Adams Memorial-Great American Heroes Act
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Would reauthorize the Adams Memorial Commission through 2032 and designate a specific site for a permanent memorial to President John Adams in Washington, D.C. — south of the White House near Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street, N.W.
What this bill would do
What it would do
The bill would extend the life of the Adams Memorial Commission — originally set to expire in 2025 — through 2032, giving it more time to establish a permanent memorial to President John Adams in Washington, D.C. It would also formally designate the memorial's location as the area depicted on a map prepared by the Commission on February 25, 2025, situated south of the White House, adjacent to Ellipse Road, near Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street, N.W.
If the Commission determines that the designated site is not suitable or feasible because of physical or security constraints, the bill would require that the memorial instead be located within the Reserve — the area broadly spanning from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, and from the White House to the Jefferson Memorial. The bill makes no appropriation and does not guarantee the memorial will be built; it simply keeps the Commission authorized and pins down where the memorial may go.
Key provisions
- 1Would extend the Adams Memorial Commission's authorization from 2025 to 2032, with the extension taking effect as if enacted December 1, 2025.
- 2Would designate the memorial's primary site as the area shown on the Commission's February 25, 2025 map — south of the White House near Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street, N.W.
- 3Would require the memorial to be placed within the Reserve if the primary site proves unsuitable due to physical or security constraints.
- 4Would repeal two previously enacted sections of Public Law 107-315 that are superseded by the new site designation language.
Who would be affected
The Adams Memorial Commission, which would have its authority extended and its site guidance formalized. Federal land management officials overseeing National Mall and monument siting would also be directly involved. Members of the public with an interest in commemorative works in Washington, D.C. are the broader audience.
Why it matters
Without reauthorization, the Adams Memorial Commission would have lapsed, halting progress on a memorial to the nation's second president. The seven-year extension and the new site designation give the Commission a clearer path to completing planning and construction, though actual funding and construction steps remain ahead.
What would change
Changes to existing law
Amends John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9) (Sec. 2(a))
Extends the Adams Memorial Commission's authorization deadline from 2025 to 2032.
Amends Public Law 107-62 (Sec. 2(b))
Extends the compliance deadline from 2025 to 2032 and overrides section 8908(c) of title 40 for the establishment of the Adams Memorial.
Amends Public Law 107-315 (Sec. 2(c))
Rewrites Section 1 to designate the memorial's location and defines the Adams Memorial, Commission, and Reserve; repeals Sections 2 and 3.
Agencies directed to act
Effective dates
- Extension of the Adams Memorial Commission's authorization to 2032
How implementation would work
The Commission would continue operating under its existing structure through 2032 and would work within the newly designated site area south of the White House. If it determines that site is physically or security-constrained, it has authority to pivot to a location within the Reserve. The Commission must still comply with commemorative works standards under title 40 of the U.S. Code, with the bill explicitly overriding one provision — section 8908(c) — to allow the specified location. Conforming amendments repeal two now-superseded sections of prior law governing the memorial site.
Legislative status & sources
Latest action
Received in the Senate.
Official CRS summary
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This bill extends through 2032 the Adams Memorial Commission, whose purpose is to establish a permanent memorial in Washington, DC, to honor John Adams and his legacy.
The bill specifies that the Adams Memorial shall be located within the area specified by the Adams Memorial Commission in a February 25, 2025 map (i.e., south of the White House, adjacent to Ellipse Road and near Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street, Northwest).
If the Commission determines that this location is not suitable or feasible due to physical or security constraints, the bill requires that the memorial be located in the Reserve, an area which generally extends from the United States Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, and from the White House to the Jefferson Memorial.
Legislative subjects
Advisory bodies; District of Columbia; Government Operations and Politics; Monuments and memorials; U.S. history
Committee report
H. Rept. 119-353