Congress Escalates Attacks on National Park Staff in New Budget Proposal

Washington, DC – The House Natural Resources Committee majority released its portion of the reconciliation bill, proposing millions in cuts to the National Park Service. The proposed bill strips the Park Service of all remaining Inflation Reduction Act funding, including approximately $267 million mostly for park staffing. The bill also proposes increasing oil and gas leasing and drilling, jeopardizing national parks landscapes in the process. While the bill removes vital park staffing funds, it proposes adding $150 million for events and celebrations related to America’s 250th anniversary and $40 million to establish a statutory park dubbed by the administration a Garden of American Heroes. The bill also includes mining activities near Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Statement by Kristen Brengel, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA):

“For months, Congress has stood on the sidelines while the administration works to dismantle the National Park Service and relentlessly attack the dedicated staff who work tirelessly every day to take care of America’s most cherished places. Now, when given an opportunity to stand up for our most beloved public servants, they do the exact opposite, robbing the Park Service of critical staffing money and instead prioritizing parties and a statue garden.

“Park staff are living in fear, constantly questioning whether they will be able to keep their jobs and pay their bills. Rather than supporting our park staff during this challenging time, Congress is doubling down, further straining an overwhelmed Park Service. This bill should be a nonstarter for anyone who cares about our national parks.”

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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.6 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.