this purpose.
Official title: To provide a one-time grant for the operation, security, and maintenance of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center to commemorate the events, and honor the victims, of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and for other purposes.
Introduced January 31, 2025 by Nicholas LaLota · Last progress February 5, 2025