MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the January jobs report: 

“Although last month saw modest job growth – with some 130,000 jobs added and the unemployment rate hovering around 4.3% – we ought to look at the January jobs report in the context of the past year. Since Donald Trump took office in January 2025, the unemployment rate has increased by 0.3%. That means 500,000 more Americans were unemployed last month than when Trump’s second term began. Additionally, the number of Americans struggling with long-term unemployment has gone up by 386,000 since January 2025. Instead of ushering in a renaissance for American manufacturing, Trump has cost our country 82,000 manufacturing jobs in his second term. Crucially, there are currently more people unemployed than there are jobs available.

“The job market’s poor performance, in addition to rising costs from Trump’s disastrous tariffs and from his attacks on the Affordable Care Act, might explain why 40% of Americans believe their lives will get worse in the next five years. That’s the highest level on record – even higher than it was at the peak of the pandemic. Donald Trump can’t relate. He profited billions of dollars off the presidency last year. As he builds himself a gilded ballroom, accepts lavish gifts from foreign nations, and uses his influence to boost his business, Trump has left the rest of the American people in the dust.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — This morning, Speaker Johnson joined Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business’ Mornings with Maria to discuss the SAVE America Act, Congressional Democrats’ attempts to abolish ICE and hamstring lawful immigration enforcement, and President Trump’s trade agenda.

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full interview here.

On the SAVE America Act:

We’re going to do everything we can to get it to the President’s desk. As you know, it’s a top priority of his and of ours. House Republicans been working hard for years now to ensure the integrity of American elections, because it is essential to maintain a constitutional republic. We passed the SAVE Act in the last Congress, and in this Congress, and the SAVE Act just simply says, you must have proof of citizenship if you’re going to register to vote in federal elections, in American elections.

Well, now we’re going to pass the SAVE America Act. It has that same provision of citizenship proof, now you also have to have a valid photo ID to vote. What a concept. As you said, in some polls it’s a 90/10 issue, even 70% of Democrats agree that that is reasonable and necessary, but the Democrats in the Senate are trying to hold it up. And I’m hopeful that that Leader Thune and our Senate Republicans can get it done and get it to the President’s desk when we send it over.

On Democrat demands to restrict federal law enforcement or shut down DHS:

What Democrats are doing in this process is they’re putting hurdles in the way of the goal, and it hurts the American people. Remember, they forced upon us the longest shutdown in US history last fall, 43 days, and did real harm to the economy and to the American people for no reason. It’s all politics, and we’re asking them to put that aside and do what’s right for the American people.

This idea about the judicial warrants just, for one example, what they really want, what Democrats want, what they’re working towards, is unimpeded illegal immigration. They want to continue the terrible policies of the Biden-Harris administration when they literally opened the border wide and brought in about 20 million illegal aliens into the country over that time period. Many hardened criminals, dangerous persons, they don’t want any of them deported. If you put a judicial warrant in the way, it will impede the entire process. It will add layers and layers of delay and an impossibility to apprehend and remove many people because we simply don’t have the manpower or the time, the court systems to be able to do that. Under the current way the law works, right now, Immigration and Customs and Enforcement have the ability to issue a warrant of removal and to go and apprehend these people. The Democrats want to stop that, and if their policies were enacted, we would just have open borders. We’d have open unimpeded immigration and that is not what the American people voted for and we’re doing the right thing. The President is laser focused on restoring law and order, and it will be one of the great achievements and a big part of his legacy.

On President Trump’s successful trade agenda:

The tariffs have been a tool that the President has used very effectively to level the playing field and put America back on top. And I think it’s wrong for Congress to step in the middle of that. Also, remember, this is pending at the US Supreme Court. There’s a big case pending that we’ve all talked about so much, and that decision could come down on any day, and the court will decide on this as well. So, I just think we need to pause Congress’s consideration of this and not get in the way of the President and what he’s trying to achieve, because it’s been great for the economy. All boats are rising, you know, you talk about it every morning. We’re ushering in a new golden era and the President’s trade policies, and his strategy is a big part of what has brought that about. So, we need to allow it to continue.

