Josh Hawley (R-MO)
National Historical Park and National Historic Landmark Establishment and Boundary Adjustments Act of 2025
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Held at the desk.
Passed one chamber, waiting for the other to take it up
Passed one chamber, and the other has not yet sent it to a committee or put it on its calendar.
The other chamber will hand it to a committee, place it on its calendar, or leave it where it is. Nothing has been decided, and a bill can sit here indefinitely.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed Senate unanimous consent
- Awaiting House
The Senate by unanimous consent (no one objected, so there was no vote): no senator's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This bill establishes the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park in New York to preserve and interpret resources related to World War II refugees. It allows the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land for this park through donations, purchases, or exchanges, with state-owned land limited to acquisition by donation only. Additionally, the bill designates America's National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri, as a National Historic Landmark. It authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements and provide technical and financial assistance for the museum. Finally, the bill requires the Secretary to conduct and report on a special resource study of the museum within three years of receiving funds.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +2
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?
The bill establishes a new national historical park and designates a national historic landmark, contributing to the preservation of public cultural resources.
- Scored +1
Would children be better off under this?
Educational and interpretive services at the new historical park benefit children and students learning history.
- Scored +1
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
Educational and interpretive programs provide cultural and historical enrichment for young adults.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Preservation of History: Under section 2(b)(2), the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park is established to preserve, protect, and interpret resources associated with the stories of the 982 refugees from World War II who were housed at Fort Ontario. This benefits the public by educating present and future generations about these historical events.
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Educational and Interpretive Services: Under section 2(c)(2)(A), the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with the State or other public and private entities to provide educational and interpretive services within the park. This helps the public better understand and learn from the historical site.
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Support for the Churchill Museum: Under section 3(b)(2), the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements and provide technical and financial assistance to protect historic resources and provide educational and interpretive facilities at America's National Churchill Museum. This assists in maintaining the landmark and educating the public.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Property Acquisition and Management Costs: Under section 2(c)(3) and section 3(c)(2)(C)(ii), the federal government is authorized to acquire land for the park and evaluate costs for federal acquisition, development, interpretation, operation, and maintenance of the Churchill museum. These activities may impose financial costs on taxpayers.
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 children be better off under this? — Educational and interpretive services at the new historical park benefit children and students learning history. Would immigrants be better off under this? — The park specifically preserves and interprets the stories of World War II refugees. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Adults interested in history and heritage tourism benefit from the preservation of these historical sites. Would retired people be better off under this? — Retirees with an interest in history and cultural heritage benefit from the site designations. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Seniors interested in historical preservation and World War II history benefit from the new park and museum designations. Would students be better off under this? — Students benefit from educational resources and interpretive programs established by the bill. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Educational and interpretive programs provide cultural and historical enrichment for young adults.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — The bill establishes a new national historical park and designates a national historic landmark, contributing to the preservation of public cultural resources.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The legislation expands federal involvement through the establishment of a new national historical park and resource studies.
- 12/17/2025
- Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Held at the desk.
- Received in the House.
- 12/16/2025
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8755-8757; text: CR S8755-8756)
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Kirsten GillibrandDemocrat · New York
Charles SchumerDemocrat · New York
Eric SchmittRepublican · Missouri