October 30, 2026

Call to Action: Section 106 and S. 5653

NCPH is proud to stand with 106 Strong, a coalition of more than 1,000 organizations and Tribal Nations representing more than nine million Americans, in defense of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

For sixty years, Section 106 of the NHPA has given communities and Tribal Nations a voice before federal projects destroy sacred sites, historic neighborhoods, battlefields, and burial grounds. Now the Senate is preparing to vote on S. 5653, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 (BAAJA), legislation that would dismantle those protections. A first vote is expected on November 9.

Every community will feel the loss of protections for the historic, archaeological, and sacred spaces that make our nation unique and beautiful. Without a robust Section 106 process, none of us will have recourse to prevent the destruction of our main streets, our historic cemeteries, or our sacred lands.

Contacting your senators before November 9 is critical. Emails, postcards, and phone calls all help. If you are able to get a meeting with staff in person, even better.

You can also reach out to your US House Representatives to let them know your concerns. This helps in the event a companion bill makes it to them. Contacting your local elected officials to encourage their assistance in reaching federal officials is another option.

To assist you in taking action, NCPH’s Advocacy Committee has compiled a list of resources:

  1. A sample script for contacting your senators about S. 5653
  2. National Trust for Historic Preservation BAAJA marketing kit
  3. Resources from the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers
  4. Recording of a recent Society for American Archaeology webinar on how to get your state officials to oppose BAAJA
  5. NCPH social media graphics to spread awareness to your communities

If you are able to be in Washington, DC, on November 9, 106 Strong will rally at the US Capitol:
THE 106 STRONG RALLY
Monday, November 9, 2026
US Capitol Grounds (exact gathering location pending permit approval)
Time: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

How to take part:
• Register your interest on the rally tracker here
• Bring your colleagues, friends, family, and stories of the places you love
• Organizing a group? Need to be connected with nearby advocates? Note it on the
tracker and 106 Strong will help coordinate
• Can’t travel? Share this message, watch the Before It’s Gone film, and learn more at
www.106strong.com

Sixty years ago, Americans came together to pass the National Historic Preservation Act. Now,
it’s our turn to save our history.