As the Presidential election approaches, one thing is certain: we’re heading into a lame duck session of Congress before the conclusion of the 118th Congress.

Whether it’s a first Harris administration or a second Trump administration, the current political dynamics will shift and Congress will still have several must-pass legislative items to complete before the end of the legislative session.

On the annual funding front, the continuing resolution (CR) that avoided a government shutdown at the end of September and extends fiscal year (FY) 2024 enacted funding levels expires on December 20. Congress will have to finalize FY 2025 funding by that date or agree on another CR, further delaying the deadline. Critical funding for the Historic Preservation Fund (which includes SHPOs, THPOs, and competitive grant programs), and other funding streams for preservation-related programs, is at stake.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) will also need to be addressed before the end of the calendar year. Historic preservation can be connected to the NDAA through provisions that support the protection of historic sites and resources, particularly those related to military history or that might be affected by defense-related activities. The NDAA often includes funding or directives for the maintenance and preservation of military landmarks, bases, and structures that hold historical significance. Additionally, it can address issues like the impact of military construction on heritage sites and the importance of integrating preservation efforts into broader defense strategies.

Regardless of the election outcome, there are several key priorities that will shape the National Trust’s federal policy agenda going forward. These include:

• Strengthening the National Historic Preservation Act
• Promoting Historic Preservation as a Tool for Housing Creation and Sustainable Development
• Advancing Equity in Historic Preservation
• Expanding Public Education and Awareness