America is back. We’re the greatest nation in the history of the world. We’re the strongest nation. We have now fixed that disparity in trade because we have a Commander in Chief who’s bold enough to call it out, and he has. His bold action is what’s gotten us back in a good position on the economy. Inflation did not go through the roof, as everybody, you know, said and expected that it would because the tariffs, we are moving up. The economic growth numbers are off the charts. Literally. The CBO was saying just several months ago that they were expecting a 1.8% economic growth rate, and in the fourth quarter of last year it was over 5%. And we’re expecting more going forward.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Larsen Releases Statement on Tumbler Ridge Shooting

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Gwen Moore (D-WI), co-chairs of the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence, sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to express serious concerns about potential pauses for the only federal funds dedicated to the primary prevention of domestic and sexual based violence – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) and the Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and Leadership Through Alliance (DELTA). 

“A grant recipient shared that, per a call with staff with Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) staff, all but 12 states have had their funding for these programs denied due to not following the President’s Executive Order issued on August 7, 2025, ‘Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking’,” the lawmakers write. “They shared that they were instructed by staff to make changes to their documentation in order to comply with the Executive Order and receive the funding, and were given only five days to make these “corrections”.

“This directive lacks necessary clarity and threatens to create economic instability for recipients that rely on this funding,” the lawmakers continue. “These critical programs are evidence based, successful, and require this funding from the CDC to help local grantees implement their work.

“These vital, often life-saving programs need adequate resources to serve our communities,” the lawmakers conclude. “Domestic and sexual violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time and it is critical we have programs in place to not only respond to violence after it happens, but also to get to the root of the problem and learn how to prevent it from occurring at all. Investment in prevention of domestic and sexual violence bolsters the health and safety of our communities. Continued interruptions to these grant programs will undermine our nation’s public health response to domestic and sexual violence.”

Read the full text of the letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) expressed strong opposition to plans to open and operate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities in the Kansas City metropolitan area, including proposed sites in Leavenworth, Kansas and south Kansas City, Missouri — the latter originally intended for economic development.

In her letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials, Davids warned that large-scale detention centers would undermine public safety, strain already-stretched local infrastructure and emergency services, derail economic development plans, and divert critical resources away from local law enforcement and community-based public safety efforts.

“I write to express deep concern and strong opposition to any plans to open and operate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities in the Kansas City metropolitan area,” wrote Davids. “These actions — along with the rapid expansion of immigration detention facilities far beyond the border — are making communities less safe, diverting critical resources from local law enforcement, and undermining efforts to stop the flow of illicit drugs into the United States.”

Davids cited reports that ICE is negotiating to purchase a warehouse in south Kansas City to establish a 7,500-bed detention center on land owned by Port KC — property that was sold with the understanding that it would be used for manufacturing and economic development. She also raised serious concerns about a $60 million contract signed last fall between ICE and private prison operator CoreCivic to house detainees at a facility in Leavenworth, Kansas, pointing to the company’s troubling track record related to staffing, conditions, and coordination with local law enforcement.

The letter also highlights broader concerns about the administration’s immigration enforcement approach, including the use of masked and militarized federal agents, lack of transparency and oversight, and data showing that a significant share of ICE detainees have no criminal convictions or pending charges.

Davids emphasized that while thoughtful immigration enforcement and bipartisan reform are necessary, the administration’s current approach is making communities less safe. She demanded written responses to a series of questions regarding the administration’s plans, coordination with local authorities, and safeguards to protect American citizens and legal residents.

Read Davids’ full letter here or below:

Dear Secretary Noem and Mr. Lyons,

I write to express deep concern and strong opposition to any plans to open and operate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Proposed facilities in Kansas City, Missouri, and Leavenworth, Kansas would undermine public safety, derail local economic development priorities, and divert critical resources away from local law enforcement and community-based public safety efforts.

Last month, ICE personnel toured a warehouse in south Kansas City and are reportedly in negotiations to purchase the facility to establish a 7,500-bed detention center. However, the facility was given tax exemptions by Port KC with the clear understanding that the site would be used for economic development and manufacturing growth. This apparent shift in use raises serious concerns that the building owner’s actions are misleading and inconsistent with local intentions, paving the way for a large-scale prison tied to this administration’s reckless immigration enforcement. 

Additionally, last fall, private prison operator CoreCivic signed a $60 million contract with ICE to house detainees at a facility in Leavenworth, Kansas.  While this matter faces pending action by the City of Leavenworth, CoreCivic’s historic operation of this facility is troubling, including issues with staffing, humane conditions, lack of cooperation with local law enforcement, and more. 

