Cahokia Mounds Mississippian Culture Study Act | ChamberLight
Bills · S 1516
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1516Historic sites and heritage areasGovernment studies and investigations
Cahokia Mounds Mississippian Culture Study Act
INTRO APR 29· LAST ACTION JUL 23
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it initiates a formal process to potentially elevate the protection and recognition of highly significant historical sites in the United States. The Cahokia Mounds represent the largest and most complex prehistoric Native American civilization north of Mexico, and this bill aims to ensure these crucial remnants of the Mississippian culture are properly evaluated for their national importance.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to these mound sites receiving federal funding, expertise, and resources from the National Park Service for enhanced preservation, scientific research, and educational programs. This could improve their condition, make them more accessible to the public, and better tell the story of North America's ancient civilizations. If it doesn't pass, these sites would continue under their current management, potentially missing out on the broader visibility, resources, and protection that federal designation might offer.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Cahokia Mounds, Emerald Mounds, and Pulcher Mounds in Illinois.
This is the central action of the bill, initiating a formal, comprehensive review of these significant historical sites.
PROVISION 02
Requires the study to evaluate the national significance of the areas and determine the suitability and feasibility of designating them as a unit of the National Park System.
This provision directs the study to assess if the sites warrant the highest level of federal recognition and protection.
PROVISION 03
Mandates the consideration of other alternatives for preservation, protection, and interpretation by federal, state, local, or private entities.
This ensures a broad exploration of all possible options for safeguarding the mounds, not just National Park status.
PROVISION 04
Requires the study to identify cost estimates for any federal acquisition, development, operation, and maintenance associated with the considered alternatives.
This provides Congress with crucial financial information needed to make informed decisions about future actions.
PROVISION 05
Stipulates that a report containing the study's results, conclusions, and recommendations must be submitted to Congress within 3 years of funding availability.
This establishes a clear timeline for accountability and ensures that Congress receives the necessary information to consider next steps.
This bill matters because it initiates a formal process to potentially elevate the protection and recognition of highly significant historical sites in the United States. The Cahokia Mounds represent the largest and most complex prehistoric Native American civilization north of Mexico, and this bill aims to ensure these crucial remnants of the Mississippian culture are properly evaluated for their national importance.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to these mound sites receiving federal funding, expertise, and resources from the National Park Service for enhanced preservation, scientific research, and educational programs. This could improve their condition, make them more accessible to the public, and better tell the story of North America's ancient civilizations. If it doesn't pass, these sites would continue under their current management, potentially missing out on the broader visibility, resources, and protection that federal designation might offer.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Cahokia Mounds, Emerald Mounds, and Pulcher Mounds in Illinois.
This is the central action of the bill, initiating a formal, comprehensive review of these significant historical sites.
high
Requires the study to evaluate the national significance of the areas and determine the suitability and feasibility of designating them as a unit of the National Park System.
This provision directs the study to assess if the sites warrant the highest level of federal recognition and protection.
med
Mandates the consideration of other alternatives for preservation, protection, and interpretation by federal, state, local, or private entities.
This ensures a broad exploration of all possible options for safeguarding the mounds, not just National Park status.
med
Requires the study to identify cost estimates for any federal acquisition, development, operation, and maintenance associated with the considered alternatives.
This provides Congress with crucial financial information needed to make informed decisions about future actions.
med
Stipulates that a report containing the study's results, conclusions, and recommendations must be submitted to Congress within 3 years of funding availability.
This establishes a clear timeline for accountability and ensures that Congress receives the necessary information to consider next steps.
Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available for the study.
Secretary of the Interior must submit a report on the study results to Congress.
GLOSSARY
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Secretary of the Interior
The head of the U.S. Department of the Interior, which manages most federal lands and natural resources, and programs for Native Americans.
Study Area
The specific geographic locations designated for examination in this bill, which include the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Emerald Mounds, and Pulcher Mounds.
Mississippian Culture
A complex Native American civilization that flourished in what is now the Midwestern, Eastern, and Southeastern United States from approximately 800 to 1600 A.D., known for mound building and large urban centers like Cahokia.
Special Resource Study
A formal evaluation conducted by the National Park Service or the Department of the Interior to assess the national significance, suitability, and feasibility of adding an area to the National Park System or other federal protection.
National Park System
A network of protected areas in the United States managed by the National Park Service, including national parks, monuments, preserves, and historic sites.
National Historic Landmark
A site officially recognized by the U.S. government for its exceptional value in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States.
ACTION TIMELINE
8 EVENTS
JUL 23
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Lee with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
COMMITTEE
JUL 23
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 478.
CALENDARS
FEB 4
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
COMMITTEE
FEB 4
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
A place (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, or city) that is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as being of special cultural or physical significance.
