Dear Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports H.R. 9250, the Great American Outdoors Act 250, bipartisan legislation to invest in America’s national parks and public lands, strengthen outdoor recreation infrastructure, and support the rural communities whose economies depend on travel, tourism, and visitor access.
America’s public lands are not only national treasures but also economic assets. Well-maintained parks and related facilities and infrastructure help drive local commerce across the country. They support small businesses and the broader travel and tourism economy. When infrastructure is modernized, rural economies gain jobs, investment, and long-term opportunities.
The Great American Outdoors Act 250 would help address high-priority deferred maintenance across federal land management agencies, improve access to recreation, and modernize infrastructure in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. By targeting needed repairs and improvements, the bill would enhance visitor experiences, expand outdoor recreation opportunities, and help ensure that public lands remain accessible, safe, and economically productive.
The Chamber has long supported the intersection of conservation, infrastructure, and economic growth reflected in the Great American Outdoors Act and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF provides important tools for communities to promote open space, build resilience, reduce risks from future disasters, and better manage stormwater. These investments can strengthen companies and communities alike by improving quality of life, protecting and improving critical local assets, and supporting more resilient development.
Importantly, Americans will accrue all of these benefits at no additional cost. Instead, this important legislation would raise park fees for foreign visitors as well as utilize royalties from energy and mineral production on federal lands.
The Chamber commends you and the Committee for your leadership and for advancing bipartisan legislation that recognizes the economic importance of America’s outdoors. The Great American Outdoors Act 250 would help strengthen rural communities, support travel and tourism, modernize public land infrastructure, and promote resilience for businesses and communities across our nation.
We urge the Committee to pass the Great American Outdoors Act 250 for further consideration by the full House.
Sincerely,
Rodney Davis
Head of Government Affairs
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
