This bill directs the establishment of the National Garden of American Heroes by July 4, 2026, funded through a dedicated fund and potential visitation fees, to honor individuals and groups, with ongoing reports to Congress on its progress and maintenance.
Brian Mast
Representative
FL-21
The "National Garden for America's 250th Anniversary Act" establishes a National Garden of American Heroes, with construction to begin by July 4, 2026, pending the Secretary of the Interior's approval of the location. A task force will oversee planning, design, and construction, primarily funded through private contributions and a newly established National Garden Fund. The fund will cover establishment and maintenance, with the National Park Service responsible for upkeep post-opening and authorized to charge visitation fees if needed. Regular reports to Congress will track the Garden's progress and maintenance.
New National Heroes Garden Planned for 2026: Bill Allows Site Flexibility, Possible Entry Fees
This bill, the "National Garden for America’s 250th Anniversary Act," directs a special Task Force to create a new national monument called the National Garden of American Heroes. The goal is to have construction underway by July 4, 2026. The Task Force gets the authority for everything from planning and design to land acquisition and construction, though the Secretary of the Interior must approve the final location before shovels hit the ground.
Location Scout: Rules Optional?
Here's where it gets interesting: Section 2 gives the Task Force significant leeway on where this Garden can go. It specifically states the Garden can be established in "the Reserve" (a term not fully defined in this section, often referring to specific protected areas) regardless of existing regulations. This could mean bypassing standard environmental reviews or land-use restrictions that might normally apply to federal lands. If the chosen spot isn't already federal property, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to acquire land for it. The bill is open-ended on who gets honored, stating the Garden can commemorate "any individual or group" deemed an American Hero by the Task Force.
Funding the Flowers: Donations Meet Potential Fees
How is this paid for? Initially, the Task Force is encouraged to seek private donations, which will go into a dedicated "National Garden Fund" in the U.S. Treasury. This fund, along with any interest earned, covers the costs of setting up and maintaining the Garden. However, the bill includes a backup plan for long-term upkeep. If the dedicated fund isn't enough to cover maintenance costs after the Garden opens, Section 2 authorizes the Director of the National Park Service (NPS) to start charging visitation fees. That revenue must be used solely for the Garden's maintenance, but it raises questions about accessibility if entry isn't free.
Keeping Congress Posted
To ensure oversight, the bill requires the Task Force to report back to Congress every 60 days during the planning and construction phase. These reports need to cover location plans, design progress, timelines (including a backup plan if the 2026 deadline looks shaky), and budget details. Once the Garden is open, the NPS Director takes over the reporting duty, updating Congress every 60 days on maintenance, staffing, operations, visitor numbers, safety, and how the funds (including any fee revenue) are being used. This provides a mechanism for tracking progress and spending, but the core decisions about location and honorees rest heavily with the Task Force.