Hershel ‘Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act
Latest action (10 Sep 2026): Became Public Law No: 119-104.
What this bill does
This bill authorizes the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to build a commemorative monument on the National Mall honoring recipients of the Medal of Honor for their acts of valor and sacrifice. Specifically, it directs that this monument—already authorized under a previous law, Public Law 117-80—be located within the "Reserve," a specially defined and protected area of the National Mall, overriding a provision in federal law (40 U.S.C. § 8908(c)) that would otherwise restrict placement there. In all other respects, the monument remains subject to the standard rules governing commemorative works on federal land, known as the Commemorative Works Act.
The bill primarily affects the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, which is responsible for establishing the monument, as well as federal agencies overseeing the National Mall and the placement of commemorative works there. More broadly, it affects members of the public and visitors who will eventually be able to view the monument, and it holds symbolic significance for Medal of Honor recipients and their families, since it formalizes where their tribute will stand.
The bill was introduced in the Senate in March 2025 by Senator Jim Justice and has completed the full legislative process. It passed both chambers of Congress and was signed into law by the President on September 10, 2026. No further congressional action is required; implementation now proceeds through the foundation and relevant federal authorities responsible for approving and constructing commemorative works on the National Mall.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Hershel "Woody" Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act
This bill requires the authorized monument honoring Medal of Honor recipients to be located within the Reserve (the great cross-axis of the National Mall, which generally extends from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and from the White House to the Jefferson Memorial).
Timeline
10 Sep 2026
Became Public Law No: 119-104.
Common questions
- What does S. 858 do?
- This bill authorizes the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to build a commemorative monument on the National Mall honoring recipients of the Medal of Honor for their acts of valor and sacrifice. Specifically, it directs that this monument—already authorized under a previous law, Public Law 117-80—be located within the "Reserve," a specially defined and protected area of the National Mall, overriding a provision in federal law (40 U.S.C. § 8908(c)) that would otherwise restrict placement there. In all other respects, the monument remains subject to the standard rules governing commemorative works on federal land, known as the Commemorative Works Act. The bill primarily affects the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, which is responsible for establishing the monument, as well as federal agencies overseeing the National Mall and the placement of commemorative works there. More broadly, it affects members of the public and visitors who will eventually be able to view the monument, and it holds symbolic significance for Medal of Honor recipients and their families, since it formalizes where their tribute will stand. The bill was introduced in the Senate in March 2025 by Senator Jim Justice and has completed the full legislative process. It passed both chambers of Congress and was signed into law by the President on September 10, 2026. No further congressional action is required; implementation now proceeds through the foundation and relevant federal authorities responsible for approving and constructing commemorative works on the National Mall.
- Has S. 858 become law?
- Yes. S. 858 has been enacted. Status last updated 10 Sep 2026.
- Who sponsored S. 858?
- S. 858 was sponsored by Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV] (R-WV), with 13 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 858?
- Became Public Law No: 119-104. (10 Sep 2026).
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