National Parks Battle the Backlogs

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Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) joins John Solomon and Amanda Head on the push to reauthorize the Great American Outdoors Act as “GAOA 250” / America the Beautiful Act. The original Trump-signed 2020 law funded deferred maintenance on national parks and other public lands; key portions expired. The new version aims for about $1.9 billion a year for five years, with 75% to parks, plus Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife, and Bureau of Indian Education. Westerman cites 250+ House cosponsors (split R/D), strong Senate support, 180+ outside groups, and public White House endorsement.

Money comes from existing onshore oil-and-gas lease and royalty revenue (Westerman notes large recent sales including New Mexico and the Gulf), plus a proposed permanent foreign-visitor fee on top of regular entrance fees. Private-public partnerships are expanded so philanthropy can stretch federal dollars on trails, campgrounds, boat ramps, historic bathhouses, and access.
Field hearings at Grand Teton and Hot Springs National Park (America’s first reserved federal land, 1830s thermal springs, restored bathhouses now including a brewery using park water and a boutique hotel). Kevin Costner appeared at the Hot Springs hearing. Goal: visitor experience exceeds expectations instead of falling short because of crumbling infrastructure. Ties to the earlier Explore Act for rural gateway economies.

House Natural Resources marked up H.R. 9250 in June 2026; Senate Energy and Natural Resources advanced its companion. Floor time in both chambers is the remaining hurdle before the midterms and year’s end. Westerman calls it a “no-brainer” with administration, bipartisan, and public support.