# Plain Language Summary: American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act of 2023

This bill strengthens the federal government's efforts to protect and preserve America's historic battlefields from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War. Right now, the American Battlefield Protection Program helps save these important historical sites, but the bill expands who can participate and makes the program more effective. The main changes allow Native American tribes, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions to apply for grants alongside state and local governments—giving more groups the ability to help protect battlefields in their communities. Previously, only federal agencies and state and local governments could receive this assistance, so this opens up the program to organizations that often have deep connections to these sites.

The bill also creates a new grant program specifically for restoring battlefields to their historical condition. This means groups can now get federal funding not just to buy and protect battlefield land, but also to restore the landscape itself—removing modern development, replanting native vegetation, or clearing overgrowth so the sites look more like they did during the actual battles. This is important because many battlefields have been altered over the years by roads, buildings, and other changes that make it hard to understand what actually happened there.

Finally, the bill requires the federal government to update its official reports on America's battlefields every ten years instead of leaving them unchanged for decades. These reports identify which battlefields are most important and in what condition they're in. By updating them regularly, the government can track progress in protecting these sites and identify new threats. For everyday Americans, this means better-preserved historical sites for education and tourism, stronger support for local preservation efforts, and a clearer national commitment to keeping these important places intact for future generations.

American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act of 2023

Stefanik, Elise M.

American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act This bill expands the National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection Program. The bill expands the battlefield acquisition grant program to allow grants to be (1) awarded to Indian tribes and nonprofit organizations, and (2) awarded to acquire certain Revolutionary War or War of 1812 battlefields. The bill expands eligibility for the battlefield restoration grant program to include battlefield land that is owned by a state, tribe, local government, or nonprofit organization. Not later than 2 years after this bill's enactment and every 10 years thereafter, the American Battlefield Protection Program must report to Congress on preservation activities and the condition of battlefields.