Washington, D.C.- Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s bill, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act, was marked up and passed unanimously out of the Committee on Natural Resources. This bipartisan legislation makes improvements to the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP), one of the most successful land preservation programs managed by the National Park Service.
“As the cradle of the American Revolution, New York’s 21st Congressional District is home to a rich military history, including Fort Ticonderoga, Fort Ann, and the Bennington Battlefield. These hallowed grounds are constant reminders of our nation’s heritage and history, which, when preserved, serve as living classrooms for future generations,” stated Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. “As co-chair of the Congressional Battlefield Caucus, I am proud to see my legislation moving forward unanimously out of the Natural Resources Committee to ensure American battlefields found in Upstate New York, the North Country, and across the nation are preserved for years to come.”
“America’s history is forever immortalized on the battlefields where brave service members fought and died to defend our freedoms,” stated House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman. “There is no better way to honor their legacies and promote education on these battles than to continue to support and promote their protection, which is exactly what H.R. 3448 does. Congresswoman Stefanik has been a champion of this effort and I am proud to see this bipartisan bill pass through the committee.”
H.R. 3448, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act would:
- Allow non-profits and tribes to apply for ABPP grants directly instead of through a state or local government sponsor.
- Allow ABPP’s restoration grants to be used on priority battlefields in addition to land that has been preserved using program funding.
- Clarify eligibility of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites for Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants.
- Create a process for expanding and updating battlefield boundaries.
In July, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik invited Beth Hill, the President and CEO of the Fort Ticonderoga Association, to testify before the Natural Resources Committee on the benefits of the legislation. In March, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik was awarded the National Preservation Leadership Award from the American Battlefield Trust for her leadership on battlefield preservation.
