This month, the House and Senate considered legislation by their respective committees to build on the success of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), one of the most significant investments in public lands in recent history.

In the Senate, bipartisan legislation known as the America the Beautiful Act (S.1547) would reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through 2033. Established by the GAOA in 2020, the Legacy Restoration Fund would provide dedicated funding to address deferred maintenance projects across multiple federal agencies, among other provisions, and help address much-needed repairs to historic structures and other assets. The bill has secured the support of over 60 Senators and the legislation was addressed at a June 17, 2026, business meeting of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, marking an important next step in the legislative process.

New legislation has now been introduced by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) proposing another approach to addressing key maintenance needs of NPS and other agencies. The bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act 250 (H.R.9250) would make significant changes to the existing program and has gained the support of over 100 cosponsors. The House Natural Resources Committee held a field hearing in Hot Springs, Arkansas on June 12, which can be viewed committee website.

The National Trust will continue to share updates on both proposals as Congress considers the future of federal investments in public lands, historic resources, and recreation infrastructure.

If your Senator is not already a cosponsor of the America the Beautiful Act (S. 1547), take action and urge them to support this bipartisan legislation.