H. Rpt. 119-536 accompanies the "Gateway Partnership Act" — legislation that falls within the Natural Resources Committee's jurisdiction. Committee reports serve as the official legislative history of a bill, documenting what the legislation would do and why the committee recommends passage. Reports of this kind include the committee's section-by-section analysis, any amendments adopted during markup, the Congressional Budget Office cost estimate, dissenting views from minority members, and the legal basis for the legislation. Courts and agencies consult committee reports when interpreting enacted laws, making these documents important beyond the immediate legislative moment.
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House Report 119-536 - GATEWAY PARTNERSHIP ACT
[House Report 119-536]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
119th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { 119-536
=======================================================================
GATEWAY PARTNERSHIP ACT
----------------
March 2, 2026.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
----------------
Mr. Westerman, from the Committee on Natural Resources,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 5254]
The Committee on Natural Resources, to whom was referred
the bill (H.R. 5254) 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, having considered the same,
reports favorably thereon with an amendment and recommends that
the bill as amended do pass.
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Gateway Partnership Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the Gateway
Arch Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves as
the official philanthropic partner of the Park.
(2) Park.--The term ``Park'' means Gateway Arch National
Park.
(3) Park building.--The 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) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
the Interior.
SEC. 3. GATEWAY ARCH NATIONAL PARK PARTNER AGREEMENT PILOT PROJECT.
(a) In General.--The 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 Conditions.--An 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) Use.--Private 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 Costs.--In 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 Events.--Nothing 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 general.--The 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 agreement.--Any 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 Clause.--Nothing 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.
PURPOSE OF THE LEGISLATION
The purpose of H.R. 5254 is 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.
BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION
Gateway Arch National Park is Missouri's most visited
landmark, drawing over 2.4 million visitors annually.\1\ The
Gateway Arch Park Foundation (Foundation) plays a central role
in maintaining and enhancing the park's grounds and surrounding
areas in St. Louis. Recently, the Foundation completed a $380
million public-private partnership, known as the CityArchRiver
Project, which reconnected downtown St. Louis to its
riverfront, modernized park facilities, and restored historic
buildings.\2\ This project generated nearly $600 million in
economic impact and supported 4,400 jobs.\3\ Building on that
success, the Foundation continued to expand programming and
enhance public engagement at the Arch.\4\
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\1\``Gateway Arch National Park sees 2.4 million visitors in
2023'', National Park Service, February 29, 2024, https://www.nps.gov/
jeff/learn/news/gateway-arch-national-park-sees-2-4-million-visitors-
in-2023.htm.
\2\``Legacy'', Gateway Arch Park Foundation, https://
www.archpark.org/foundation/legacy. Sarah Fenske, ``CityArchRiver
project made $572M economic impact in 2024, report says'', St. Louis
Magazine, June 23, 2025, https://www.stlmag.com/news/cityarchriver-
economic-impact/.
\3\Id.
\4\``Bell, Colleagues Lead Bipartisan Gateway Partnership Act'',
The Office of Congressman Wesley Bell, September 11, 2025, https://
bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/bell-colleagues-lead-bipartisan-
gateway-partnership-act.
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Since the completion of the CityArchRiver Project, the
Foundation has managed nearly 30 private events in park spaces,
doubling the number of events held prior to the project's
completion.\5\ Further renovations were scheduled for
completion in 2025 to create additional space for accommodating
social gatherings, weddings, corporate functions, and other
events that showcase St. Louis.\6\ Currently, the National Park
Service (NPS) may issue permits for special events at the Arch
but lacks clear statutory authority to enter into a formal
agreement with the Foundation for recurring private use of park
facilities.\7\ This limitation creates uncertainty about the
terms and conditions under which private events can be held and
how the park can recover costs associated with them.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\``Senator Schmitt Introduces the Gateway Partnership Act to Spur
Economic Opportunities in St. Louis'', The Office of Senator Eric
Schmitt, September 11, 2025, https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/
press-releases/senator-schmitt-introduces-the-gateway-
partnership-act-to-spur-economic-opportunities-in-st-louis/.
\6\Id.
\7\36 CFR 2.50, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-36/chapter-I/
part-2/section-2.50.
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H.R. 5254, the ``Gateway Partnership Act,'' addresses this
gap by creating a pilot project to authorize NPS to enter into
a one-time, formal agreement with the Foundation to host
private events in Gateway Arch National Park buildings,
including the Arch Visitor Center and the Old Courthouse.
