Federal Lands Subcommittee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Natural Resources Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
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.
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 578.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-664.
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3755-3757; text: CR H3755-3756)
Considered under suspension of the rules.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7618.
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3793-3794)
Considered as unfinished business.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 - 13 (Roll no. 192).
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 578.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-664.
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3755-3757; text: CR H3755-3756)
Considered under suspension of the rules.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7618.
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3793-3794)
Considered as unfinished business.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 - 13 (Roll no. 192).
Congressional oversightGovernment studies and investigationsHistoric sites and heritage areasParks, recreation areas, trailsU.S. history
American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026
USA119th CongressHR-7618| House
| Updated: 6/4/2026
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.
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 578.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-664.
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3755-3757; text: CR H3755-3756)
Considered under suspension of the rules.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7618.
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3793-3794)
Considered as unfinished business.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 - 13 (Roll no. 192).
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 578.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-664.
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3755-3757; text: CR H3755-3756)
Considered under suspension of the rules.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7618.
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3793-3794)
Considered as unfinished business.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 - 13 (Roll no. 192).