President Trump Signs Hudson Bill to Complete National EMS Memorial Into Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson’s (NC-09) applauded President Donald Trump’s signature into law of his legislation to complete the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial in Washington, D.C. The bipartisan law gives the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation more time to complete the memorial at no cost to the taxpayer.

“Each year, 850,000 EMS professionals respond to more than 30 million calls for assistance. It’s time we finally give these unsung heroes the recognition they deserve,” said Rep. Hudson. “I’m grateful President Trump signed my bill into law so we can honor their service with a permanent memorial in our nation’s capital.”

Hudson’s legislation is a clean, bipartisan extension. Congress first authorized the memorial in 2018, but that authority expired under the Commemorative Works Act before the project could be completed. The new law extends the authorization for an additional seven years from enactment, giving the Foundation time to complete approvals and private fundraising so the memorial can move forward.

Background

In 2018, Congress authorized the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in Washington, D.C., honoring EMS professionals. Under the Commemorative Works Act, that authority expires after seven years unless extended.

EMS personnel are often the first to respond in moments of crisis, including natural disasters like hurricanes in North Carolina, accidents, and public health emergencies. Despite their service and sacrifice, there is still no permanent memorial in the nation’s capital honoring EMS professionals who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The Department of the Interior supported Hudson’s legislation, which passed the House unanimously with bipartisan support before being signed into law by President Trump.