1. United States
2. Miss.
3. Letter

​I am writing to urge you in the strongest possible terms to oppose and strike down the catastrophic cuts to the National Park Service (NPS) outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal. Slashing hundreds of millions of dollars—amounting to an over 25% reduction in park operations and severe cuts to construction and repair funds—will irreparably damage the crown jewels of our nation. ​Our national parks are a defining staple of the American identity. They are not merely plots of land; they are the physical embodiment of our country’s history, beauty, and spirit. From the depths of the Grand Canyon to the peaks of Yosemite, these lands were set aside by visionary leaders who understood that such majesty belongs to the public. It is our fundamental duty to cherish and maintain these parks so that future generations of Americans can enjoy them exactly as we have. ​I am deeply concerned that deliberately starving the National Park Service of vital funding is a calculated step toward selling our protected national wonders to private interests. If the NPS cannot afford to maintain trails, staff visitor centers, or protect wildlife, the inevitable "solution" presented will be privatization. At best, this will severely reduce the average American's ability to afford and enjoy our public lands. At worst, it will lead to the irreversible plundering of these irreplaceable environments for commercial resource extraction. ​Sacrificing our national heritage to balance a ledger or benefit private developers is not an "America First" policy. Truly putting America first means preserving the land that makes America great. It means protecting our natural resources for the citizens of this country, rather than auctioning them off to the highest bidder. ​I urge you to stand up for our public lands, reject these devastating 2027 budget cuts, and ensure the National Park Service has the funding it needs to survive. ​Thank you for your time and your service to our country. I look forward to your response on this critical issue.