Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act

House Bill

H.R. 186

119th Congress

Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 16, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Stacey E. Plaskett

Representative

Democratic

VI-0

Cosponsors

8

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Summary

This bill requires the authorized national Medal of Honor monument to be located within the Reserve, the prestigious central area of the National Mall extending from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and from the White House to the Jefferson Memorial. The monument honors all Medal of Honor recipients and is named for Hershel Woody Williams, a World War II Marine who received the Medal of Honor for heroism at Iwo Jima.

Latest Action

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill requires the authorized national Medal of Honor monument to be located within the Reserve, the prestigious central area of the National Mall extending from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and from the White House to the Jefferson Memorial. The monument honors all Medal of Honor recipients and is named for Hershel Woody Williams, a World War II Marine who received the Medal of Honor for heroism at Iwo Jima.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Hershel "Woody" Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location ActThis bill requires the authorized monument honoring Medal of Honor recipients to be located within the Reserve (the great cross-axis of the National Mall, which generally extends from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and from the White House to the Jefferson Memorial).

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Designates Reserve location for Medal of Honor monument
Places monument in National Malls most prominent area
Named for Hershel Woody Williams, WWII Medal of Honor recipient
Honors all Medal of Honor recipients
Covers cross-axis from Capitol to Lincoln Memorial

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Locating the Medal of Honor monument in the Reserve places it alongside Americas most iconic memorials, reflecting the supreme sacrifice and valor the medal represents. The designation honors Woody Williams, the last living WWII Medal of Honor recipient when the monument was authorized, who championed recognition for all recipients. The prominent location ensures the monument receives the visibility befitting the nations highest military decoration.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Related Subjects

Conflicts and wars

Congressional tributes

District of Columbia

Government trust funds

Military history

Military personnel and dependents

Monuments and memorials

Veterans' organizations and recognition

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

186, 119th Congress (2025). "Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-186