Several House Democrats are demanding answers from the Trump administration regarding the use of $15 million in federal funds for the construction of a Triumphal Arch, a project proposed for the Memorial Bridge at the entrance to Arlington and Arlington National Cemetery. The lawmakers expressed concern that taxpayer dollars are being redirected from established cultural programs to the monument. They also alleged that the project violates the Commemorative Works Act governing monuments in the capital region. The National Endowment for the Humanities' fiscal year 2026 spend plan allocated $2 million in special initiative funds and $13 million in matching grants to the arch. The delay has led to layoffs and frozen grant programs at local organizations preparing for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.