Congressional Legislation · bill 119hr5254 · built from our database

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Gateway Partnership Act

H.R. 5254 · 119th Congress (2025-2026)

H.R. 5254119TH CONGRESSINTRODUCED 09/10/2025REP. BELLD-MO · SPONSORLeft: no (Sponsor Ranking)Lean left: DW-NOMINATE -0.47 (Sponsor Ranking)Center: no (Sponsor Ranking)Lean right: no (Sponsor Ranking)Right: no (Sponsor Ranking)LEAN LEFT(SPONSOR RANKING)PUBLIC LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES

3 members · Left 2 · Center 0 · Right 1 (Bill Ranking)

SponsorRep. Bell, Wesley (D-MO) (Introduced 09/10/2025)
Sponsor Voting RecordLean left · DW-NOMINATE -0.47 · measured from every roll-call vote this member has cast (voteview.com) (Sponsor Ranking)
Support
LLLCLRR

support across the spectrum: 3 members signed on (Bill Ranking) this bill: sponsor + current cosponsors, each once

CommitteesSenate - Energy and Natural Resources Committee; Senate - Energy and Natural Resources Committee; House - Natural Resources Committee; House - Natural Resources Committee; House - Natural Resources Committee; House - Natural Resources Committee
Latest Action07/29/2026 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Roll Call VotesThere have been no roll call votes
Sourceview on congress.gov →
IntroducedPassed HousePassed SenateResolving DifferencesTo PresidentBecame Law

Summary (1)

Reported to House (03/02/2026)

Gateway Partnership Act

This bill authorizes the National Park Service (NPS) to enter into a one-time agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events at the Gateway Arch National Park and its buildings for a period of up to five years. The NPS manages the park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, and its buildings, such as the Arch Visitor Center and the Old Courthouse.

The bill outlines the terms and conditions that must be included in the agreement. The bill also requires private events hosted at the park or its buildings to be consistent with the park's purposes and compatible with NPS programs. Such events may not (1) degrade the integrity, appearance, or purposes of the park; or (2) take place during times or in locations that prevent or disrupt public use or access to the park or its buildings.

The NPS must charge a fee to cover the cost of wear and tear resulting from the private events. The NPS may recover all costs incurred as a result of the private events, including maintenance, utilities, administrative expenses, security, and personnel costs.

The bill terminates the NPS's authority to enter and carry out an agreement with the foundation seven years after the enactment of this bill.

Text (4)

Engrossed in House (EH)

119 HR 5254 EH: Gateway Partnership Act U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IB 119th CONGRESS2d Session H. R. 5254

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events in Gateway Arch National Park buildings, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Gateway Partnership Act.

2.DefinitionsIn this Act: (1)FoundationThe term Foundation means the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves as the official philanthropic partner of the Park. (2)ParkThe term Park means Gateway Arch National Park. (3)Park buildingThe term Park building means— (A)the Arch Visitor Center; (B)the Old Courthouse; and (C)any other building administered or managed by the Secretary as part of the Park that is open to the public. (4)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.

