American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026

This bill significantly amends the American Battlefield Protection Program by extending the authorization for the Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program until fiscal year 2036. It also increases the federal cost-share for both the Battlefield Interpretation Modernization Grant Program and the Battlefield Restoration Grant Program from 50 percent to 75 percent, making these preservation efforts more accessible. To support these initiatives, the bill authorizes an annual appropriation of $2,000,000 for interpretation modernization and restoration grants through 2036. Beyond grant modifications, the legislation mandates the Secretary of the Interior to conduct comprehensive studies of sites associated with the French and Indian War (1754-1763) and the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). These studies will identify nationally significant sites, assess threats to their integrity, and propose various preservation and interpretation alternatives, including potential inclusion in the National Park System. The Secretary is required to consult with State, local, and Tribal governments, as well as historic preservation organizations, during this process, with a report detailing findings due to Congress within two years of funding. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen existing battlefield protection efforts while expanding the scope of historical preservation to include sites from these important, yet often overlooked, conflicts.