House · HR 186 · 119th Congress
Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act
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Summary
This bill requires a future Medal of Honor monument to be placed on the National Mall's central area, near the Lincoln Memorial. It overrides a rule that normally blocks new monuments in that prime location. The monument would honor military members who received the nation's highest award for bravery in combat.
In Favor
Medal of Honor recipients showed the greatest bravery our country can recognize. Placing their monument in the heart of the National Mall gives their sacrifice a place of honor equal to its importance. The number of living recipients is shrinking, so acting now helps preserve their legacy for future generations.
Against
The rule this bill overrides exists to protect the National Mall's open and uncluttered central space. Adding a monument there sets a precedent that could pressure Congress to approve more exceptions for other groups. The Mall's Reserve area was intentionally kept clear, and bypassing that standard weakens future efforts to protect it.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
This bill requires a monument honoring Medal of Honor recipients to be placed within the central area of the National Mall, near the Lincoln Memorial. Congress already approved the monument itself in 2021, and this bill fixes its location.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The bill's provisions stay on topic. Every section addresses the placement of the previously approved Medal of Honor monument within the National Mall's central cross-axis area.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation must follow the location rules set by this bill. Visitors to the National Mall and Medal of Honor recipients and their families are named in the bill's findings as the intended audience.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill does not authorize or appropriate any federal dollars. It shifts a location decision onto the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, which must follow the existing rules of the Commemorative Works Act to plan and build the monument.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
The bill sets aside one rule of the Commemorative Works Act to allow this specific location. The Foundation must still meet all other rules under that law, which could affect the timeline or final placement of the monument.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 6/5/2026