3.Gateway Arch National Park Partner Agreement Pilot Project (a)In generalThe Secretary, in accordance with subsection (b), may enter into a one-time agreement for a period not to exceed five years with the Foundation to host private events at the Park, which may include the use of Park buildings. (b)Terms and conditionsAn agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall include terms and conditions to protect the resources and values of the Park, including— (1)dates and times during which the Foundation may be the exclusive organization that holds a special event in specified Park buildings; (2) (A)the maximum number of events that can be held per month; and (B)appropriate National Park Service staffing levels necessary to ensure public safety and resource protection during such events; (3)liability insurance in an amount sufficient to protect the interests of the United States that lists the United States as additionally insured; (4)a provision stating that the Federal Government and agents and employees of the Federal Government will not be held liable for claims for damages or suits for any injuries or deaths from any cause resulting from the occupancy and use of specified Park buildings by the Foundation; (5)a provision allowing for the modification or cancellation of the terms and conditions of the agreement, except that any modified agreement shall still comply with the terms and conditions described in subparagraphs (1) through (4); and (6)any other terms and conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate. (c)UsePrivate events hosted at the Park or in Park buildings through an agreement entered into under subsection (a)— (1)shall be limited to activities— (A)consistent with the purposes of the Park; and (B)compatible with National Park Service programs; (2)shall not include activities that degrade the integrity, appearance, or purposes of the Park; and (3)shall not take place during times or in locations that prevent or disrupt public use or access to the Park or Park buildings. (d)Recovery of costsIn entering into an agreement under subsection (a), the Secretary— (1)shall charge a fee to cover the cost of maintaining the Park and Park buildings with respect to wear and tear resulting from the private events; and (2)notwithstanding any other provision of law, may recover all costs incurred as a result of the private events and use of the Park and Park buildings, including maintenance, utilities, administrative expenses, security, and personnel costs. (e)National Park Service-Sponsored eventsNothing in this Act prevents the National Park Service from hosting events or issuing permits to other individuals or entities for special events or otherwise, as appropriate, in the Park or Park buildings. (f)Sunset (1)In generalThe authority to enter into and carry out an agreement with the Foundation pursuant to this Act shall sunset on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act. (2)Effect on existing agreementAny existing agreement entered into under this section shall terminate, notwithstanding any terms within such agreement, on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act. (g)Saving clauseNothing in this Act affects any other authority of the Secretary to issue special use permits or agreements. (h)Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report evaluating the implementation of this Act, including the— (1)operational impacts of the agreement on visitor access, security, staffing, and facilities management; and (2)financial implications of the agreement, including fees collected and costs recovered. Passed the House of Representatives March 16, 2026.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.

Introduced in House (IH)

119 HR 5254 IH: Gateway Partnership Act of 2025 U.S. House of Representatives 2025-09-10 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 5254IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 10, 2025Mr. Bell (for himself, Mrs. Wagner, and Ms. Budzinski) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesA BILLTo authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events in Gateway Arch National Park buildings, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Gateway Partnership Act of 2025.

2.DefinitionsIn this Act: (1)FoundationThe term Foundation means the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves as the official philanthropic partner of the Park. (2)ParkThe term Park means Gateway Arch National Park. (3)Park buildingThe term Park building means— (A)the Arch Visitor Center; (B)the Old Courthouse; and (C)any other building administered or managed by the Secretary as part of the Park that is open to the public. (4)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.

3.Gateway Arch National Park Agreement (a)In generalThe Secretary, in accordance with subsection (b), may enter into an agreement with the Foundation to host private events at the Park, which may include the use of Park buildings. (b)Terms and conditionsAn agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall include terms and conditions to protect the resources and values of the Park, including— (1)dates and times during which the Foundation may be the exclusive organization that holds a special event in specified Park buildings; (2) (A)the maximum number of events that can be held per week; and (B)appropriate National Park Service staffing for the events; (3)liability insurance in an amount sufficient to protect the interests of the United States that lists the United States as additionally insured; (4)a provision stating that the Federal Government and agents and employees of the Federal Government will not be held liable for claims for damages or suits for any injuries or deaths from any cause resulting from the occupancy and use of specified Park buildings by the Foundation; and (5)any other terms and conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate. (c)UsePrivate events hosted at the Park or in Park buildings through an agreement entered into under subsection (a)— (1)shall be limited to activities— (A)consistent with the purposes of the Park; and (B)compatible with National Park Service programs; (2)shall not include activities that degrade the integrity, appearance, or purposes of the Park; and (3)shall not take place during times or in locations that prevent or disrupt public use or access to the Park or Park buildings. (d)Recovery of costsIn entering into an agreement under subsection (a), the Secretary— (1)shall charge a fee to cover the cost of maintaining the Park and Park buildings with respect to wear and tear resulting from the private events; and (2)notwithstanding any other provision of law, may recover all costs incurred as a result of the private events and use of the Park and Park buildings, including administrative and personnel costs. (e)National Park Service-Sponsored eventsNothing in this Act prevents the National Park Service from hosting events or issuing permits to other individuals or entities for special events or otherwise, as appropriate, in the Park or Park buildings.

Referred in Senate (RFS)

119 HR 5254 : Gateway Partnership Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-03-17 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IIB119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 5254IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 17, 2026 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesAN ACTTo authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events in Gateway Arch National Park buildings, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Gateway Partnership Act.2.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)FoundationThe term Foundation means the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves as the official philanthropic partner of the Park.(2)ParkThe term Park means Gateway Arch National Park.(3)Park buildingThe term Park building means—(A)the Arch Visitor Center;(B)the Old Courthouse; and (C)any other building administered or managed by the Secretary as part of the Park that is open to the public.(4)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.

