Bill · H.R. 7618· House(119-HR-7618)
American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 2/20/2026
- Last activity
- 9/30/2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- Sponsored by
- Jennifer Kiggans
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 2
- Introduced
- Passed House
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
The American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026 modifies cost-sharing requirements for certain grant programs. It extends the reauthorization of the Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program through the year 2036. Additionally, it amends the Battlefield Interpretation Modernization Grant Program and adjusts the authorization of appropriations for the Battlefield Restoration Grant Program to $2,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2036. The bill also directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare or certify studies regarding sites and structures from the French and Indian War and the Mexican-American War. These studies are intended to identify significant sites, assess threats to their integrity, and provide preservation alternatives.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?+5
The bill directs studies to identify and preserve significant historical battlefield sites.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+3
The bill provides for the preservation and integrity of significant historical landscapes.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+2
The bill mandates consultation with Indian Tribes during the preparation of historical site studies.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
The bill authorizes $2,000,000 annually for battlefield restoration grants through 2036.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
- The House: a fast-track vote, needing two-thirds to passPassed 404–13
The House sets aside its normal procedure to move quickly: no amendments, little debate, and a two-thirds bar instead of a simple majority. It is used for measures expected to be uncontroversial, so a bill that fails here failed despite broad expectations that it would not.
06/03/2026 · Roll call 192 · recorded as “On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended”
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Extended Grant Program Support: The bill extends the Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program reauthorization to 2036 (Section 2(a)) and authorizes $2,000,000 annually for the Battlefield Restoration Grant Program through fiscal year 2036 (Section 2(c)). This provides long-term funding for battlefield preservation and restoration.
-
Historical Site Preservation: The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with conducting studies of sites tied to the French and Indian War and the Mexican-American War (Section 3(a)). These studies aim to identify significant sites and provide alternatives for their preservation and interpretation (Section 3(c)).
-
Collaborative Preservation Efforts: The studies can be carried out in consultation with various groups, including States, Indian Tribes, local governments, and the American Battlefield Trust (Section 3(b)). This allows for diverse perspectives in the study and preservation process.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Reliance on Appropriations: The studies regarding French and Indian War and Mexican-American War sites are subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance for such purpose (Section 3(a)). This means the studies may not occur if funding is not provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Land Management+5Improves Environmental Protections+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+2Good For Rural Residents+2
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-1
- 9/30/2026
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 7/21/2026
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
- 6/4/2026
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 6/3/2026
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: 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).
- 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).
- Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3793-3794)
- 6/2/2026
- 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.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7618.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3755-3757; text: CR H3755-3756)
- Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 5/20/2026
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-664.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 578.
- 5/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/14/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 4/21/2026
- 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.
- 3/26/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 3/25/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/19/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
- 3/4/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/20/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Susie LeeDemocrat · Nevada
Richard McCormickRepublican · Georgia
Max MillerRepublican · Ohio
Seth MagazinerDemocrat · Rhode Island
Glenn ThompsonRepublican · Pennsylvania