Polis Works with Republicans to Keep National Parks Open

Statement

This week, Congressman Polis joined with Republicans to pass legislation to immediately reopen our National Parks. H.J. Res 70, the Open Our Nation's Park and Museums Act, would provide immediate funding to ensure that Rocky Mountain National Park, and other National Parks, can open immediately. While the bill unfortunately failed last night under suspension of the Rules, it is being brought up again for another vote under regular order.

"Yesterday, the gates to our National Parks slammed shut," said Congressman Polis. "We've been through enough in Estes Park. The recent flood has already reduced visitation at the height of the tourist season, and I'm not about to stand by watching party politics ruin Estes Park's economy further by closing Rocky Mountain National Park. We have been fighting the myth that Estes Park is closed and inaccessible and this only adds to that perception."

"The closing of Rocky Mountain National Park plus the associated impact on work stoppage and unemployment comes at the worst possible time and will have a devastating impact on our economy," said Bill Pinkham, Mayor of Estes Park.

"Let me be clear. This is a temporary measure, not a long-term solution," Polis added. "Ultimately, we need to end the government shutdown. But until that happens, I will ensure that our National Parks remain open so the many jobs in Estes Park, which revolve around tourism and Rocky Mountain National Park, are safe."

H.J.Res 70 failed last night by a voted of 252-176, not having received the necessary two-thirds votes for passage under the Rules. However, Congressman Polis will be joining Republicans to bring this legislation up again today for a vote under regular order.

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