3.Gateway Arch National Park Partner Agreement Pilot Project(a)In generalThe Secretary, in accordance with subsection (b), may enter into a one-time agreement for a period not to exceed five years with the Foundation to host private events at the Park, which may include the use of Park buildings.(b)Terms and conditionsAn agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall include terms and conditions to protect the resources and values of the Park, including—(1)dates and times during which the Foundation may be the exclusive organization that holds a special event in specified Park buildings;(2)(A)the maximum number of events that can be held per month; and (B)appropriate National Park Service staffing levels necessary to ensure public safety and resource protection during such events;(3)liability insurance in an amount sufficient to protect the interests of the United States that lists the United States as additionally insured;(4)a provision stating that the Federal Government and agents and employees of the Federal Government will not be held liable for claims for damages or suits for any injuries or deaths from any cause resulting from the occupancy and use of specified Park buildings by the Foundation;(5)a provision allowing for the modification or cancellation of the terms and conditions of the agreement, except that any modified agreement shall still comply with the terms and conditions described in subparagraphs (1) through (4); and(6)any other terms and conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate.(c)UsePrivate events hosted at the Park or in Park buildings through an agreement entered into under subsection (a)—(1)shall be limited to activities—(A)consistent with the purposes of the Park; and(B)compatible with National Park Service programs; (2)shall not include activities that degrade the integrity, appearance, or purposes of the Park; and(3)shall not take place during times or in locations that prevent or disrupt public use or access to the Park or Park buildings.(d)Recovery of costsIn entering into an agreement under subsection (a), the Secretary—(1)shall charge a fee to cover the cost of maintaining the Park and Park buildings with respect to wear and tear resulting from the private events; and(2)notwithstanding any other provision of law, may recover all costs incurred as a result of the private events and use of the Park and Park buildings, including maintenance, utilities, administrative expenses, security, and personnel costs.(e)National Park Service-Sponsored eventsNothing in this Act prevents the National Park Service from hosting events or issuing permits to other individuals or entities for special events or otherwise, as appropriate, in the Park or Park buildings.(f)Sunset(1)In generalThe authority to enter into and carry out an agreement with the Foundation pursuant to this Act shall sunset on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.(2)Effect on existing agreementAny existing agreement entered into under this section shall terminate, notwithstanding any terms within such agreement, on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.(g)Saving clauseNothing in this Act affects any other authority of the Secretary to issue special use permits or agreements.(h)Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report evaluating the implementation of this Act, including the—(1)operational impacts of the agreement on visitor access, security, staffing, and facilities management; and(2)financial implications of the agreement, including fees collected and costs recovered.Passed the House of Representatives March 16, 2026.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.

Reported in House (RH)

119 HR 5254 RH: Gateway Partnership Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-03-02 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IBUnion Calendar No. 461119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 5254[Report No. 119–536]IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 10, 2025Mr. Bell (for himself, Mrs. Wagner, and Ms. Budzinski) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesMarch 2, 2026Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printedStrike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italicFor text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on September 10, 2025A BILLTo authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events in Gateway Arch National Park buildings, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Gateway Partnership Act.2.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)FoundationThe term Foundation means the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves as the official philanthropic partner of the Park.(2)ParkThe term Park means Gateway Arch National Park.(3)Park buildingThe term Park building means—(A)the Arch Visitor Center;(B)the Old Courthouse; and (C)any other building administered or managed by the Secretary as part of the Park that is open to the public.(4)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.

