H.R. 4285

Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites "STARS" Act

 

STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BEFORE THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, SUBCOMMITTEE ON FEDERAL LANDS, CONCERNING H.R. 4285, A BILL TO DIRECT THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR TO DESIGNATE AN ENTRANCE-FEE FREE DATE IN 2026 AT NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SITES TO CELEBRATE THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

JULY 16, 2025

Chairman Tiffany, Ranking Member Neguse, and members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to present the Department of the Interior’s views on H.R. 4285, a bill to designate September 17, 2026, as an entrance fee free date in 2026 at National Park Service sites to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

The Department supports H.R. 4285.

The Semiquincentennial marks a once-in-a-lifetime milestone in the nation’s history, and the National Park Service (NPS) is proud to play a role in commemorating this event. On January 29, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14189, “Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday,” which established the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday (“Task Force 250”). Task Force 250, chaired by the President and including the Secretary of the Interior, will coordinate planning for this national milestone. This directive reflects a clear federal commitment to ensuring the Semiquincentennial is celebrated with the grandeur and patriotism it deserves, and to drawing Americans of all backgrounds into the story of our founding and future. 

The NPS has a long tradition of marking national anniversaries through fee free days and special programming at parks, historic sites, and cultural landscapes. These designated days enhance public access, foster civic engagement, and support interpretive efforts that immerse visitors in our shared national heritage. The NPS currently charges entrance fees at 106 parks, which fund essential services including trail maintenance, habitat restoration, interpretive programs, and facility upkeep. Fee free days, however, offer a proven and cost‑effective mechanism to widen access to all Americans. 

Designating a dedicated fee free date in 2026 aligns seamlessly with the operational frameworks the Park Service already employs. With sites across all states and territories, the NPS is positioned to leverage the momentum of Task Force 250 and Executive Order 14189. A fee free day would not only encourage visitation but also provide an inviting platform for NPS-led interpretive and educational events, allowing Americans to engage with the Semiquincentennial celebration in tangible, memorable ways.

For these reasons, the National Park Service supports H.R. 4285. We look forward to working closely with our partners to ensure that 2026’s fee free day is a meaningful component of America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit this statement for the record.

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