Protecting Presidential Memorials Act
Requires an Act of Congress to authorize demolition of presidential memorials designated by law.
In committee in the Senate since Sept. 29, 2026, 9 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 29, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- SENATESENATE—
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Decisions about whether to keep or remove presidential memorials can affect structures set aside to honor former presidents. The bill would require congressional authorization to demolish a presidential memorial designated by an Act of Congress.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Requires congressional approval for demolition
A memorial honoring a U.S. President that was designated by an Act of Congress could not be demolished unless another Act of Congress authorizes it. “Demolish” means intentionally razing, destroying, or wrecking an entire building or structure, or a substantial portion of one.
The practical effect would be to make Congress the decision-maker on whether a congressionally designated presidential memorial can be demolished. The bill does not state a specific problem or event it is intended to address.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 29, 2026SENATESEP 29, 2026By Sen. Merkley with 4 original cosponsors
- SAME DAYNOWSenate committeeSEP 29, 2026COMMITTEE NOWSEP 29, 2026In committee for 9 daysNo hearing yet
- 9 DAYS SO FARPassed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- House committee—HOUSE—
- Passed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 292026SEP 29, 2026INTRODUCEDSENATEIntroduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
- SEP 292026SEP 29, 2026INTRODUCEDSENATEIntroduced in Senate
At day 9, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 3 states
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. The smaller side has 1 member.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. The smaller side has 1 member.
Sen. Merkley’s record: sponsored 137 bills this Congress. 7 passed the Senate; 0 became law.
- Lisa MurkowskiR-AKORIGINAL
- Jack ReedD-RIORIGINAL
- Chris Van HollenD-MDORIGINAL
- Sheldon WhitehouseD-RIORIGINAL
Coverage at a glance
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