In this Sept. 23, 2011 photo, a view of Saratoga National Historic Park is seen in Stillwater, N.Y. Archaeologists are digging for artifacts in a history-rich, battle-scarred stretch of the upper Hudson River where thousands of Europeans, Americans and Native Americans fought and died during more than a century of sporadic warfare, culminating in the Americans’ defeat of the British at Saratoga. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pittsburgh, recently introduced legislation to protect historic battlefields.

According to a news release from McCormick’s office, the bill, co-sponsored with U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., will “strengthen the preservation of historic battlefields associated with wars fought on American soil. ”

“From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, Pennsylvania’s battlefields stand as powerful reminders of pivotal moments that shaped our nation’s history and our future,” said McCormick, according to the news release. “By preserving and protecting these sacred battlefields, we honor the contributions of all Americans, educate future generations, and drive increased economic benefits for local communities by attracting visitors eager to learn and explore.”

“From Yorktown to Appomattox to the Pentagon, the map of Virginia is a map of America’s military history,” said Kaine, according to the news release. “Especially as we come up on America’s 250th birthday, it’s critical that we ensure our country’s battlefields are preserved, so future generations can visit and learn about their importance. Last year, the President signed my bipartisan bill, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act, into law to help us do that. I’m glad to work alongside Senator McCormick to build on that progress by further supporting the program.”

Specifically, the news release said, the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act will reauthorize the American Battlefield Protection Program through 2035, increase federal support for nonprofit preservation efforts by increasing the cost-share from 50 percent to 75 percent, direct the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to prepare studies of sites connected to the French and Indian War and the Mexican-American War, and authorize $20 million each fiscal year through 2035.

“As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2025 plays a critical role in honoring America’s history, commemorating pivotal milestones, and ensuring these renowned sites are preserved for future generations,” the news release said.