TAKE ACTION: Oppose S.5653 as Currently Drafted

Pictured Above: United States Capitol on Sunny Day, Photo by Andy Feliciotti.

Another line of attack on historic preservation opened with the introduction of a bill in the Senate that targets the gutting of the bedrock laws of historic preservation and the environment. Senate bill S.5653, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 (BAAJA), would create permanent changes that will dismantle 60 years of historic preservation law. It was introduced in late September, just before recess, with no time to deliberate or hold any committee meetings (highly irregular). And yet, a VOTE on this bill is scheduled for November 9th – the first day back from recess.

This is not a setup for a good joke – this is really happening, folks! We need you, your voice and your action today. Mobilize by contacting our Senators THIS WEEK – before the first vote on November 9th.

Why it Matters

Any person or community that wants to have a voice depends on the Section 106 process. A voice to engage when a road is planned through a historic neighborhood OR when new transmission lines are needed for a data center; or for any project with federal funding. Everyone, especially preservationists, should care about this.

Learn more - watch this new VIDEO!

Restore Oregon is 100% opposed to S. 5653 as currently drafted. 

Many in Oregon have joined us in that opposition too. Since the bill was introduced, we have:

• Most importantly, met with staff for Senators Wyden and Merkley to state our opposition and to request their vote of “NO” on Nov. 9
• Mobilized with our national partners, led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Action and National Preservation Partners Network (we are partners/members of all).
• Agreed to serve as the State Coordinator for Oregon with our partners at the National Trust.
• Joined and help grow a new and large coalition nationwide now called 106Strong – you can see over 1,000 signatories, many from Oregon participating. (And join if you represent an organization or company)
• Staff has spent considerable time on this existential issue, much of it behind the scenes, to protect the work and jobs of our preservation professionals and projects here in Oregon.

There is more background information and many resources are available below to share the latest, especially as this is moving very quickly. 

We believe that Oregon is leading the nation in concern over this bill but we need to quickly get to a public commitment to vote NO. Senators Wyden and Merkley just signed a powerful letter of concern but publicly have not taken a formal position (yet).  And Attorney General Dan Rayfield is part of a national effort to push back – these letters just released late last week. 

So, how can we get to NO? By mobilizing a grassroots effort (all of you) with a simple message to reiterate that their constituents are opposed!

Pictured Above: Sue Densmore(Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau), Senator Jeff Merkley, & Nicole Possert (Restore Oregon) at United States Capitol in 2026.

Take Action – Contact Wyden and Merkley Today

Our ask is simple – please join us in adding your individual voice and affirm your opposition to S. 5653 today!

Overarching Message to Senators:  Oppose this bill as currently drafted and Vote NO

Regardless of how you get in touch, remember to share:

1. you are a constituent from  
2. you oppose S. 5653, as drafted. You ask for any amendment to fully remove Title III.
3. Thank them for their leadership (reference their 10-27-26 letter) expressing concern but respectfully urge them to just VOTE NO (unless Title III is fully removed). 
4. Choose one or more reasons why – Title III severely weakens historic preservation protections, it cuts out the public (ie.you, Restore Oregon, Oregon tribes, etc.) from having any voice in the process, it harms tribal sovereignty, it will lead to more conflict and delays, and will not “streamline” a thing. There are many other reasons you could share – more in the background materials below.  

Easy Action Steps – CALL AND EMAIL

Senator Ron Wyden:

DC Phone is 202.224.5244; please consider also calling the Oregon local office nearest you to log your opposition

Email – use his contact form

(select “natural resources” as the message topic since there is no choice for historic preservation)

Senator Jeff Merkley:

DC Phone is 202.224.3753; please consider also calling the Oregon local office nearest you to  log your opposition

Email – use his contact form

(select “natural resources” for the topic)

If you call or email, here’s one sample script to use or modify from:

Hello, my name is , and I am a constituent from . I am asking the Senator to vote NO on S. 5653 as written, or to support the bill only if Title III is completely removed. The proposed changes threaten historic and archaeological resources, weaken meaningful public participation, and limit opportunities for communities and Tribal Nations to weigh in on federally supported projects. I appreciate and commend the Senator’s October 27th letter of concern but I respectfully ask him to fully oppose this bill as written.  Please protect our community heritage and ensure that local voices remain part of these decisions. Thank you.”