Lawmakers Back $1.9 Billion Parks Plan Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 30

$1.9 billion a year is the centerpiece of the bipartisan 'America the Beautiful' initiative discussed by Reps. Bruce Westerman and Jared Huffman, aimed at modernizing national parks before the U.S. turns 250.
Westerman and Huffman cast parks as rare political common ground, arguing the investment would protect shared natural and historic assets while preparing for heavy public use during the anniversary period.
The case for the push also leaned on health research showing parks, trails and greenways increase physical activity, helping reduce obesity, lower blood pressure and cut chronic-disease risks.
Studies cited in the discussion also linked time in nature to lower stress hormones, better attention and memory, and less loneliness, broadening the argument for parks beyond tourism and conservation.
That framing builds on the National Park Service’s 1916 mission, presenting parks as both heritage sites and public-health infrastructure for future generations.