From Preservation Action:

There are several issues we'll be playing close attention to in the coming weeks and months that could impact preservation. Congress will return to Washington for the lame duck period next week and a new President and Congress will be sworn-in in January. Here's a some of the areas we'll be following:

Appropriations: Historic Preservation Fund

When Congress returns next week, one of their top issues will be government funding, including funding for preservation priorities like the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). The current continuing resolution is set to expire is set expire on Dec. 20th. Congress could decide to pass the remaining FY25 spending bills before that deadline or Republicans could decide to pass another CR that runs into the new year, when they could potentially have unified control of government. A House version of the FY25 Interior Appropriations bill included $168.9 million for the HPF, while the Senate version included $182.775 million for the HPF. Importantly, both bills included a 1 year authorization for HPF.


Disaster Relief

Another priority for Congress when they return could be taking up a supplemental finding bill for disaster relief in response to the damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Preservation Action along with our partners are looking for opportunities to include Disaster Recovery Grants for historic resources as part that relief. This grants can help provide immediate assistance to historic property owners on recovery and repair work, while also taking steps to mitigate damages from future threats.


Historic Tax Credit

Regardless of the outcome of the election, we knew there was going to be a significant tax reform bill taking shape early in the Congress. Preservation Action continues to push for long overdue improvements to the Historic Tax Credit. You can help ensure these much-needed changes to the HTC are well-positioned by urging your members of Congress to cosponsor the bipartisan Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act (H.R. 1785, S. 639). Take action now and stay tuned for more advocacy alerts!


Historic Preservation Protections

Looking ahead to the new administration and new Congress, we will be paying close attention to any threats to key historic preservation protections. During the last Trump administration we fought back on proposed rule changes to the National Register of Historic Places, that would have had a devastating impact on how historic properties are nominated and determined eligible. We also saw threats to the Antiquities Act of 1906, which allows Presidents to protect cultural and natural resources as National Monuments. We'll also be following in potential threats to undermine bedrock preservation laws like the National Historic Preservation Act.