HR 835: 9/11 Memorial and Museum Act

HR 835 in plain English: This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to award a one-time grant of between $5 million and $10 million to the nonprofit that operates the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York for its operation, security, and maintenance. In exchange, the organization must provide free admission to certain groups and allow annual federal audits.

Stated purpose

This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to award a one-time federal grant of between $5 million and $10 million to the nonprofit that operates the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, to be used solely for the operation, security, and maintenance of the memorial and museum.

Key points

• Directs DHS to award a one-time grant of $5 million to $10 million to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• Grant funds may only be used for operation, security, and maintenance of the memorial and museum
• Requires free admission for active and retired military, registered 9/11 first responders, and victims' family members
• Requires at least one free public admission period per week for the general public
• Requires annual federal audits of the organization's financial statements

Arguments supporters make

• The 9/11 Memorial honors victims and first responders of a national tragedy and deserves federal support to ensure it stays open and secure for future generations.
• Requiring free admission for veterans, first responders, and victims' families as a condition of the grant ensures those most affected by the attacks are never priced out of visiting.
• Annual federal audits and public financial reporting protect taxpayers by making sure the grant money is spent properly and transparently.

Arguments opponents make

• The memorial is run by a private nonprofit that already charges admission and raises charitable donations, so a federal grant may amount to a subsidy for an organization that should sustain itself independently.
• A one-time grant of up to $10 million does not address long-term funding needs, and setting a precedent of federal support could lead to repeated requests for taxpayer money.
• Federal dollars are limited, and directing funds to a single prominent museum in New York could be seen as favoring one region or institution over other communities with their own memorial and preservation needs.

Tradeoffs

Using federal funds to support a privately operated nonprofit memorial provides a public benefit and honors a national tragedy, but it also directs taxpayer money to an organization that has its own revenue streams, raising questions about where the line between public responsibility and private fundraising should be drawn.

Current status in Congress: Passed House.

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