Brendan Boyle (D-PA)
Protecting American History Act
A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Protecting American History Act," directs the Secretary of the Interior to restore certain exhibits at Independence National Historical Park. The Secretary must restore any covered exhibits that were removed from public display after January 21, 2026. These exhibits must be returned to the appearance they had on that specific date. Additionally, the bill prohibits the Secretary from adding, removing, destroying, or altering these exhibits without express authorization from Congress. This action specifically concerns the Independence National Historical Park located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Yes
- Scored +5
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?
The bill mandates the restoration of historical exhibits and establishes legislative oversight for their future management at Independence National Historical Park.
- Scored +3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill increases congressional oversight by requiring express authorization before the Secretary of the Interior can alter historical exhibits.
- Scored +2
Would people in cities be better off under this?
The bill ensures the preservation of historical displays within Philadelphia, which benefits the urban community and visitors to the city.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Restoration of Exhibits: The Secretary is required to restore any interpretive or educational exhibits, signs, or plaques that were removed after January 21, 2026, ensuring they appear as they did on that date (Section 2(a)). This ensures that specific historical displays are returned to the public.
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Increased Oversight: The bill prevents the Secretary from adding, removing, destroying, or altering covered exhibits without getting permission from Congress first (Section 2(b)). This creates a system where officials cannot make changes to the historical displays without legislative approval.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text of the bill.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — The bill mandates the restoration of historical exhibits and establishes legislative oversight for their future management at Independence National Historical Park.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill increases congressional oversight by requiring express authorization before the Secretary of the Interior can alter historical exhibits.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill ensures the preservation of historical displays within Philadelphia, which benefits the urban community and visitors to the city.
- 3/3/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Dwight EvansDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Mary Gay ScanlonDemocrat · Pennsylvania