1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to restore full funding to the National Park Service in the 2026 appropriations bill and reject the proposed cuts that threaten our national parks. The House Republicans' 2026 appropriations bill proposes a 6% reduction to the NPS operating budget, cutting $176 million from an agency already struggling with inadequate resources. This comes on top of concerning decisions by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to divert funds away from critical park safety and environmental protection programs just to maintain basic public-facing operations. These budget maneuvers reveal an agency forced to rob Peter to pay Paul rather than receiving the funding necessary to fulfill its mission. Our National Park System encompasses 433 sites across 85 million acres in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. These parks belong to all Americans and serve as irreplaceable natural, cultural, and historical treasures. They provide economic benefits to surrounding communities, protect biodiversity, preserve our history, and offer recreational opportunities that improve public health and quality of life. Further cuts will compromise visitor safety, accelerate deterioration of park infrastructure, reduce educational programming, and hamper environmental protection efforts. Park rangers and staff are already stretched thin. Reducing their numbers or resources will directly impact the visitor experience and the long-term preservation of these sites for future generations. I ask that you oppose any cuts to the National Park Service operating budget and instead work to restore full funding in the 2026 appropriations bill. Our national parks are a bipartisan legacy that transcends political divisions. They deserve investment commensurate with their value to our nation. Please stand up for these irreplaceable public lands and ensure they receive the resources needed to thrive.