Projections show that private events hosted under a formalized
partnership could generate up to $780,000 annually in new
revenue for Gateway Arch National Park.\8\ The legislation
requires that agreements include terms to protect park
resources and ensure consistency with NPS programs, prevent
disruptions to public access, and provide liability protections
for the federal government. The bill also grants NPS the
authority to recover all costs associated with private events,
including wear and tear on facilities; administrative,
maintenance, utility, and security expenses; and personnel
costs. By establishing a clear framework for collaboration,
this legislation enables the Foundation to take a formal role
in event management and marketing on behalf of the park,
expanding opportunities for cultural and civic engagement,
while ensuring resources remain protected.
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\8\Id.
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COMMITTEE ACTION
H.R. 5254 was introduced on September 10, 2025, by Rep.
Wesley Bell (D-MO). The bill was referred to the Committee on
Natural Resources, and within the Committee to the Subcommittee
on Federal Lands. On December 2, 2025, the Subcommittee on
Federal Lands held a hearing on the bill. On January 22, 2026,
the Committee on Natural Resources met to consider the bill.
The Subcommittee on Federal Lands was discharged from further
consideration of H.R. 5254 by unanimous consent. Rep. Joe
Neguse (D-CO) offered an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute designated Neguse #1 ANS revised. The Amendment in
the Nature of a Substitute was agreed to by unanimous consent.
The bill, as amended, was ordered favorably reported to the
House of Representatives by unanimous consent.
HEARINGS
For the purposes of clause 3(c)(6) of House rule XIII, the
following hearing was used to develop or consider this measure:
hearing by the Subcommittee on Federal Lands held on December
2, 2025.
SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS
Section 1. Short title
Section 1 names the legislation the ``Gateway Partnership
Act.''
Section 2. Definitions
Section 2 defines the key terms in the legislation.
Section 3. Gateway Arch National Park partner agreement pilot project
Section 3 establishes a pilot project that authorizes the
Secretary of the Interior to enter into a one-time agreement
with the Foundation to host private events at the Gateway Arch
National Park for a period not to exceed five years. The
agreement entered into under this section must include terms
and conditions regarding event scheduling; limits on the number
of events per month; appropriate NPS staffing to ensure public
safety and resource protection; liability insurance and a
waiver of federal liability; a provision allowing for
modification of cancellation of the terms of the agreement; and
any other conditions the Secretary deems appropriate.
Section 3 stipulates that private events must be consistent
with the park's purposes and compatible with NPS programs and
may not degrade park resources, alter its appearance, or
disrupt public access. This section also mandates that the
Secretary charge a fee to cover wear and tear from private
events and authorizes recovery of all associated costs,
including maintenance, utilities, security, administrative and
personnel expenses.
Additionally, this section clarifies that nothing in the
bill restricts NPS from hosting its own events or issuing
permits to other individuals or groups for special events in
the park or park buildings. Section 3 also requires the
Secretary to submit a report evaluating the bill's
implementation to Congress within four years. Finally, Section
3 sunsets seven years after the date of enactment of the bill.
COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Regarding clause 2(b)(1) of rule X and clause 3(c)(1) of
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the
Committee on Natural Resources' oversight findings and
recommendations are reflected in the body of this report.
COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULE XIII AND CONGRESSIONAL
BUDGET ACT
1. Cost of Legislation and the Congressional Budget Act.
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of House rule XIII and section
308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, and pursuant to
clause 3(c)(3) of House rule XIII and section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee has requested
but not received from the Director of the Congressional Budget
Office a budgetary analysis and a cost estimate of this bill.
2. General Performance Goals and Objectives. As required by
clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII, the general performance goal or
objective of this bill is 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.
EARMARK STATEMENT
This bill does not contain any Congressional earmarks,
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined
under clause 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI of the Rules of
the House of Representatives.
UNFUNDED MANDATES REFORM ACT STATEMENT
An estimate of federal mandates prepared by the Director of
the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 423 of the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act was not made available to the
Committee in time for the filing of this report. The Chair of
the Committee shall cause such estimate to be printed in the
Congressional Record upon its receipt by the Committee, if such
estimate is not publicly available on the Congressional Budget
Office website.
EXISTING PROGRAMS
Directed Rule Making. This bill does not contain any
directed rule makings.
Duplication of Existing Programs. This bill does not
establish or reauthorize a program of the federal government
known to be duplicative of another program. Such program was
not included in any report from the Government Accountability
Office to Congress pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139
or identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance published pursuant to the Federal Program
Information Act (Public Law 95-220, as amended by Public Law
98-169) as relating to other programs.
APPLICABILITY TO LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public
services or accommodations within the meaning of section
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act.
PREEMPTION OF STATE, LOCAL OR TRIBAL LAW
Any preemptive effect of this bill over state, local, or
tribal law is intended to be consistent with the bill's
purposes and text and the Supremacy Clause of Article VI of the
U.S. Constitution.
CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW
As ordered reported by the Committee on Natural Resources,
H.R. 5254 would make no changes in existing law.
[all]