PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Congressional Research Service
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People & committees
Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10] · D–NY
Legislative record
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Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We also preserved the text version used in the PlainBill explanation below.
Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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PlainBill explanation
Based on the full Introduced in House · 2025-02-25 text. This explanation has not received human editorial review. This overview describes the proposal’s major provisions; it does not establish what its real-world effects would be.
The bill would create a museum and educational center at the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City to commemorate enslaved people and teach about slavery and African cultural traditions. The Interior Department would acquire a site, build and operate the museum, and pay two-thirds of acquisition and development costs. The bill would authorize federal funding, but that authorization would not itself provide the money. These are proposals in the supplied introduced version.
There is established at the National Monument a memorial museum and educational center, to be known as the African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center.
(1) to serve as a permanent living memorial— (A) to the enslaved who are buried at the African Burial Ground; and (B) to other Africans and African Americans who were enslaved; (2) to examine the African cultural traditions brought to the United States by the enslaved; (3) to explore in-depth the institution of slavery in the United States and other parts of the world;
(3) City The term City means the city of New York, New York.
(7) National monument The term National Monument means the African Burial Ground National Monument in the City. (8) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service.
(b) Federal share The Secretary shall pay 2/3 of the total costs of— (1) acquiring property for the Museum; and (2) planning, designing, constructing, reconstructing, and renovating, as applicable, the Museum.
(a) In general The Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Council and the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation, shall operate the Museum.
there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this Act
The proposed short title is the African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act.
This Act may be cited as the African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act.
The findings present Congress's rationale: they describe the burial ground as holding up to 20,000 enslaved Africans and early-generation African Americans and predict that a museum would attract visitors and contribute to Lower Manhattan's revitalization. These are statements and predictions in the bill, not demonstrated effects of the proposal.
Congress finds that— (1) the African Burial Ground National Historic Landmark in New York, New York, holds the remains of up to 20,000 enslaved Africans and early-generation African Americans from the colonial era;
(9) a memorial museum at the site of the African Burial Ground— (A) was first recommended by a Federal steering committee in 1992; and (B) in conjunction with the World Trade Center memorial and other nearby sites, would attract millions of visitors from the United States and abroad, making a substantial contribution to the development and revitalization of Lower Manhattan in response to the attacks on the World Trade Center of September 11, 2001;
The museum would provide permanent and temporary exhibits and space to collect and study artifacts and documents. Its purposes would include collaboration with museums, historically Black colleges and universities, historical societies, educational institutions, and other appropriate organizations on exhibitions, collections, and professional training.
(4) to provide a space for— (A) permanent and temporary exhibits; and (B) the collection and study of artifacts and documents; and (5) to encourage collaboration between the Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, other museums, historically Black colleges and universities, historical societies, educational institutions, and other appropriate entities and organizations, such as the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation, including collaboration with respect to— (A) the development of cooperative programs and exhibitions, including through digital, electronic, and interactive technologies; (B) the identification, management, and care of Museum collections; and (C) the training of Museum and National Park Service professionals and other persons concerned with heritage preservation.
The museum would be associated with the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Interior Secretary would determine the arrangement after consulting the advisory council and the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents.
The Museum shall become associated with the National Museum of African American History and Culture, in a manner to be determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Council and the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.
The Interior Secretary, acting through the National Park Service Director, would have to acquire a museum site at 22 Reade Street or elsewhere within the African Burial Ground National Historic Landmark, then plan, design, and construct the museum. Site decisions would involve consultation with the General Services Administration, the advisory council, and other appropriate organizations.
(1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the General Services Administration.
(8) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service.
The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, the Advisory Council, and other appropriate entities or organizations, such as the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation, shall— (1) acquire for the Museum property that is located at— (A) 22 Reade Street, which is adjacent to the National Monument; or (B) in any other area of the National Landmark other than the location described in subparagraph (A); and (2) plan, design, and construct the Museum on the property acquired under paragraph (1).
The federal share would be two-thirds of property acquisition and museum planning, design, construction, reconstruction, and renovation costs, as applicable.
(b) Federal share The Secretary shall pay 2/3 of the total costs of— (1) acquiring property for the Museum; and (2) planning, designing, constructing, reconstructing, and renovating, as applicable, the Museum.
The Interior Secretary and General Services Administration could make agreements with each other, New York City, New York State, and other parties for site acquisition and museum development. The Secretary could acquire property through purchase, a long-term lease, or another appropriate method; acquired property would become part of the national monument.
The Secretary and the Administrator may enter into any agreements with each other, the City, the State, and other parties, such as the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation, that are necessary for the acquisition, by donation or other means, of property for— (A) establishing the Museum; and (B) planning, designing, constructing, reconstructing, and renovating, as applicable, the Museum.
