$25 Million in Annual Grants to Operate, Maintain, and Secure 9/11 Memorials (H.R. 6287)

What is H.R. 6287?

(Updated March 23, 2019)

This bill — the 9/11 Memorial Act — would authorize $25 million in competitive grants annually for fiscal year 2019-2023 to provide for the operation, security, and maintenance of memorials to the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Such memorials would have to offer free admission to active and retired members of the military, registered first responders to the 9/11 attacks, and family members of victims of the attacks — in addition to offering free admission hours to the general public at least once per week.

Eligible memorials would have to open their financial statements to annual federal audits, and the Dept. of the Interior (which would administer the grants) would compile annual reports to Congress on the disbursement and use of grant funds.

Argument in favor

America needs 9/11 memorials to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks and the heroes who responded to them, these grants will ensure those memorials are maintained and operate securely.

Argument opposed

The federal government shouldn’t be awarding competitive grants for the operation, maintenance, and security of 9/11 memorials. It should be funded through private donations, or not at all.

Impact

Victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and their families, first responders, and past and present members of the military; the general public; and the Dept. of the Interior.

Cost of H.R. 6287

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-NJ) introduced this bill to authorize competitive grants to help secure 9/11 memorials to honor victims and the first responders:

“As we near the 17th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks, we are reminded of our commitment to the survivors, heroes, and 3,000 Americans we lost on September 11th. I was working in New York City when terrorists attacked the Twin Towers and forever changed the world. My experience is shared by many in New Jersey and New York, and countless heartbroken Americans across the country. The nation and world must never forget the bravery and sacrifice we saw that day. The 9/11 memorial provides people visiting from around the world the opportunity to remember those we lost and to see firsthand America’s resilience and resolve. This legislation is critical to uphold operation and maintenance of the memorial. I urge both House and Senate leadership to bring this bill to a vote so we can honor the victims for generations to come.”

This legislation passed the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously and has the support of 44 bipartisan cosponsors evenly divided between the two parties.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-NJ) Press Release
  
• Insider NJ