From Preservation Action:

This week, Congress failed to reach agreement on a Continuing Resolution to maintain current funding levels, forcing a government shutdown. This marks the first shutdown since the end of 2018 and beginning of 2019, which saw a 35 day government shutdown, the longest in history. It appears the current shutdown will at least last into next week as both sides dig in their heels. The longer the shutdown continues, the more severe the impact will be, including for historic preservation efforts.

Already hundreds of thousands of federal workers have been furloughed including National Park Service staff, and most Advisory Council on Historic Preservation staff. This threatens to delay project reviews and grant processing could be stopped all together. If the shutdown persists, State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices could be impacted.

While most National Park Service staff is furloughed, National Parks are largely remaining open to the public at the moment, but with limited hours and visitor services. The National Park Conservation Association is warning that parks remaining open without sufficient staff to protect them will likely lead to damage and vandalism across NPS sites.

There is also concern that the shutdown could trigger additional firings and reductions in force across the government. This could be devastating programs and initiatives important to preservation. Already this year, the National Park Service has lost more than 25% of its permanent staff.

Preservation Action continues to urge Congress to provide robust funding for the Historic Preservation Fund and other federal programs critical for carrying out preservation efforts across the country. 

Take Action!

You can join us by sending a letter to your Representative and Senators urging them to support robust funding for the HPF in the FY26 appropriations, especially as we prepare to celebrate America's 250th anniversary! Learn more and take action today!

Take Action: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/urge-congress-to-stand-up-for-the-historic-preservation-fund?source=direct_link&