A recently passed bill will reauthorize a popular historic battlefield preservation grant program ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The American Battlefields Protection Program Amendments Act (HR 7618) passed on June 4 with a vote of 404-13, demonstrating widespread bipartisan support.
The bill reauthorizes three American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) grant programs through 2036, designating $20 million annually to battlefield preservation efforts, including historic property acquisition, landscape restoration and site interpretation, according to the American Battlefield Trust.
Additionally, the legislation directs the National Park Service and the Interior Department to prepare more detailed strategic studies of sites related to the French and Indian War and the Mexican-American War. Currently, grant funding can be used to preserve land outside Park Service boundaries at high priority battlefields from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and the Civil War.
“The passage of this bill sets in motion our preservation legacy for the next decade,” said American Battlefield Trust President David Duncan. “We are deeply grateful these lawmakers understand the power of America’s battlegrounds and are helping to safeguard our nation’s hallowed ground for generations to come.”
HR 7618 was introduced earlier this year by U.S. Reps. Jen Kiggans, R-Virg., and Seth Magaziner, D-R.I., co-chairs of the Congressional Battlefields Caucus. The Senate companion bill, S.3524, was introduced in December 2025 by Senators Dave McCormick, R-Penn., and Tim Kaine, D-Virg.
“In just a few weeks, our nation will celebrate America’s 250th birthday,” said Kiggans. “As we reflect on the sacrifices made to secure and defend our freedoms, it is more important than ever that we preserve the battlefields where so much of our nation's history unfolded.”
For a quarter-century, the ABPP’s Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant Program has helped to protect nearly 40,000 acres of historic landscapes at 100-plus battlefields in 20 states. Nearly $200 million in federal grants has been competitively awarded through the program, and the process has allowed nonprofit groups to save battlefield land associated with some of the most iconic clashes in our country’s history, including Appomattox, Gettysburg, Petersburg, Saratoga and Vicksburg.
“We must preserve these sacred sites and honor the brave Americans who fought on our soil to secure our nation’s freedom,” said Magaziner. “I am proud to help pass this important legislation so future generations can learn from, honor, and experience the places where history was made and so many sacrificed for our country.”
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