Bill Summary
The "9/11 Memorial and Museum Act" is legislation that aims to provide a one-time grant to support the operation, security, and maintenance of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum located at the World Trade Center. The act is intended to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and ensure the memorial's ongoing functionality and safety for visitors.
Key components of the legislation include:
- **Grant Amount**: The eligible entity, which is defined as the organization operating the memorial and museum, can receive a grant ranging from $5 million to $10 million.
- **Application Process**: The eligible entity must submit a detailed application to the Secretary of Homeland Security, who will evaluate it based on specific criteria, including the entity's needs, visitor benefits, and commitment to preserving the site and educating the public.
- **Conditions for Grant**: To receive the funds, the entity must offer free admission to active and retired military personnel, first responders, and families of victims, as well as provide dedicated free admission hours for the general public.
- **Federal Oversight**: The entity is subject to annual federal audits of its financial activities and must report to Congress on the use of the grant funds.
Overall, the act emphasizes the importance of preserving the memory of the events of September 11 while ensuring accessibility and educational opportunities for the public.
Possible Impacts
The "9/11 Memorial and Museum Act" can have several significant effects on people, including:
1. **Enhanced Commemoration and Education**:
The grant provided by this legislation will support the operation, security, and maintenance of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. This ensures that the site remains a place of remembrance for the victims of the attacks and serves as an educational resource. Visitors, including students and future generations, will have the opportunity to learn about the events of September 11, 2001, fostering a deeper understanding of its impact on the nation and the world.
2. **Increased Accessibility for Disadvantaged Visitors**:
The Act includes provisions to increase the number of economically disadvantaged visitors to the Memorial and Museum. This could mean that individuals and families who may not have been able to afford admission fees in the past will have access to this significant site, allowing a broader segment of the population to engage with the memorial and its educational offerings.
3. **Support for Veterans and First Responders**:
The legislation mandates free admission for active and retired members of the Armed Forces, registered first responders, and family members of the victims of the September 11 attacks. This recognition and support can provide emotional and psychological benefits to these individuals, acknowledging their sacrifices and honoring their connection to the events of that day. It can also foster a sense of community and healing among those who have been directly affected by the attacks.
These examples highlight the potential social, educational, and emotional impacts of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum Act on various groups within society.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 835 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 835
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 5, 2025
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To provide a one-time grant for the operation, security, and
maintenance of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World
Trade Center to commemorate the events, and honor the victims, of the
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, 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. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``9/11 Memorial and Museum Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) National september 11 memorial & museum.--The term
``National September 11 Memorial & Museum'' means the National
September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center
Foundation, Inc., established to commemorate the events of, and
honor the victims of, the terrorist attacks on the World Trade
Center on September 11, 2001, at the site of such attacks.
(2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means
the official organization, as in existence on the date of
enactment of this Act, that--
(A) operates the National September 11 Memorial &
Museum; and
(B) is an organization described in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Homeland Security.
SEC. 3. ONE-TIME GRANT FOR NATIONAL SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM.
(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations made
in advance for such purpose to the Office of the Secretary and
Executive Management of the Department of Homeland Security, the
Secretary shall award to the eligible entity a grant in an amount
determined by the Secretary subject to subsection (c), to be used by
such entity solely for the purposes described in subsection (b), if
upon review of the application submitted pursuant to subsection (d),
the Secretary makes a determination pursuant to subsection (e) that
such entity satisfies the criteria required under subsection (f).
(b) Purpose.--The one-time grant awarded under subsection (a) shall
be used by the eligible entity for the operation, security, and
maintenance of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
(c) Grant Amount.--The one-time grant under this section may not be
for less than $5,000,000 or more than $10,000,000.
(d) Application.--To be considered for an award of the one-time
grant under this section, the eligible entity shall submit to the
Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing
such information as the Secretary may require.
(e) Review; Deadline for Award.--If the Secretary, after review of
the application from the eligible entity, determines that the eligible
entity satisfies the criteria under subsection (f), the Secretary shall
award the one-time grant to the eligible entity, not later than 90 days
after the date of receipt by the Secretary of the completed application
submitted by such entity.
(f) Criteria.--In determining the amount of the one-time grant
consistent with subsection (c), the Secretary shall consider the
following:
(1) The needs of the eligible entity, and ability and
commitment of such eligible entity to use grant funds, with
respect to ensuring the security and safety of visitors at the
National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
(2) The number of visitors to the National September 11
Memorial & Museum who would benefit.
(3) The ability and commitment of the eligible entity to
use grant funds to--
(A) preserve the facilities and grounds of the
National September 11 Memorial & Museum; and
(B) educate future generations.
(4) The ability and commitment of the eligible entity to
use grant funds to increase the numbers of economically
disadvantaged visitors to the National September 11 Memorial &
Museum.
(g) Condition on Receipt of Grant.--As a condition on receipt of a
grant under this section, the eligible entity shall--
(1) provide for--
(A) free admission to all facilities and museums
associated with the National September 11 Memorial &
Museum for active and retired members of the Armed
Forces, individuals who were registered first
responders to the attacks of September 11, 2001, and
family members of victims of such attacks; and
(B) dedicated free admission hours for the general
public at least once a week; and
(2) allow for annual Federal audits of the financial
statements of such entity, including revenues associated with
ticket sales, charitable donations, grants, and all
expenditures on salaries and operations, which shall be subject
to review by the Secretary and made available to the public.
(h) Reports.--Not later than 90 days after the end of each fiscal
year for which the recipient obligates or expends funds made available
to the recipient pursuant to this section, the recipient shall submit
to the Committees on Natural Resources and Homeland Security of the
House of Representatives and the Committees on Energy and Natural
Resources and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate
a report that includes, for the fiscal year covered by the report, each
of the following:
(1) Information relating to the amount of grant funds
obligated or expended for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) Information relating to any purposes for which such
funds were obligated or expended.
(3) Any other information the Secretary may require to
effectively administer the one-time grant program under this
section, as determined by the Secretary, if not later than the
last day of the fiscal year the Secretary notified such entity
of such requested information.
(i) No Additional Funds Authorized.--No additional funds are
authorized to carry out the requirements of this section, and the
activities authorized by this section
are subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance for
such purposes.
Passed the House of Representatives February 4, 2025.
Attest:
KEVIN F. MCCUMBER,
Clerk.