Bills · HR 1031
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1031Monuments and memorialsGeography and mapping
Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act
INTRO FEB 5· LAST ACTION FEB 5
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
4BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it would permanently protect a unique and significant piece of American history related to the Holocaust. Fort Ontario was the only official refugee shelter in the United States for victims fleeing the Holocaust during World War II. Designating it as a National Historical Park ensures it receives federal funding, resources, and recognition, which can lead to better preservation, educational programs, and public access.
If this bill becomes law, the story of these refugees will be highlighted on a national stage, making it more accessible to current and future generations. Without this bill, the site might continue to be managed at a state or local level, but it would lack the national prominence and dedicated federal resources focused specifically on this crucial historical narrative.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes Fort Ontario as the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park.
This officially recognizes the site's historical significance and places it under federal protection as a unit of the National Park System.
PROVISION 02
Defines the park's purpose as preserving, protecting, and interpreting the stories of the 982 World War II refugees housed there.
This ensures the park's focus remains on educating the public about this specific, unique historical event.
PROVISION 03
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to determine that sufficient land has been acquired before the park is formally established.
This ensures the park is a manageable unit with adequate land before federal resources are fully committed.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes the Secretary to acquire land for the park through donation, purchase, or exchange, but state/local land only by donation.
This provides mechanisms for assembling the necessary land for the park while protecting state and local government property from forced acquisition.
PROVISION 05
Mandates the completion of a general management plan for the park within three fiscal years of receiving funds.
This ensures a clear strategy for the park's operation, visitor services, and resource protection will be developed in a timely manner.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 4
R· New York
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
80
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 50%
DEM 1 REP 3 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 5
Introduced in House
FEB 5
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1031
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 5, 2025
Last actionFeb 5, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 5, 2025
House BillHR 1031Monuments and memorialsGeography and mapping
Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act
INTRODUCED FEB 5, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 5, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
4
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
