Civil War Defenses of Washington National Historical Park Act

This bill redesignates the existing Civil War Defenses of Washington into a National Historical Park to better protect and interpret these historic sites. It officially includes 20 federally owned fortifications in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland, while allowing local governments and private owners to voluntarily affiliate their properties through cooperative agreements. The legislation also directs the National Park Service to study and report on creative ways to educate the public about the Civil War's impact on American democracy and to provide technical assistance for site preservation. Importantly, the bill prohibits the government from using condemnation to acquire private land, ensuring that any expansion relies on voluntary participation and donated funding.