Sponsors (2)
The bill directs modest, predictable federal funding and studies to identify and preserve historic battlefield sites—improving preservation capacity, tribal consultation, and potential local tourism—while imposing small ongoing federal costs and creating risks of changed program rules, raised local expectations, and constraints for some property owners.
State, local, and nonprofit stewards will receive predictable federal grants ($2M/year through FY2035) to acquire, preserve, and interpret historic battlefield sites, supporting preservation projects and public access.
Congress will receive consolidated, detailed studies and a report (within two years) identifying historically significant French & Indian War and Mexican‑American War sites and preservation options, improving oversight and enabling informed future funding or designation decisions.
Communities could see improved preservation and interpretation that enhances heritage tourism and local economic activity.
The federal government (taxpayers) will incur ongoing costs — the $2M/year grants plus study/reporting expenses — that divert federal dollars to these activities without guaranteeing preservation outcomes.
Removal and unspecified replacement of statutory subsections could change grant eligibility or program rules in ways that limit who can apply or how funds are used.
Study findings and recommendations may raise local expectations for federal designation or funding that may not materialize, leaving communities with unmet planning needs.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Introduced December 17, 2025 by David Harold McCormick · Last progress December 17, 2025
Authorizes $2,000,000 per year through fiscal year 2035 for American Battlefield Protection Program grants by amending existing grant provisions in title 54, U.S. Code, and directs the National Park Service to conduct thematic studies of sites and structures tied to the French and Indian War and the Mexican‑American War. The studies must identify and assess sites, evaluate threats, propose preservation and interpretation options (including possible National Park System designation), consult with States, Tribes, local governments, and preservation organizations, and report results to Congress within two years after funds become available.