Hands Off Crater Lake National Park

Floor Speech

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Ms. DEXTER. Mr. Speaker, Oregon's Crater Lake National Park is a national treasure. As a lifelong hiker and camper, I have a deep affection for it among other national parks.

During my high school and college years, road trips to national parks like Crater Lake were all I could afford, but what they offered was priceless: awe, adventure, and connection.

For families across this Nation, these parks provide an affordable way to explore, learn, and build lifelong memories.

Just as Oregonians are gearing up for a summer of enjoying our most treasured places, Trump is driving out the public servants who protect them. Kevin Heatley, Crater Lake National Park's superintendent, has resigned.

Trump cut off one-half of his permanent staff, leading to unsustainable workloads and the deterioration of the care that Crater Lake demands.

Experienced professionals are being driven out under this administration's corrosive leadership. Our public lands deserve better, and Americans deserve better.

I will not stand by while Trump attacks our public lands. We must protect our national parks and the public servants who protect them.

Hands off Crater Lake, and hands off our national parks.

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Nunn of Iowa.) I would like to welcome all of the students to your Congress. Thank you for joining us here today.

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