Bill Summary
This bill, if passed, would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to designate at least one city in the United States as an "American World War II Heritage City" each year. This designation would recognize the city's contributions to the home-front war effort during World War II and their efforts to preserve and honor that history. The Secretary would establish a process for cities to apply for this designation and would consider factors such as the city's contributions to defense manufacturing, preservation of historical sites, and commemoration of wartime events.
Possible Impacts
1) The designation of an "American World War II Heritage City" could bring attention and recognition to a particular city's contributions to the war effort, potentially increasing tourism and boosting the local economy.
2) Cities that are designated as an "American World War II Heritage City" may receive funding and resources from the government to help preserve and maintain historical sites and structures related to the war.
3) The criteria for designation may lead to the recognition and celebration of specific individuals or groups who played a significant role in the war effort, bringing attention and honor to their contributions.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 261 Introduced in House (IH)]
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116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 261
To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to annually designate at
least one city in the United States as an ``American World War II
Heritage City'', and for other purposes.
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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 4, 2019
Mr. Rouzer introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Natural Resources
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A BILL
To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to annually designate at
least one city in the United States as an ``American World War II
Heritage City'', and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. AMERICAN WORLD WAR II HERITAGE CITIES.
(a) Designation.--In order to recognize and ensure the continued
preservation and importance of the history of the United States
involvement in World War II, each calendar year the Secretary of the
Interior (referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') may
designate not less than one city located in one of the several States
or a territory of the United States as an ``American World War II
Heritage City''. Not more than one city in each State or territory may
be designated under this section.
(b) Application for Designation.--The Secretary shall--
(1) establish and publicize the process by which a city may
apply for designation as an American World War II Heritage City
based on the criteria in subsection (c); and
(2) encourage cities to apply for designation as an
American World War II Heritage City.
(c) Criteria for Designation.--The Secretary, in consultation with
the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution or the President of the
National Trust for Historic Preservation, shall make each designation
under subsection (a) based on the following criteria:
(1) Contributions by a city and its environs to the World
War II home-front war effort, including contributions related
to--
(A) defense manufacturing, such as ships, aircraft,
uniforms, and equipment;
(B) production of foodstuffs and consumer items for
Armed Forces and home consumption;
(C) war bond drives;
(D) adaptations to wartime survival;
(E) volunteer participation;
(F) civil defense preparedness;
(G) personnel serving in the Armed Forces, their
achievements, and facilities for their rest and
recreation; or
(H) the presence of Armed Forces camps, bases,
airfields, harbors, repair facilities, and other
installations within or in its environs.
(2) Achievements by a city and its environs to preserve the
heritage and legacy of the city's contributions to the war
effort and to preserve World War II history, including--
(A) the identification, preservation, restoration,
and interpretation of World War II-related structures,
facilities and sites;
(B) establishment of museums, parks, and markers;
(C) establishment of memorials to area men who lost
their lives in service;
(D) organizing groups of veterans and home-front
workers and their recognition;
(E) presentation of cultural events such as dances,
plays, and lectures;
(F) public relations outreach through the print and
electronic media, and books; and
(G) recognition and ceremonies remembering wartime
event anniversaries.
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