(2) Site acquisition The Secretary may acquire property under subsection (a)(1) by purchase, long-term lease, or any other appropriate means of acquisition, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Expansion of national monument The expansion property is incorporated in, and shall be managed as part of, the National Monument.
The Interior Secretary would operate the museum in consultation with the advisory council and the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation. The bill would also authorize administration of the monument as a National Park System unit under this bill and generally applicable park laws.
(a) In general The Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Council and the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation, shall operate the Museum. (b) Authorities The Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Council, may—
(7) administer the National Monument as a unit of the National Park System in accordance with— (A) this Act; and (B) the laws generally applicable to units of the National Park System, including applicable provisions of division A of subtitle I of title 54, United States Code;
After consulting the advisory council, the Secretary could acquire artifacts, set rules for collections and educational activities, and preserve collections. The Secretary could also lend, exchange, sell, or otherwise dispose of collection items, provided proceeds were used to add to the museum's collections.
The Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Council, may— (1) purchase, accept, borrow, and otherwise acquire artifacts for the collections of the Museum; (2) loan, exchange, sell, and otherwise dispose of any part of the collections of the Museum, if the proceeds of the disposition are used for additions to the collections of the Museum; (3) specify criteria with respect to the use of the collections and resources of the Museum, including policies on programming, education, exhibitions, and research; (4) provide for preservation, restoration, and maintenance of the collections of the Museum;
The Secretary could solicit, accept, use, and dispose of donated property, including property left by a will, to support the museum. The Secretary could also enter operating contracts and conduct other activities necessary to carry out the bill's purposes, in consultation with the advisory council.
(b) Authorities The Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Council, may—
(5) solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, and devises of real and personal property for the purpose of facilitating the work of the Museum; (6) contract with such parties as may be necessary to facilitate the operation of the Museum;
(8) conduct any other activities that are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
An advisory council within the Interior Department would include seven specified officials or their representatives and 14 members appointed by the Interior Secretary. The Secretary would chair it and would consider recommendations from organizations committed to the burial ground's legacy and from council members when choosing the 14 appointees.
There is established within the Department of the Interior an advisory council to be known as the African Burial Ground Advisory Council.
The Advisory Council shall be composed of the following members or their designees: (A) The Secretary, who shall serve as Chairperson of the Advisory Council. (B) The Director of the National Park Service. (C) The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. (D) The Administrator. (E) The Governor of the State. (F) The Mayor of the City. (G) The President of the Borough of Manhattan. (H) Fourteen members, to be appointed by the Secretary, taking into consideration— (i) recommendations from organizations and entities that are committed to the legacy of the African Burial Ground, such as the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation; and (ii) recommendations from the members of the Advisory Council.
Initial appointments to the council's specified membership would be due within 180 days after enactment. The Secretary could also appoint nonvoting members, including members of Congress, city and state officials, and other appropriate individuals selected in consultation with the council.
(2) Nonvoting members The Secretary may appoint as nonvoting members of the Advisory Council— (A) members of the United States Senate; (B) members of the House of Representatives; (C) officials representing the City; (D) officials representing the State; and (E) any other individuals that the Secretary, in consultation with the members of the Advisory Council, determines to be appropriate. (3) Date of appointments The initial appointment of a member under paragraph (1) shall be made not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
Council terms would generally last three years. Among the first 14 appointed members, five would serve one year, five two years, and four three years. Members could serve at most two terms, excluding a partial term served to fill a vacancy; replacement members would serve the remainder of the vacant term.
(c) Terms (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), each member of the Advisory Council shall be appointed for a term of 3 years. (2) Initial appointees Of the members first appointed under subsection (b)(1)(H)— (A) 5 members shall be appointed for a term of 1 year; (B) 5 members shall be appointed for a term of 2 years; and (C) 4 members shall be appointed for a terms of 3 years.
(3) Reappointment (A) In general A member of the Advisory Council may be reappointed, except that no individual may serve on the Advisory Council for a total of more than 2 terms. (B) Vacancy appointments For purposes of subparagraph (A), the number of terms an individual serves on the Advisory Council shall not include any portion of a term for which an individual is appointed to fill a vacancy under paragraph (4)(B).
(B) Term Any member of the Advisory Council appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member’s predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of that term.
The council would recommend how to plan, design, and build the museum; advise on its administration, operation, maintenance, and preservation; provide significant opportunities for public input; and adopt operating rules.
(d) Duties The Advisory Council shall— (1) make recommendations to the Secretary on the planning, design, and construction of the Museum; (2) advise and assist the Secretary on all matters relating to the administration, operation, maintenance, and preservation of the Museum; (3) provide significant opportunities for public input with respect to carrying out the duties under paragraphs (1) and (2); and (4) adopt bylaws for the operation of the Advisory Council.
Council members would serve without compensation but could receive travel expenses and daily subsistence allowances at authorized federal rates when traveling for council duties.
