1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I urge you to publicly call on the Department of the Interior to abandon its appeal of the federal court ruling requiring the restoration of historical and scientific materials removed from our national parks and monuments. Texas has every reason to defend its national parks. In 2024, 5.4 million visitors to National Park Service sites across Texas spent more than $380 million in nearby communities, supporting nearly 4,000 jobs and generating vital revenue for hotels, restaurants, outfitters, retailers, and other local businesses. Our parks are economic engines, but they are also among our nation’s most trusted classrooms. Visitors travel from around the world to experience places like Big Bend National Park, Padre Island National Seashore, and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park because they expect an honest account of our natural and cultural heritage—not politically edited exhibits. The federal court was right to reject efforts to remove accurate information about slavery, Indigenous peoples, the Civil Rights Movement, climate change, and other documented history. Erasing facts undermines the mission of the National Park Service and weakens public trust in institutions dedicated to education. Protecting truthful history is also good economics. Visitors are drawn to authentic experiences, rich cultural stories, and well-preserved historic sites. When we protect the integrity of our parks, we strengthen tourism, support local businesses, and preserve the very resources that make Texas a world-class destination. At Big Bend National Park alone, visitors generated $56.8 million in spending in nearby communities and supported 585 local jobs in 2024. Please stand up for Texas by opposing this appeal and demanding the immediate restoration of every removed historical and scientific exhibit. Protecting honest history is an investment in our economy, our heritage, and the future of the Lone Star State.