H.R. 7618 — American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026

This section reauthorizes the battlefield acquisition grant program through FY2036 (from FY2028). It terminates the separate $1,000,000 annual authorization for the battlefield interpretation modernization grant program. It authorizes $2,000,000 per year through FY2036 for grants under both the battlefield interpretation modernization grant program and the battlefield restoration grant program.

This section requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the National Park Service Director, to prepare or certify studies of U.S. sites thematically tied to the French and Indian War (1754–1763) and Mexican-American War (1846–1848). The studies must identify sites, assess their significance and threats, and recommend preservation and interpretation options, including possible National Park System designation. The Secretary must submit the studies to the House Natural Resources and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committees within 2 years of receiving appropriations for Secretary-led studies or within 180 days of certification for studies prepared by others, and must deem them Battlefield Reports under 54 U.S.C. 308101.