These efforts are compounded by masked, militarized federal agents roving our streets, detaining peaceful protesters, legal residents, and even American citizens without transparency, oversight, or accountability. Despite claiming to target violent criminals, this administration detained more than 29,000 people with no criminal convictions or pending charges last month; estimates suggest that nearly 75 percent of current ICE detainees have no criminal convictions. 

Taken together, these actions — along with the rapid expansion of immigration detention facilities far beyond the border — are making communities less safe, diverting critical resources from local law enforcement, and undermining efforts to stop the flow of illicit drugs into the United States. These detention warehouses are also inhumane and would burden local infrastructure and medical and emergency services that are already stretched thin.

Thoughtful immigration enforcement is necessary. I will keep pressing my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to negotiate bipartisan immigration reforms that do not overwhelm our systems, provide a clear pathway to citizenship, and secure our border from violent crime and drug trafficking. However, your actions are undermining these efforts and leaving communities less safe.

Therefore, I ask that you respond to the following questions by February 27, 2026:

• Is the administration currently negotiating or planning to negotiate the purchase, lease, sublease or other occupation of a future detention facility in south Kansas City, Missouri? If so, what is the maximum number of people you plan to detain there?
• Does the administration plan to immediately house detainees at the CoreCivic facility in Leavenworth, Kansas pending municipal action? If so, what is the maximum number of people you plan to detain there?
• If you proceed, can you guarantee that only people with a criminal conviction or who have been charged with a violent crime will be held at these facilities?
• If you proceed, can you guarantee that no American citizens or legal residents will be detained at these facilities?
• Have you coordinated with local law enforcement to ensure these facilities do not pose a public safety concern?
• How much investment and resources are being taken from local law enforcement to pay for these mass detentions?

I strongly oppose the opening of any detention center in the Kansas City metro area and urge you to immediately reconsider these decisions. Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

Sincerely,

Sharice L. Davids
Member of Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem requesting a meeting with her, local law enforcement, and area officials to discuss the proposed immigration detention center in Kansas City, Missouri. The letter underscores deep and growing opposition from the community and calls out DHS’s failure to respond to questions first raised by the Congressman in a January 2026 letter. In the earlier correspondence, Rep. Cleaver condemned Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) actions surrounding the proposed facility and raised serious concerns about the lack of transparency in the decision-making process and the inhumane practice of warehousing people in detention centers. The letter also warned that the continued expansion of these facilities threatens due process, civil liberties, and the fundamental human rights of both immigrants and American citizens – concerns that, to this day, have gone unanswered.

“The chaos this administration brought to the streets of Minneapolis has no place in Kansas City. If there is any confusion, look to the actions of our local government. Without hesitation, the city council passed a resolution that implemented a five-year moratorium on non-municipal detention facilities. For an administration that often flexes their ‘mandate’ and perception of the voters’ will, it would be a disrespectful miscalculation to ignore the Kansas City community,” Congressman Cleaver wrote in a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

Today’s letter reiterates unanswered questions, requests a meeting before the end of the month to allow federal officials to hear directly from local leaders and law enforcement about the real-world consequences of the proposed facility and their united opposition against its creation, and reaffirms Rep. Cleaver’s commitment to ensuring that any federal action affecting the region prioritizes community safety, transparency, and accountability.

“Given that these concerns are urgent and your office has not provided a response before the January 23, 2026 deadline, I now respectfully request that you meet with me and local officials, provide additional information to those who would be tasked with overseeing any potential facility in our jurisdiction, and allow us to share our serious concerns. The 770,000 people who call Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District home deserve an explanation, and please know that silence would be an uncivil response,” Cleaver concluded.

The official letter from Rep. Cleaver is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and Congressman Gabe Evans (R-CO) introduced the Critical Minerals and Manufacturing Support Act 2.0, bipartisan legislation to expand domestic battery manufacturing, reduce reliance on foreign adversaries, and strengthen America’s clean energy and advanced manufacturing supply chains.

The bill updates and strengthens the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit to better support U.S.-based production across the full battery manufacturing supply chain—particularly electrode active materials critical to electric vehicles, grid storage, and national security technologies.

