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Updates and reauthorizes grant authorities for the American Battlefield Protection Program, changes language for interpretation and restoration grants, and authorizes $2,000,000 per year for those grants through the stated authorization period. It also directs the National Park Service to study and report on U.S. sites and structures associated with the French and Indian War and the Mexican‑American War, including preservation options and consultation with stakeholders, with a report due within two years after funding is provided.
The bill directs targeted federal funding and planning to preserve and interpret historic battlefields—improving protection, consultation, and public education—while increasing federal spending and study activity that could shift limited preservation resources, create administrative and regulatory/|
Local governments, tribes, nonprofits, and the public can access up to $2,000,000 per year through FY2036 for battlefield acquisition, restoration, and interpretation projects, enabling land protection and on-the-ground preservation work that prevents destructive development of historic sites.
Tribes, states, and local governments gain formal consultation roles in planning preservation and interpretation for French & Indian War and Mexican‑American War sites, giving local and tribal stakeholders more influence over preservation decisions.
Students, tourists, and lifelong learners will likely benefit from improved interpretation and modernized visitor experiences at battlefield sites, enhancing education and public understanding of the historic events.
Taxpayers may bear recurring costs for the $2,000,000 annual grant program and for the additional studies and reporting, increasing federal spending for these targeted preservation efforts.
Limited federal grant funds and National Park Service (NPS) attention could be diverted toward battlefield sites and related studies, reducing funding and staff time available for other conservation, historic, or park priorities.
Study findings or future federal designations prompted by the bill could impose regulatory limits or costs on nearby private landowners (e.g., development restrictions or compliance requirements).
Introduced February 20, 2026 by Jennifer Kiggans · Last progress February 20, 2026