2025 has ushered in a new and complex political era in Washington, D.C. As the second Trump Administration has taken office, sweeping Executive Orders and slash-and-burn administrative actions are reshaping the environment in which we work and threaten the people, places, and policies that many of us rely on. At the same time, we are witnessing one of the largest freshman classes in recent Congressional history, with 70 new Members of Congress and historically narrow margins in both chambers.
We want to acknowledge that this dynamic and the rapid pace of change is extremely difficult. It’s hard to witness our friends lose jobs, see contracts and critical funding cut, watch as key laws are circumvented, voices silenced, colleagues deported, history censored or erased, and basic rights stripped away. Dozens of lawsuits are piling up and some actions have been reversed thanks to the collective loud advocacy directed at elected officials.
Our recent successful National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week brought 200 advocates from 45 states and territories to the Hill for 250 meetings with Congressional offices. No matter the political affiliation, our message was clear: historic preservation matters to all Americans. The programs we champion — the Historic Preservation Fund and the Historic Tax Credit — have long enjoyed bipartisan support, reflecting their broad economic, cultural, and community value. Our call to reauthorize the Historic Preservation Fund, secure $225 million in appropriations for FY2026, and enhance the Historic Tax Credit remains vital.
In our many meetings on the Hill, the main theme that we heard from Congress was “keep us informed.” Members and their staff are often hearing about federal actions at the same time we are, and are eager to hear how our communities, businesses, and institutions have been impacted. Regardless of the party, Members asked for follow-up examples on how the funding freezes, jobs cuts, cancelled contracts, threats to NEPA and Section 106, GSA buildings sold, etc. are affecting our jobs, employees, and lives. This moment demands that we continue to connect the dots for them, and we are actively collaborating with the bipartisan leaders of the House Historic Preservation Caucus to ensure that preservation stays front and center amid competing priorities.
We need everyone — Hill veterans and new advocates — to mobilize like never before. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment for our preservation leaders and practitioners alike to demonstrate the power of local stories, economic impact, job creation, and more to the trusted relationships on the Hill that we’ve built across the country. If you’ve ever wondered whether your voice matters in this work, now is the most critical time to step forward.
We urge you to engage with your members of Congress often to build that relationship, to support our work directly, and to let us know how we can amplify your voice. Preservation Action is the grassroots lobby for historic preservation; your agenda is our agenda. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Russ Carnahan
President
Preservation Action
