Double It!
The National Archives Needs Double the Funding to Preserve Records for the Next 250 Years
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) provides core government functions necessary to preserve, protect, and make accessible records from all three branches of the federal government. Retention, preservation and access to federal records ensures government transparency and provides the ability for citizens to hold the government accountable for its actions.
People utilize NARA's holdings daily to learn about their families' experiences; sacrifices made in times of war; or contributions made to our country's progress. Historians and filmmakers access records and images to document America's stories, for education and entertainment. The federal government's investment in NARA supports economic growth across diverse sectors that utilize America's records for legal proceedings, such as estate claims; determination of land, water, and mining rights; eligibility for dual citizenship; and the solemn duty of the repatriation of unidentified veterans' remains.
NARA has faced decades of near-stagnant funding, preventing the agency from keeping pace with the exponential growth of archival holdings and the government's transition to digital records. This funding shortfall has led to significant operational challenges, including delayed digitization efforts. The National Archives online catalog hosts more than 475 million digital records, but that represents only 3.75 percent of all textual records. Given the millions of cubic feet of records in its possession, NARA's long-standing strained resources slow its ability to digitize faster, and meet the demand of serving the public.
All Americans deserve the opportunity to access, study and utilize the documents held by NARA. Join us in calling on Congress to invest in the next 250 years of record-keeping by doubling the funding for NARA, providing at least $842 million for Fiscal Year 2027. Congress must act to preserve America's history and make records accessible now and into the future.