H.R. 7618 — American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026, as amended
Executive Summary
H.R. 7618 reauthorizes and modifies the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) through fiscal year 2036. It extends the Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program and authorizes $2 million annually for restoration and interpretation grants. Additionally, the bill mandates the National Park Service (or certified third parties) to conduct preservation studies for sites associated with the French and Indian War and the Mexican-American War, expanding the program's historical scope beyond the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War to boost heritage tourism and local preservation efforts.
Arguments For
- Argument 1: Leverages public-private partnerships (like the American Battlefield Trust) to save historically significant lands without requiring full federal ownership, providing a high ROI for taxpayers.
- Argument 2: Expands the scope of federal battlefield protection to include the French and Indian War and Mexican-American War, satisfying local historical societies and boosting heritage tourism in affected districts.
Likely Supporters
Arguments Against
- Argument 1: Fiscal conservatives may object to extending grant authorizations to 2036 and authorizing $2 million annually for restoration/interpretation, preferring to sunset or reduce federal spending on non-essential programs.
- Argument 2: Potential concerns from private property rights advocates regarding the identification of new sites, which could lead to future federal land acquisition or regulatory pressure, even if currently limited to studies.
Likely Opponents
📋 Key Provisions
- Extends the authorization of the Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program from 2028 to 2036.
- Authorizes $2,000,000 annually through FY 2036 for Battlefield Interpretation Modernization and Battlefield Restoration grants.
- Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare or certify studies on sites tied to the French and Indian War (1754–1763) and the Mexican-American War (1846–1848).
- Allows third parties (e.g., American Battlefield Trust) to conduct these studies, subject to DOI certification, and requires submission to Congress.
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Verification Guide
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Extends the Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program to 2036.
"inserting ‘‘2036’’."
Authorizes $2 million annually for restoration and interpretation grants through 2036.
"$2,000,000 for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2036."
Mandates studies for French and Indian War sites.
"the French and Indian War"