3.Gateway Arch National Park Partner Agreement Pilot Project(a)In generalThe Secretary, in accordance with subsection (b), may enter into a one-time agreement for a period not to exceed five years with the Foundation to host private events at the Park, which may include the use of Park buildings.(b)Terms and conditionsAn agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall include terms and conditions to protect the resources and values of the Park, including—(1)dates and times during which the Foundation may be the exclusive organization that holds a special event in specified Park buildings;(2)(A)the maximum number of events that can be held per month; and (B)appropriate National Park Service staffing levels necessary to ensure public safety and resource protection during such events;(3)liability insurance in an amount sufficient to protect the interests of the United States that lists the United States as additionally insured;(4)a provision stating that the Federal Government and agents and employees of the Federal Government will not be held liable for claims for damages or suits for any injuries or deaths from any cause resulting from the occupancy and use of specified Park buildings by the Foundation;(5)a provision allowing for the modification or cancellation of the terms and conditions of the agreement, except that any modified agreement shall still comply with the terms and conditions described in subparagraphs (1) through (4); and(6)any other terms and conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate.(c)UsePrivate events hosted at the Park or in Park buildings through an agreement entered into under subsection (a)—(1)shall be limited to activities—(A)consistent with the purposes of the Park; and(B)compatible with National Park Service programs; (2)shall not include activities that degrade the integrity, appearance, or purposes of the Park; and(3)shall not take place during times or in locations that prevent or disrupt public use or access to the Park or Park buildings.(d)Recovery of costsIn entering into an agreement under subsection (a), the Secretary—(1)shall charge a fee to cover the cost of maintaining the Park and Park buildings with respect to wear and tear resulting from the private events; and(2)notwithstanding any other provision of law, may recover all costs incurred as a result of the private events and use of the Park and Park buildings, including maintenance, utilities, administrative expenses, security, and personnel costs.(e)National Park Service-Sponsored eventsNothing in this Act prevents the National Park Service from hosting events or issuing permits to other individuals or entities for special events or otherwise, as appropriate, in the Park or Park buildings.(f)Sunset(1)In generalThe authority to enter into and carry out an agreement with the Foundation pursuant to this Act shall sunset on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.(2)Effect on existing agreementAny existing agreement entered into under this section shall terminate, notwithstanding any terms within such agreement, on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.(g)Saving clauseNothing in this Act affects any other authority of the Secretary to issue special use permits or agreements.(h)Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report evaluating the implementation of this Act, including the—(1)operational impacts of the agreement on visitor access, security, staffing, and facilities management; and(2)financial implications of the agreement, including fees collected and costs recovered.March 2, 2026Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

The bill's own words, from our database (synced from the GPO BILLS XML); paragraph breaks added at the bill's section boundaries, nothing else changed.

All Actions (20)

DateChamberAll Actions
09/10/2025Library of CongressIntroduced in House
09/10/2025Library of CongressIntroduced in House
09/10/2025House floor actionsReferred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
11/25/2025House committee actionsReferred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
12/02/2025House committee actionsSubcommittee Hearings Held
01/22/2026House committee actionsSubcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
01/22/2026House committee actionsCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
01/22/2026House committee actionsOrdered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
03/02/2026Library of CongressReported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-536.
03/02/2026House floor actionsReported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-536.
03/02/2026House floor actionsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 461.
03/16/2026House floor actionsMr. Wittman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
03/16/2026House floor actionsConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2519-2521)
03/16/2026House floor actionsDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5254.
03/16/2026Library of CongressPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2519-2520)
03/16/2026House floor actionsOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2519-2520)
03/16/2026House floor actionsMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
03/17/2026SenateReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
07/21/2026SenateCommittee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
07/29/2026SenateCommittee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Titles (7)

Title TypeTitle
Short Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill textGateway Partnership Act
Short Title(s) as Passed HouseGateway Partnership Act
Official Titles from EH (Engrossed in House) bill textTo authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events in Gateway Arch National Park buildings, and for other purposes.
Short Title(s) as Reported to HouseGateway Partnership Act
Display TitleGateway Partnership Act
Short Title(s) as IntroducedGateway Partnership Act of 2025
Official Title as IntroducedTo authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events in Gateway Arch National Park buildings, and for other purposes.

Amendments (0)

There are no amendments to this bill.

Cosponsors (2)

* = Original cosponsor

Committees (6)

CommitteeActivity
Senate - Energy and Natural Resources Committee07/29/2026 Markup By
Senate - Energy and Natural Resources Committee03/17/2026 Referred To
House - Natural Resources Committee03/02/2026 Reported By
House - Natural Resources Committee01/22/2026 Markup By
House - Natural Resources Committee01/22/2026 Discharged from
House - Natural Resources Committee09/10/2025 Referred To

Related Bills (1)

Subjects (4)

Policy Area: Public Lands and Natural Resources

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