SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — H.R.1 of the 119th U.S. Congress, otherwise referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, includes a provision for “Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary.”
Following is the allocation of $40,000,000 for the carry out three executive orders aimed at establishing and maintaining a statuary park called the “National Garden of American Heroes.”
According to an executive order signed this year, the garden would feature 250 American heroes in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday.
Support for South Dakota as the location for the garden has been given by those including South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden, who sent a letter to President Donald Trump in March of 2025, proposing a site near Mount Rushmore, and Rep. Dusty Johnson, who sent a letter in February.
Now, the garden and its potential location in South Dakota is far from set in stone.
First, a location for such a garden is not mentioned in the bill, just that funds be allocated for it.
Second, the bill has yet to actually become law. The OBBB passed the House of Representatives by a single vote, and it was only after the vote at least two House Republicans who voted for the bill admitted that they hadn’t read it, and would have opposed it if they had. The bill now has to get through the Senate, and if amended, will have to return once more to the House for approval of any changes.