The legislation directly supports regions like California’s Lithium Valley, where domestic lithium extraction, processing, and battery-material manufacturing are advancing. By recognizing and incentivizing every step of the battery manufacturing supply chain—from critical mineral production to advanced materials manufacturing—the bill will position Lithium Valley as a fully integrated, end-to-end battery hub, driving job creation, lowering manufacturing costs, and strengthening domestic supply chains.

“America cannot lead the clean energy economy if we continue to outsource the materials that power it,” said Rep. Ruiz. “This bipartisan legislation makes a strategic investment in American manufacturing and American workers, especially in regions like Lithium Valley, where we have the opportunity to build a fully integrated regional battery supply chain. By strengthening domestic production, we can lower costs, create good-paying jobs, and ensure we are not dependent on prohibited foreign entities for the critical minerals that power our future.”

“America should never be dependent on foreign adversaries for the materials that power our vehicles, our grid, or our national security. I’m proud to co-lead the Critical Minerals and Manufacturing Support Act 2.0, bipartisan legislation that expands domestic battery manufacturing, strengthens supply chains, and ensures federal incentives support U.S.-made components. This bill creates certainty for manufacturers, supports American workers, and puts our nation’s economic and energy security first.”
— Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08)

Key Provisions of the Enhanced Critical Minerals and Manufacturing Support Act Include:

• Boosts tax credits for U.S. battery makers by increasing support from 10% to 25%, making domestic production more affordable and competitive across the battery supply chain.
• Protects U.S. national security by ensuring batteries cannot receive federal support if they rely on critical minerals sourced from prohibited foreign countries after 2026.
• Updates outdated rules so federal incentives apply to modern and next-generation battery materials used in today’s electric vehicles and energy storage.
• Includes silicon as a supported battery material, helping American manufacturers develop more advanced and longer-lasting batteries.
• Gives manufacturers long-term certainty by extending tax credits through 2041, encouraging companies to invest, expand, and create good-paying jobs in the United States.

The legislation applies to battery components produced and sold after December 31, 2025.

This legislation is supported by EnergySource Minerals, the Battery Advocacy for Technology Transformation (BATT) Coalition, and Forge Nano, reflecting broad industry backing for domestic battery manufacturing and workforce development.

“CMMSA 2.0 strengthens U.S. energy security by supporting domestic production of critical battery materials essential to American manufacturing and infrastructure. By reinforcing incentives for U.S.-based supply chains and trusted sourcing, the bill helps reduce reliance on foreign producers. EnergySource Minerals supports this legislation because long-term energy leadership depends on producing essential materials responsibly here at home.”
— Carmen Rene, Chief Financial Officer, EnergySource Minerals

“It is essential to our national security to enable a domestic supply chain for battery materials, something Forge Nano has made a priority for many years. Forge Nano is excited to work with Rep. Evans on helping incentivize this critical industry and protect it from adversarial nations.”
— James Trevey, Chief Technology Officer, Forge Nano

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Next week, Congressman Bilirakis will host three senior forums across Florida’s 12th Congressional District. At these events, there will be updates on recent tax policy changes, legislative developments benefiting seniors, community resources that support independent living, and advancements in the fight against chronic illnesses.

“As tax-filing season begins, improvements to our tax code are already making a real difference for older Americans, including the new $6,000 additional tax exemption for seniors,”said Congressman Bilirakis.“I am proud to support reforms that put more money back in the pockets of those who earned it. I also believe that through education and awareness, we can help seniors live healthier, happier lives.”

Each forum will feature expert panelists sharing the latest research on treatments for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Attendees will also learn about local programs and resources that help seniors live independently and with dignity.  All seniors in Florida’s 12th District are encouraged to attend. Seniors may RSVP by calling 727-232-2921.

2026 Senior Fairs

Spring Hill – February 18, 2026 – 10:00 am – Elks Lodge – 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill, FL  34609

Citrus Springs –February 18, 2026 – 1:00 pm –  Citrus Springs Community Springs – 1570 W. Citrus Springs Blvd.  Citrus Springs, FL  34434

New Port Richey – February 19, 2026 – 9:00 am – Kontos Event Center – 9426 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL  34654

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) today announced the reintroduction of the Airborne Act, legislation that would incentivize non-residential building owners to conduct indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments and upgrade their ventilation and air filtration systems.

