Preserving Section 106

An Educational Series

Published November 13, 2026

Part 6 – Take Action!

On November 9, 2026, the U.S. Senate voted 73–25 to advance consideration of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (S. 5653). This procedural vote allows debate to move forward but does not constitute final passage. The legislation includes proposed changes to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Preservation organizations, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, have raised concerns about provisions that could limit consultation, narrow federal historic preservation review, and affect community participation in decisions involving historic properties.

As the legislation moves forward, opportunities remain for constituents to share their perspectives with their U.S. Senators. The final vote is scheduled for the week of November 16, 2026 before Thanksgiving. 

There are many ways to get involved and advocate for the future of our country’s historic places. Whether you are contacting elected officials to voice your concerns about the proposed changes to Section 106 or sharing educational resources with your community, your actions matter. Over the course of the last few weeks, you have learned about Section 106, why it is important, and its real-world application. Now it is your turn to be an advocate for historic preservation. You have the opportunity to shape preservation policy and have your voice heard.

As a preservation advocate and practitioner, we are passionate about saving historic places and the time has come to elevate our efforts. Listed below are additional educational resources to learn more about both the efforts being made to save Section 106 and what you can do to help.

Preservation is a Shared Responsibility. Your Voice Matters. 

To contact your legislators:

https://go.historicorps.org/e/1002591/members-find-your-member/3tnzn/976899118/h/-9sZSc04zHiDWWOAC5IYTHAeZJ7FcNrTxLb_S6BnP_k

https://go.historicorps.org/e/1002591/eform-bill-source-direct-link-/3tnzr/976899118/h/-9sZSc04zHiDWWOAC5IYTHAeZJ7FcNrTxLb_S6BnP_k

Read the preservation coalition letter on S. 5653: https://go.historicorps.org/e/1002591/ion-coalition-letter-s5653-pdf/3tnzv/976899118/h/-9sZSc04zHiDWWOAC5IYTHAeZJ7FcNrTxLb_S6BnP_k

Read the bill under review: https://go.historicorps.org/e/1002591/19th-congress-senate-bill-5653/3tnzy/976899118/h/-9sZSc04zHiDWWOAC5IYTHAeZJ7FcNrTxLb_S6BnP_k

Take Action and Follow National Advocacy Efforts

National Trust for Historic Preservation: Protect Community Voices | National Trust for Historic Preservation

Preservation Action: An Introduction to Section 106 | Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

106 Strong Coalition: https://go.historicorps.org/e/1002591/the-statutory-fight/3tp18/976899118/h/-9sZSc04zHiDWWOAC5IYTHAeZJ7FcNrTxLb_S6BnP_k .

Additional Resources: