AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Mar 12, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 19, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- Authorizes the National Park Service to enter a one-time agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events at Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri for up to five years.
- Agreement must include terms ensuring private events are consistent with the park's purposes and compatible with NPS programs.
- Private events cannot degrade park integrity, appearance, or purposes, and cannot prevent or disrupt public access to the park or its buildings.
- NPS must charge fees to cover wear and tear costs, and may recover all costs including maintenance, utilities, administrative expenses, security, and personnel.
- NPS authority to enter and carry out such agreements terminates seven years after the bill's enactment.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- The agreement is limited to one-time authorization with a defined five-year period for hosting private events.
- Public access and use of the park remain protected through explicit restrictions on timing, location, and nature of private events.
- The National Park Service can recover full operational costs from private events, reducing taxpayer burden for facility use.
- The authority is temporary and automatically terminates, preventing indefinite privatization of park facilities.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- House passed the bill as amended on March 16, 2026 by voice vote.
- Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources reported the bill with an amendment in the nature of a substitute on September 17, 2026.
- Bill placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 662) on September 17, 2026.
- No scheduled vote date is documented.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Sep 17, 2026 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 662.
- Sep 17, 2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Lee with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Jul 29, 2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- Jul 29, 2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Jul 21, 2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
- Mar 17, 2026 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Mar 16, 2026 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Mar 16, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2519-2520)