“Improving the air quality of our nation’s workplaces will make workers healthier and our society as a whole more resilient in the face of public health challenges. This will also benefit employers and workers by reducing sick days, creating a cleaner and more comfortable work environment, and lessening the risk of long-term health conditions,” said Rep. Beyer. “The pandemic illustrated the dangers of airborne respiratory diseases and the importance of adequate indoor ventilation and indoor air quality, but the improved HVAC and air filtration systems necessary to improve air quality can be expensive to install and maintain. This bill would incentivize building owners to perform IAQ inspections and upgrades, which would make workers healthier and safer from future airborne disease outbreaks.”

“The Airborne Act delivers a win-win: healthier indoor environments and stronger American jobs. By pairing targeted tax incentives with prevailing wage and apprenticeship standards, this legislation drives real investment in modern air quality and HVAC infrastructure while supporting skilled workers and the next generation of the trades. I’ve long worked to advance policies that protect public health while strengthening our workforce, and this bill builds on that commitment—recognizing that safer buildings, good-paying jobs, and economic resilience go hand in hand. It’s how we improve public health and grow our workforce at the same time,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

“The Airborne Act reinforces the important connection between buildings and occupant health and wellbeing,” said American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) President Bill McQuade. “This legislation aligns with ASHRAE’s focus on healthy buildings and indoor environmental quality by providing important incentives for building owners and operators to assess and invest in system improvements that advance public health and improve productivity.”

“The pandemic made clear to the American people just how important it is to have clean, healthy air in our buildings. That’s why the Airborne Act of 2026 is such a crucial piece of legislation — for building owners, occupants, and union sheet metal workers. By incentivizing indoor air quality assessments and HVAC upgrades, this law helps provide cleaner air in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, offices, and other commercial buildings across our nation, helping communities stay healthy and empowering building owners to improve their ventilation systems. And importantly, buildings get a bonus for using qualified professionals. Those qualified professionals are SMART members: the skilled, trained and certified workers who will perform assessments, upgrade HVAC systems and help Americans stay safe and healthy. This bill is a win-win — and the fact that it is bipartisan speaks to that. We thank Reps. Beyer and Fitzpatrick for introducing this legislation, and we strongly encourage its passage into law.” – International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART).

Specifically, the Airborne Act would:

• Incentivize commercial building owners to conduct IAQ assessments of their properties by providing them with a $1 per square foot tax credit, not to exceed the cost of conducting the assessment.
• Incentivize commercial building owners to upgrade their HVAC and/or air filter systems to reach ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022 or Standard 241-2023. The tax credit for air filter upgrades is equal to $5 per square foot, and $50 per square foot for HVAC system updates, limited to 50% of the total project cost. These amounts are increased to $25 and $250 per square foot for air filters and HVAC systems respectively if the work is performed in compliance with prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements found in the Inflation Reduction Act.
• Create a Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency voluntary certification program for property owners to certify that their properties are in compliance with the IAQ standards listed above.

Eligible recipients also include non-profits and for certain public properties, the credit is transferable to the appropriate private entity carrying out the upgrade.

The Airborne Act is endorsed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART). Text of the bill is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today led 24 House Democrats in demanding that the National Park Service (NPS) immediately halt implementation of new rules that impose up to triple baseline fees on non-U.S.-resident visitors for passes and entry to national parks. Under the new rules, non-U.S. resident visitors must pay an additional $170 surcharge on annual park passes and an additional $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the most visited national parks.

In a letter addressed to NPS Acting Director Jessica Bowron, Members cited concerns that the significant increase in financial barriers to visiting national parks would have adverse effects on international tourism patterns, significantly affecting NPS planning and operations and outdoor recreation businesses that rely on park visitors. The Members also noted the uncertainty resulting from the roll-out of these rules, noting the lack of sufficient notice, guidance, and public input.

“In recent years, the outdoor recreation economy has accounted for more than $1 trillion in gross economic output and more than 2% of our nation’s GDP,” wrote the Members. “Unfortunately, these rules specifically target parks in a number of states that disproportionately contribute to our outdoor recreation industry, including Florida, Maine, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. With overseas visitation already down 3% last year—and 25% from Canada—any further barriers or uncertainty that discourage visits to national parks will be a significant problem for both those states and the U.S. economy.”

