National Park Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2022

Floor Speech

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Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7693) to amend title 54, United States Code, to reauthorize the National Park Foundation.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 7693

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``National Park Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION.

Section 101122(a) of title 54, United States Code, is amended--

(1) by striking ``$5,000,000'' and inserting ``$15,000,000''; and

(2) by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2030''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 7693, the National Park Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2022.

This bill will ensure that the congressionally charted philanthropic partner of the National Park Service can continue supporting our parks for years to come.

Specifically, this bill will reauthorize Federal funding for the National Park Foundation through 2030 and increase the overall annual authorization level from $5 million to $15 million.

This is a smart and commonsense investment in the future of our national parks. Every Federal dollar requires a minimum 1-to-1 match with private dollars, creating a multiplying effect that reaches units throughout the entire system.

After more than 100 incredible years, our national parks are more popular than ever. This means they need our support to ensure that the National Park Service can address challenges that include aging infrastructure, overcrowding, and inconsistent funding from Congress.

The National Park Foundation is a key partner and ally. Innovative partnerships that leverage Federal investments and private donations help our parks thrive. I am proud to support this bill today so that the foundation can keep serving this important role.

Later this week, we will consider the Interior Appropriations legislation, which includes vital funding for the National Park Service.

I thank my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee for developing a bill that includes a robust investment in our national parks, and I hope that Congress can keep making sound investments that ensure the National Park Service continues to thrive throughout its second century and beyond.

I thank our colleague, Ranking Member Westerman, for introducing this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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