Sponsors (7)
Introduced February 20, 2026 by Jennifer Kiggans · Last progress February 20, 2026
The bill creates dedicated federal funding, stronger NPS authority, site research, and formal Tribal consultation to preserve historic battlefields, at the cost of modest recurring federal spending, potential local trade-offs, and some implementation and property-rights uncertainties.
State and local governments and nonprofits gain predictable, dedicated federal grants and clearer National Park Service authority (about $2M/year through FY2036) to acquire and protect battlefield sites, improving planning certainty and preservation capacity.
Tribes and Tribal communities receive a formal role through required Tribal consultation, giving them meaningful input into identification and preservation priorities tied to their historic interests.
Local communities, educators, and preservation groups get authoritative research and site-identification for French & Indian War and Mexican-American War locations and threats, which can support education, tourism, local economic development, and help prioritize conservation and potential National Park System designations.
Taxpayers face increased federal outlays — roughly $2 million per year through FY2036 plus costs for studies and potential future preservation obligations if sites are recommended for federal designation.
Narrow, earmarked funding for battlefield preservation could crowd out other historic preservation projects or local priorities when appropriations are limited, shifting existing local/state trade-offs.
Property owners near newly identified sites could face increased regulatory attention or constraints if preservation actions or federal designations move forward, affecting land use and property rights.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Revises ABPP grant rules, authorizes $2M per year through FY2036 for battlefield grants, and requires thematic studies of French and Indian War and Mexican‑American War sites with a report in two years.
Revises how the federal American Battlefield Protection Program awards grants, authorizes $2,000,000 per year through FY2036 for those grants, and directs the Interior Secretary (via the National Park Service) to study sites and structures tied to the French and Indian Wars and the Mexican‑American War. The studies must identify and prioritize sites, assess threats, propose preservation and interpretation options (including possible National Park System designation), consult state and tribal officials and preservation organizations, and deliver a report to Congress within two years after funds are made available.