“The burden of implementing these rules, which upend the longstanding fee structure at NPS units, has strained the Park Service’s staffing capabilities that have been significantly reduced over the past year. Since January 2025, NPS’s permanent workforce has been cut by 24%. Those permanent cuts have been compounded by uncertainty around seasonal hiring, with a temporary freeze last year scrambling NPS’ plans for the peak of the 2025 visiting season. The result is that, despite the dedicated work of NPS employees, visitor lines at parks affected by the new rules have been long, slow, and discouraged non-residents and residents alike from visiting our nation’s parks.”

The letter is signed by U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Judy Chu (CA-28), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John Garamendi (CA-08), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Susie Lee (NV-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Dina Titus (NV-01), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC).

Full text of the letter follows below, and a signed copy is available here.

***

Dear Acting Director Bowron:

We write to request that National Park Service (NPS) immediately halt implementation of new rules that levy surcharges on non-U.S.-resident visitors to national parks. We are concerned that the new rules—which impose significant new financial barriers to visiting national parks—were rolled out with insufficient notice, guidance, and public comment. We ask that NPS end the flawed roll-out of these rules to avoid damaging NPS operations, reducing visitors to national parks, and hurting our nation’s essential outdoor recreation industry.

Under the new park access rules that went into place on January 1, non-U.S. resident visitors must pay an additional $170 surcharge on annual park passes (above the base $80 rate) and an additional $100 per person fee to enter 11 individual parks. Going forward, nonresident visitors will pay up to triple baseline fees for passes and entry. That significant added cost will change international tourism patterns and significantly affect NPS planning and operations and outdoor recreation businesses that rely on park visitors.

Most of the 11 parks with the additional surcharges are reporting longer lines, visitor confusion and visitors cancelling their visits. This will only increase as spring and summer approach.

In recent years, the outdoor recreation economy has accounted for more than $1 trillion in gross economic output and more than 2% of our nation’s GDP.3 Unfortunately, these rules specifically target parks in a number of states that disproportionately contribute to our outdoor recreation industry, including Florida, Maine, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. With overseas visitation already down 3% last year—and 25% from Canada—any further barriers or uncertainty that discourage visits to national parks will be a significant problem for both those states and the U.S. economy.

Those barriers will be compounded by tremendous uncertainty created by the roll-out of these rules, which were required by a July executive order but were not announced with details until late November. That is an unreasonably short implementation period for an unprecedented change to NPS’ visitor fees. Operating under that timeline, NPS has:

• Not provided visitors with reasonable notice to plan around the new rules, particularly given that many international trips are planned a year to 18 months in advance.
• Not communicated a consistent plan for verifying residency that protects visitor privacy, lets employees and visitors communicate consistently even in cases of language barriers, and provides a smooth visitor experience. NPS has instead provided conflicting information to the public and employees on how it plans, or does not plan, to do so.

The burden of implementing these rules, which upend the longstanding fee structure at NPS units, has strained the Park Service’s staffing capabilities that have been significantly reduced over the past year. Since January 2025, NPS’s permanent workforce has been cut by 24%. Those permanent cuts have been compounded by uncertainty around seasonal hiring, with a temporary freeze last year scrambling NPS’ plans for the peak of the 2025 visiting season. The result is that, despite the dedicated work of NPS employees, visitor lines at parks affected by the new rules have been long, slow, and discouraged non-residents and residents alike from visiting our nation’s parks.

Complicating the situation further is that the new rules were promulgated without clear authority under federal law or compliance with existing provisions. The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act only explicitly allows for residency verification for discounted parks passes on the basis of age, disability, and military service. All new or changed recreation fees are subject to clear advance notice and public participation requirements, notices in local newspapers regarding new or changed fees and public involvement in the development of those fees. As our colleagues in the Senate noted in December, there is no indication that those notices have been posted or that public engagement has taken place. The new rules also risk being struck down in court, producing even greater uncertainty for park employees, park visitors, and the outdoor recreation economy.

By continuing to implement these rules under those circumstances, NPS is unnecessarily hurting both its own workforce and the communities that rely on our national parks. We therefore ask that NPS halt the implementation of the new fee rules for national parks and engage with Congress on a robust solution to fund our National Park System. We thank you for your attention to this issue and request an update on NPS’ plans for these rules no later than February 15, 2026.

Sincerely,