Eleanor Norton (D-DC)
Civil War Defenses of Washington National Historical Park Act
A Democratic bill with no 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 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
- Scored +5
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
Explicitly prohibits the government from using eminent domain or condemnation to acquire private land.
- Scored +4
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?
Consolidates and improves federal management of historic park lands across multiple jurisdictions.
- Scored +3
Would students be better off under this?
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — Enhances educational resources and access to American Civil War history. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Protects urban green spaces and historic parks in the DC area. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — Preserves sites connected to the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. Would children be better off under this? — Provides enhanced educational resources regarding American history. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Honors military history and Civil War veterans. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Offers increased educational and recreational opportunities. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Supports historical preservation and local recreational spaces. Would retired people be better off under this? — Maintains accessible public parks and historical exhibits. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Preserves historical landmarks and offers recreational walking spaces.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — Explicitly prohibits the government from using eminent domain or condemnation to acquire private land. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires a comprehensive study and report on Civil War history education centers. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — Allows local governments and private owners to participate voluntarily through cooperative agreements. Does this give the federal government more power? — Expands federal coordination and management of historical park assets.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — Consolidates and improves federal management of historic park lands across multiple jurisdictions. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The legislation protects urban green spaces and natural resources associated with historic fortifications.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — The establishment of the historical park and related educational tourism may provide minor local economic benefits.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill emphasizes the preservation of history including the abolition of slavery.
- 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.