PATRIOT Parks Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 9, 2025
Bottom line
The bill creates new revenue streams for national parks by imposing surcharges on international visitors, aiming to fund maintenance and services.
What it actually does
This bill, known as the PATRIOT Parks Act, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to collect a new surcharge from international visitors to units of the National Park System that charge an entrance fee. It also mandates a surcharge on the sale of National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes to international visitors. Proceeds from the unit-specific surcharges would be retained by the collecting park for maintenance and services, while proceeds from the pass surcharge would go to the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that international visitors benefit from the U.S. National Park System and should contribute more directly to its upkeep and improvement. They contend that these surcharges will provide a dedicated, sustainable funding source to address maintenance backlogs, enhance visitor services, and support staffing, thereby reducing reliance on general taxpayer funds and ensuring the long-term preservation of these national treasures.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that imposing additional surcharges on international visitors could deter tourism, potentially harming local economies that rely on visitor spending. They may also contend that such fees could be perceived as unwelcoming or discriminatory, complicating international relations and potentially leading to reciprocal fees for U.S. travelers abroad. Concerns could also be raised about the administrative complexity of implementing and collecting these new fees.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick read and evaluation.
Section 2(a)
Entrance Fee Surcharge for International Visitors
This provision amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to allow (or require, upon superintendent request) national parks that charge an entrance fee to add a surcharge specifically for international visitors. An 'international visitor' is defined as a nonimmigrant individual entering the U.S. under a B-1/B-2 visa or the Visa Waiver Program. Park superintendents would set the surcharge amount to maximize revenue while trying not to discourage international visits. For per-vehicle fees, the Secretary must establish a method to collect the surcharge proportionally. The collected funds would stay with the specific park unit to be used for maintenance, visitor services, and staffing.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue this provision ensures that those who benefit from the parks, particularly international visitors, contribute directly to their upkeep. They believe it's a fair way to generate much-needed revenue for maintenance and services without burdening U.S. taxpayers, while also giving local park management flexibility to set appropriate fee levels.
Critics contend
Opponents might contend that this surcharge could make U.S. national parks less attractive to international tourists, potentially leading to a decrease in overall visitation and associated economic activity in gateway communities. They may also argue that it adds an administrative burden to park staff and could be perceived as discriminatory.
Tradeoffs
The provision attempts to balance the need for increased park revenue with the desire to maintain robust international tourism. The tension lies in finding a surcharge amount that maximizes funds without significantly deterring visitors, which could have negative economic ripple effects.
Section 2(b)
Surcharge for National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes
This provision requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish a surcharge on the sale of National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes (e.g., the 'America the Beautiful' pass) when sold to international visitors. The Secretary can increase this surcharge over time. Unlike the unit-specific surcharges, the funds collected from this pass surcharge would be deposited into the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, which is dedicated to addressing deferred maintenance projects across national parks and other public lands.