September 11, 2025
Mr. Schmitt introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events in Gateway Arch National Park buildings, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Gateway Partnership Act
.
Sec. 2. Definitions
In this Act:
(1) Foundation
The term Foundation means the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves as the official philanthropic partner of the Park.
(2) Park
The term Park means Gateway Arch National Park.
(3) Park building
The term Park building means—
(A)
the Arch Visitor Center;
(B)
the Old Courthouse; and
(C)
any other building administered or managed by the Secretary as part of the Park that is open to the public.
(4) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
Sec. 3. Gateway Arch National Park Agreement
(a) In general
The Secretary, in accordance with subsection (b), may enter into an agreement with the Foundation to host private events at the Park, which may include the use of Park buildings.
(b) Terms and conditions
An agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall include terms and conditions to protect the resources and values of the Park, including—
(1)
dates and times during which the Foundation may be the exclusive organization that holds a special event in specified Park buildings;
(2)
(A)
the maximum number of events that can be held per week; and
(B)
appropriate National Park Service staffing for the events;
(3)
liability insurance in an amount sufficient to protect the interests of the United States that lists the United States as additionally insured;
(4)
a provision stating that the Federal Government and agents and employees of the Federal Government will not be held liable for claims for damages or suits for any injuries or deaths from any cause resulting from the occupancy and use of specified Park buildings by the Foundation; and
(5)
any other terms and conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(c) Use
Private events hosted at the Park or in Park buildings through an agreement entered into under subsection (a)—
(1)
shall be limited to activities—
(A)
consistent with the purposes of the Park; and
(B)
compatible with National Park Service programs;
(2)
shall not include activities that degrade the integrity, appearance, or purposes of the Park; and
(3)
shall not take place during times or in locations that prevent or disrupt public use or access to the Park or Park buildings.
(d) Recovery of costs
In entering into an agreement under subsection (a), the Secretary—
(1)
shall charge a fee to cover the cost of maintaining the Park and Park buildings with respect to wear and tear resulting from the private events; and
(2)
notwithstanding any other provision of law, may recover all costs incurred as a result of the private events and use of the Park and Park buildings, including administrative and personnel costs.
(e) National park service-Sponsored events
Nothing in this Act prevents the National Park Service from hosting events or issuing permits to other individuals or entities for special events or otherwise, as appropriate, in the Park or Park buildings.