Yesterday, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced a national parks modernization initiative focused on improving visitor access and making national parks and public lands more affordable for Americans. As part of this effort, the Department introduced a series of patriotic fee-free days in 2026 to encourage more Americans to enjoy their national parks in celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement in response:

“By offering up a digital pass option, ensuring motorcycle fairness, and announcing fee-free days for Americans, the Trump administration is undeniably improving access to our national parks, making it easier than ever before for Americans to visit. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, I thank President Trump and Secretary Burgum for taking this bold step to make family vacations to our beautiful public lands more affordable and enjoyable. I look forward to working with the administration and my colleagues to codify many of these actions into law.”

Background

In furtherance of President Trump’s July 3 Executive Order, “Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks,” this initiative keeps annual passes at $80 for U.S. residents while increasing the fee for international visitor passes to $250. Revenue generated from the new nonresident fees will stay with America’s public lands, supporting critical maintenance, visitor services, and facility improvements. Building on Chairman Westerman’s EXPLORE Act, historic outdoor recreation legislation passed and signed into law during the 118th Congress, this week’s announcement from the U.S. Department of the Interior also implements digital America the Beautiful passes, easing access for visitors to national parks. Consistent with other priority legislative proposals from House Committee on Natural Resources members, Representatives Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) and Celeste Maloy (R-Utah), the Department also announced expanded access for visitors arriving by motorcycle and eight patriotic fee-free days for U.S. residents at national parks during the semiquincentennial.