2022: Schweikert Voted Against Standardizing The Federal Designation Of National Heritage Areas And Against Providing Financial Aid And Management Oversight To Heritage Areas. In December 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the National Heritage Area Act, which would "standardize the federal designation of National Heritage Areas, which are congressionally designated historic, culturally important areas that receive federal support and are administered by local organizations, governments and nonprofits. The bill would create within the Interior Department a National Heritage Area System comprising all national heritage areas. Among other provisions, it would direct the department to provide financial assistance and management oversight to heritage areas and authorize the department to conduct feasibility and suitability studies for the addition of proposed heritage areas to the system. The bill would also extend the authorization of 45 heritage areas through 2037 and authorize between $1-2 million in annual funding for heritage areas. It would require feasibility studies for two new heritage areas, designate seven new heritage areas and redesignate two existing heritage areas." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 326-95, thus the bill was sent to President Biden and it ultimately became law. [House Vote 540, 12/22/22; Congressional Quarterly, 12/22/22; Congressional Actions, S. 1942]
The Bill Extended The Authorization Of 45 Heritage Areas Through 2037 And Provided $1-2 Million Annually For Heritage Areas. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill would also extend the authorization of 45 heritage areas through 2037 and authorize between $1-2 million in annual funding for heritage areas." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/22/22]
The Bill Created A Formal System For National Heritage Areas And Designated 7 New Areas To Help Community Protect American History. According to a press release from the National Parks Conservation Association, "Today, members of Congress crossed the aisle to prioritize and pass the National Heritage Area Act, creating a formal system for America's national heritage areas and designating seven new ones to help communities protect priceless, diverse American history across the country." [Press Release − National Parks Conservation Association, 12/22/22]
National Heritage Areas Provide Technical Assistance And Grants To Local Partners Who Create And Maintain Historic, Cultural And Recreational Resources That Celebrate Shared Experiences And Encourage Pride In Communities. According to a press release from the National Parks Conservation Association, "National heritage areas are the epitome of effective public private partnerships. They provide technical assistance and grants from the National Park Service to local partners who establish and maintain historic, cultural, natural, and recreational resources that celebrate the common touchstones of our shared experiences and promote a very strong pride of place in communities across this nation." [Press Release − National Parks Conservation Association, 12/22/22]
2022: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against The National Heritage Area Act. In December 2022, according to the Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the "adoption of the rule (H Res 1529) that would provide for House floor consideration of [...] the National Heritage Area Act (S 1942). The rule would provide for one hour of debate and a closed rule on each measure." The vote was on the adoption of the rule. The House adopted the rule by a vote of 216 -- 193. [House Vote 531, 12/21/22; Congressional Quarterly, 12/21/22; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 1529; Congressional Actions, S. 1942]