(e) Compensation (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a member of the Advisory Council shall serve without compensation. (2) Travel expenses A member of the Council shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the Advisory Council.
The council would meet at least twice a year and at least four times during the year beginning with its first meeting. A majority would be needed to conduct business, although fewer members could receive information. Vacancies would not suspend the council's powers.
(f) Meetings (1) In general The Advisory Council shall meet at the call of the chairperson or on the written request of a majority of the members of the Advisory Council, but not fewer than 2 times each year. (2) Initial meetings During the 1-year period beginning on the date of the first meeting of the Advisory Council, the Advisory Council shall meet not fewer than 4 times for the purpose of carrying out the duties of the Advisory Council. (g) Quorum A majority of the members of the Advisory Council shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting business, but a lesser number may receive information on behalf of the Advisory Council.
A vacancy on the Advisory Council— (i) shall not affect the powers of the Advisory Council; and (ii) shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made.
The Interior Secretary would appoint a museum director after considering council recommendations. The director would manage the museum under policies the Secretary established in consultation with the council.
(a) Director (1) In general The Secretary shall appoint a Director for the Museum, taking into consideration recommendations by the Advisory Council. (2) Duties The Director of the Museum shall manage the Museum, in accordance with any policies established by the Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Council.
The Secretary could appoint two employees to assist the director without following civil service laws. Their pay could also be set without applying the specified provisions of federal personnel law; those provisions are not reproduced in the bundle.
(b) Staff (1) Appointment The Secretary may, without regard to the civil service laws, appoint 2 employees to assist the Director of the Museum in carrying out the duties of the Director. (2) Compensation The employees appointed under subsection (b) may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code.
The bill would authorize $15 million for fiscal year 2025 and whatever amounts are necessary for later fiscal years, subject to its separate authorization for section 5 site acquisition and development. Section 5 would have an authorization for whatever amounts are necessary. These provisions authorize future appropriations rather than themselves supplying funds.
(a) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this Act— (1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (2) such sums as are necessary for each fiscal year thereafter. (b) Acquisition of museum site There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out section 5.
Money made available under these authorizations would remain available until spent, without expiring at the end of a fiscal year.
(c) Availability Amounts made available under subsections (a) and (b) shall remain available, without fiscal year limitation, until expended.
Available funds could support the museum and programs preserving the burial ground's legacy. Permitted uses would include private fundraising, curriculum development, workshops, community outreach, a dedicated visitor center with interactive exhibits, and long-term support for the museum's facilities and objectives.
(d) Use of funds Amounts made available under this section may be used to support the Museum and expand or establish programs that promote and preserve the legacy of the African Burial Ground, including— (1) using amounts made available under this section to raise funds from private sources to support and promote the Museum; (2) supporting curriculum development, workshops, and community outreach to deepen public understanding of the historical significance of the African Burial Ground; (3) establishing a dedicated visitor’s center to provide an immersive educational experience, including interactive exhibits and technology-driven tools to enhance public engagement; and (4) ensuring the long-term sustainability of the facilities and organizational objectives of the Museum.
The supplied official-actions snapshot, updated December 5, 2025, records introduction in the House and referral to the House Committee on Natural Resources on February 25, 2025. It does not establish what happened afterward.
Source snapshot updated 2025-12-05T21:35:29Z. 2025-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. 2025-02-25: Introduced in House
A closer look
Reviewed version: Introduced in House · 2025-02-25. These findings describe provisions and who may benefit; they are not judgments of waste, corruption, or motive.
This review covers the supplied bill text. “None identified” does not rule out provisions in later versions or accompanying reports and disclosures.
Provisions outside the bill’s main subject, or policy changes attached to appropriations.
None identified in the reviewed text
No unrelated provision or policy rider was identified in the complete supplied introduced text. This conclusion is limited to that version and does not establish what other versions or accompanying materials contain.
Spending directed to particular recipients or places outside ordinary competitive or formula-based allocation.
None identified in the reviewed text
No earmark was identified in the complete supplied introduced text under the stated definition. Project-specific authorizations alone do not establish an earmark. This conclusion is limited to this version and does not resolve formal designation in accompanying materials.
Narrow exceptions, exemptions, or preferential treatment that warrant a closer look.
Findings to examine
The supplied introduced text contains a narrow staffing exemption connected to museum operations. Its classification as a targeted exception is not a judgment about its justification.
The museum would receive special hiring and pay flexibility for two employees assisting its director: appointments could bypass civil service laws, and compensation could bypass the specified federal personnel provisions. This exception is limited to those museum positions and supports the bill's main museum policy.
(b) Staff (1) Appointment The Secretary may, without regard to the civil service laws, appoint 2 employees to assist the Director of the Museum in carrying out the duties of the Director. (2) Compensation The employees appointed under subsection (b) may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code.
Full text preserved for this analysis. Legislative record snapshot: Dec 5, 2025. How PlainBill uses AI