S-858-119
Became Public Law No: 119-104.
Sponsored by James Justice (R-WV)
What it does
This bill designates that the previously authorized National Medal of Honor Monument, a commemorative work honoring Medal of Honor recipients, be located within the "Reserve" area of the National Mall, overriding a general statutory restriction on new commemorative works in that area. Other provisions of the Commemorative Works Act, such as design review and funding requirements, continue to apply to the project.
Who benefits
The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, which sought this specific site; Medal of Honor recipients and their families, who gain a prominent memorial location; and visitors to the National Mall who would see the monument in a high-visibility location.
Who is hurt
No group is materially harmed; the main tradeoff is with other commemorative works and open-space preservation advocates who have historically opposed additional structures within the Reserve due to concerns about crowding the Mall's limited space.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that Medal of Honor recipients represent the nation's highest military honor and deserve a prominent, easily accessible location on the National Mall rather than a peripheral site. They contend that Congress, having already authorized the monument in a prior law, is simply exercising its authority to make a narrow exception to site restrictions for a uniquely significant honor.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that the Reserve has been protected by statute since 2003 precisely because of concerns about overcrowding the National Mall with new structures, and that carving out exceptions for individual projects undermines that longstanding planning framework. They contend that granting a site override risks setting a precedent that other commemorative projects will invoke to seek similar treatment, eroding the restriction over time.