Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources voted to advance the America the Beautiful Act, an updated version of the Great American Outdoors Act 250, for full consideration by the U.S. House. America the Beautiful is a bipartisan bill, introduced by Roosevelt Conservation Caucus member Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA), that would invest $1.9 billion over five years to address the longstanding deferred maintenance backlog on America’s national parks and public lands. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed its companion bill last week, led by Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Angus King (I-ME), reflecting strong bicameral support for the legislation.
“The Committee’s passage today is a meaningful step forward for America’s public lands,” said ConservAmerica President Jeff Kupfer. “We commend the bill’s champions for their leadership in advancing this legislation in a cooperative and bipartisan manner. Our national parks are among the most visited and beloved expressions of America’s natural beauty, and they deserve the investment this legislation provides. As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, there is no more fitting tribute to America’s shared heritage than restoring the lands and waters that belong to all of us.”
ConservAmerica has long championed the legislation connected to the Great American Outdoors Act in its various forms. Stewardship of America’s public lands is not a partisan issue; it is a national responsibility.