Bill · H.R. 9597· House(119-HR-9597)
Civil War Defenses of Washington National Historical Park Act
- Introduced
- 7/6/2026
- Last activity
- 7/6/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Eleanor Norton
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill officially establishes the Civil War Defenses of Washington National Historical Park. It brings together certain federal lands and historic resources located in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland under this new designation. The legislation also allows for local government-owned or private sites to join through cooperative agreements, provided the property owners give written consent. Furthermore, it explicitly bans the government from using condemnation to acquire private land for this park. Finally, the bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to study and report on cost-effective ways to present Civil War history to the public within one year.
Yes· 3 of 17
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+5
Explicitly prohibits the government from using eminent domain or condemnation to acquire private land.
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?+4
Consolidates and improves federal management of historic park lands across multiple jurisdictions.
Would students be better off under this?+3
Enhances educational resources and access to American Civil War history.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Historic and Natural Spaces: Section 2 and Section 4 outline the preservation of cultural, historical, natural, and recreational resources, including urban green spaces and historic forts across the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland. This benefits the public by protecting local history and maintaining outdoor recreational areas.
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Private Property Protections: Section 5 explicitly prohibits the government from using condemnation to acquire any land or interest in land. This is a positive safeguard ensuring that private landowners cannot be forced to give up their property for the park.
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Educational Opportunities: Section 6 directs the Secretary to study ways to convey the history of the Civil War, including the defenses of Washington and the Shenandoah Valley Campaign, for the education and inspiration of the public. This benefits individuals seeking to learn more about the nation's history.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential Government Spending: Section 6 requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study and submit a report on Civil War history education centers and recommendations, which involves administrative time and taxpayer-funded government resources.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+3Good For Urban Residents+3Good For African Americans+2Good For Children+2Good For Veterans+2Good For Young Adults+2Good For Middle Aged+1Good For Retirees+1Good For Seniors+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+5Improves Government Transparency+2Increase States Rights+1Increases Federal Power+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Land Management+4Improves Environmental Protections+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+1
- 7/6/2026
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E653)
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.