Public Lands Caucus News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a major bipartisan push for conservation and outdoor access, U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Ryan Zinke (MT-01), Mike Simpson (ID-02), and Debbie Dingell (MI-06)—the co-chairs of the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus—were joined by 14 members of the Caucus to support the America the Beautiful Act on the eve of America’s 250th.
The bipartisan bill reauthorizes the Legacy Restoration Fund, investing $1.9 billion over the next five years in our national parks, forests, and public lands across America. This funding will speed up deferred trail maintenance, fund projects on lands for hunting and fishing, and generate revenue in gateway communities. Additionally, it does not allow any funding from being taken from the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The bill changed its original name, the Great American Outdoors Act 250 and you can read the full text here.
“Throughout our history, the one thing Americans have always been able to agree on—Democrats and Republicans alike — is that we love this land. Public lands are America’s best idea, and what better moment to protect and celebrate them than on our nation’s 250th birthday,” Vasquez said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in supporting this bill and ensuring that Americans can enjoy their birthright today and for another 250 years of hiking, hunting, fishing, birding, camping, and joy on our public lands.”
“The Great American Outdoors Act was one of the crowning achievements of President Trump’s first administration and proved that conservation and economic growth can go hand in hand,” Zinke sai. “As Secretary of the Interior, I worked alongside President Trump to help build the foundation for this historic investment in our parks and public lands. Six years later, we’ve seen the results. Roads have been rebuilt, trails restored, visitor facilities modernized, and access improved for hunters, anglers, hikers, campers, and families. GAOA 250 builds on that proven success and ensures these investments continue as America celebrates its 250th birthday.”
“There is nothing more fitting than reauthorizing the Great American Outdoors Act as our great nation approaches its 250th birthday,” Simpson said. “This very legislation established a generational investment in our public lands and preserves and increases access to these national treasures. Idahoans and Americans nationwide rallied behind the bipartisan GAOA before, and now, more than ever, it is crucial that we reauthorize this bill. I’m grateful to Chairman Westerman for his support, as well as to all the diverse stakeholders involved. I look forward to seeing President Trump sign this legislation once again.”
“As America celebrates 250 years, there’s no better way to honor our history than by investing in the public lands that belong to every American,” Dingell said. “The Great American Outdoors Act shows that our natural wonders are something that can unite us all. Reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund will help preserve our national parks and public lands for future generations to enjoy.”
“Trust for Public Land applauds Chairman Bruce Westerman and Ranking Member Jared Huffman for their bipartisan leadership in advancing legislation that strengthens America’s parks and public lands. We join the Members of the Public Lands Caucus in calling on the House to reauthorize the highly successful Legacy Restoration Fund while reaffirming Congress’s long-standing commitment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Together, these bipartisan investments help ensure Americans can continue to hunt, fish, hike, camp, and enjoy the outdoors while protecting the places that define our communities and natural heritage. As our recent national polling shows, Americans overwhelmingly support sustained federal investments to address long-overdue maintenance needs and keep our public lands accessible, safe, and thriving for future generations,” said Myke Bybee, Senior Director of Government Relations, Trust for Public Land.
The Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus is co-chaired by Reps. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Ryan Zinke (MT-01), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Mike Simpson (ID-02). Last year, the caucus stopped the attempted selloff of hundreds of millions of acres of public lands in the west. Twenty additional bipartisan members joined the Public Lands Caucus to support conservation and outdoor recreation.
