Proposed Fees for National Parks Could Become Permanent
There’s a new push led by Indiana Senator Jim Banks to potentially make enhanced fees for executive orders in national parks a permanent fixture. This initiative, dubbed the Patriot Parks Act, aims to address the staggering $23 billion backlog in maintenance that hampers visitor facilities, trails, and roads within the U.S. National Park Service.
“Americans are already contributing through federal taxes and regular admission fees, so asking foreign tourists for a bit more—well, that seems reasonable,” Banks explained. “This legislation is all about solidifying President Trump’s executive order and ensuring these cherished natural sites are preserved for future generations.”
Many factors have played into the significant maintenance issues, including aging infrastructure, reduced federal funding, and the growing number of visitors to national parks. This ongoing fight to tackle the maintenance backlog has been a prominent topic in Congress for several years.
The Great American Outdoor Act, introduced back in 2019, initially allocated $6.5 billion for the National Park Service for financial support from 2021 to 2025. With that funding now expired and visitor numbers continuing to rise, the Patriot Parks Act is stepping in to help alleviate some of that backlog.
In 2024 alone, the National Park Service recorded nearly 332 million visits, with around a third coming from international travelers. The U.S. features over 400 national parks, including renowned sites like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone.
On July 3, 2025, Trump signed an executive order aimed at “Beautifying America” by enhancing national parks, which subsequently raised rates for international visitors.
Doug Burgham, Secretary of the Interior, commented that this executive order ensures these parks remain accessible and sustainable for generations. A companion measure in the House, introduced by Virginia Rep. Riley Moore, aims to reinforce Trump’s directives.
“From my hometown to majestic locations like Shenandoah and the Grand Canyon, we’ve been blessed with a rich natural heritage,” Moore stated. “We owe it to future generations to protect these wonders.”
