H.R. 5254 · Where this bill is now
In the Senate
Passed the House Mar 16, 2026. Received Mar 17, 2026; no Senate vote yet
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryAllows private events at Gateway Arch park
This bill gives the National Park Service permission to let the Gateway Arch Park Foundation host private events at Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis for up to five years. The events would have to fit with the park's purpose and couldn't damage the park or block public access. The National Park Service would charge fees to cover all costs from the events, including maintenance, utilities, security, and staff.
How it affects you
If you visit Gateway Arch National Park, this change could mean some areas might occasionally be reserved for private events, though the park says this won't prevent or disrupt public access. The fees collected from private events would help the park cover its costs. People in the St. Louis area and tourists visiting the park would be the most directly affected.
Read the official summary (Reported to House, Mar 2, 2026)
Gateway Partnership Act
This bill authorizes the National Park Service (NPS) to enter into a one-time agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events at the Gateway Arch National Park and its buildings for a period of up to five years. The NPS manages the park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, and its buildings, such as the Arch Visitor Center and the Old Courthouse.
The bill outlines the terms and conditions that must be included in the agreement. The bill also requires private events hosted at the park or its buildings to be consistent with the park's purposes and compatible with NPS programs. Such events may not (1) degrade the integrity, appearance, or purposes of the park; or (2) take place during times or in locations that prevent or disrupt public use or access to the park or its buildings.
The NPS must charge a fee to cover the cost of wear and tear resulting from the private events. The NPS may recover all costs incurred as a result of the private events, including maintenance, utilities, administrative expenses, security, and personnel costs.
The bill terminates the NPS's authority to enter and carry out an agreement with the foundation seven years after the enactment of this bill.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 5254
AN ACT
Gateway Partnership Act
Sponsor: Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO-1) · Introduced Sep 10, 2025 · Public Lands and Natural Resources · 5 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Sep 17, 2026: “Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 662.”