Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. MALOY. Mr. Speaker, Americans are preparing to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States in 2026.

How do you properly celebrate 250 years of freedom? One very uniquely American way is to spend time in what Wallace Stegner called ``the best idea we ever had,'' our national parks.

National parks provide our connection to history, nature, and shared heritage, including our bright future as a nation. The Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites Act, which doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, so we call it the STARS Act, designates Constitution Day, September 17, 2026, as a fee-free day at National Park Service sites and extends fee waivers to Federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the United States Forest Service.

This allows Americans to experience our national history, natural treasures, and natural resources that preserve and protect the legacy that began in 1776.

This legislation is complementary to the Department of the Interior's effort to launch the digital America the Beautiful passes, expand motorcycle access, create a resident-focused fee structure, and otherwise improve the experience for Americans.

The STARS Act highlights Constitution Day to encourage reflection on America's founding principles. Get out and enjoy this Nation's natural resources, learn something new, or just celebrate with loved ones in one of our parks.

Free access encourages families and communities to visit, learn, and participate in the national celebration together. Americans just might come together during this major national commemoration by getting outside in a forest, historic park, bird refuge, or go on an iconic hike.

The STARS Act is about connecting Americans with history, nature, and the founding principles of our Republic. We can celebrate America's birthday in a very American way that invites all people, regardless of politics, religion, age, or income bracket to be united in taking part in the freedoms we enjoy as a result of our Constitution.

Maybe, just maybe, by joining together to mark this milestone, we can awaken a fresh reverence and respect for our founding documents, our collective national blessings, and the ideas that changed the world two-and-a-half centuries ago.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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