S. 5603, the Protecting Presidential Memorials Act, would bar the demolition of any presidential memorial that has been designated by an Act of Congress, unless Congress specifically passes a new law authorizing that demolition. The bill defines "demolish" as intentionally razing, destroying, or wrecking an entire structure or a substantial portion of one. This measure affects any federal entity or official who might oversee or decide the fate of congressionally designated presidential memorials, effectively removing unilateral authority to tear them down. The bill does not include new funding or appropriations, nor does it set a specific implementation timeline, since it simply establishes a permanent legal restriction once enacted. Introduced by Senator Merkley along with several cosponsors, the bill was read twice and placed on the Senate calendar in late September 2026, meaning it is pending further action before a full Senate vote.