American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026
February 20, 2026
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Where This Stands
Currently in_committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →The Frame
The bill changes the federal funding structure for historic preservation by increasing the government's share of project costs to 75% and authorizes $2 million annually through 2036 for specific grant programs.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Historic preservation organizations
These groups are required to be consulted by the Secretary of the Interior during the site study process.
State and local governments
These entities are eligible for consultation and potential partnership in the preservation and interpretation of historic sites identified in the studies.
Indian Tribes
Tribal governments are required to be consulted regarding the identification and preservation of historic sites.
Current stage: in_committee.
Floor Vote.
Summary
Key Facts
- Extends the Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program authorization from 2028 to 2036.
- Increases the federal cost-share limit for Battlefield Interpretation Modernization grants from 50% to 75%.
- Increases the federal cost-share limit for Battlefield Restoration grants from 50% to 75%.
- Authorizes $2 million in annual appropriations for interpretation and restoration grants through fiscal year 2036.
- Requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct studies on French and Indian War (1754-1763) sites.
- Requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct studies on Mexican-American War (1846-1848) sites.
- Mandates that studies identify sites, assess threats, and propose preservation alternatives including potential National Park System designation.
- Requires the Secretary to consult with state governors, Indian Tribes, local governments, and historic preservation organizations during the study process.
- Requires a report on the study findings to be submitted to Congress within 2 years of funding availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this bill change about battlefield grants?
Which wars are the new studies focused on?
Will these studies lead to new National Parks?
Why It Matters
The bill changes the federal funding structure for historic preservation by increasing the government's share of project costs to 75% and authorizes $2 million annually through 2036 for specific grant programs.
News Coverage
Voting Record
Total
410
Yes
397
No
13
Present
0
Not Voting
0
Abstain
0
How they voted (410)
Jim Costa
D · yes
Maggie Goodlander
D · yes
Brad Knott
R · yes
Haley Stevens
D · yes
Ashley Hinson
R · yes
Teresa Leger Fernandez
D · yes
Mario Diaz-Balart
R · yes
Jahana Hayes
D · yes
Joe Neguse
D · yes
Lois Frankel
D · yes
Ritchie Torres
D · yes
Julia Letlow
R · yes
Ted Lieu
D · yes
Robert Wittman
R · yes
Brett Guthrie
R · yes
Hillary Scholten
D · yes
Deborah Ross
D · yes
Nikki Budzinski
D · yes
Mike Ezell
R · yes
Suzanne Bonamici
D · yes
Donald Davis
D · yes
Frank Mrvan
D · yes
Sharice Davids
D · yes
Tracey Mann
R · yes
+ 386 more
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Increased Federal Cost Burden
The bill shifts a larger portion of the financial responsibility for battlefield interpretation and restoration from local/private entities to the federal government by increasing the grant share from 50% to 75%.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.congress.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance45How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy10Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz15Current news / social attention level
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