Boozman, Padilla Champion Fee-Free Day at National Parks to Celebrate America’s 250th

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) introduced the Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites (STARS) Act, legislation celebrating America's 250th birthday by designating September 17, 2026 - Constitution Day and Citizenship Day - as a fee-free day for sites spanning the National Park System (NPS), Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Reclamation.

"Our national parks provide a unique opportunity for citizens and visitors from around the world to experience as well as explore quintessentially American landscapes and historical sites," said Boozman. "Fostering appreciation for our country's rich natural beauty is a fitting way to help celebrate 250 years of the United States. Our bill will expand that access to current and future enthusiasts while extending the benefits of outdoor education and adventure."

"As a member of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, I'm committed to finding ways to come together to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday next year," said Padilla. "It's in that spirit that I'm co-leading this bipartisan legislation so that millions of Americans can enjoy our treasured public lands for free on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day 2026."

Arkansas is the proud home to eight official NPS units, including the oldest national park maintained by NPS, Hot Springs National Park, and the first national river, the Buffalo National River. Additional sites include prominent historic settings such as Little Rock Central High School, the Butterfield Overland Trail, Pea Ridge National Military Park and Fort Smith National Historic Site.

Boozman has touted the importance of preserving national sites, authoring legislation to designate the Butterfield Overland Trail as a National Historic Trail, which Congress passed in 2022. The senator also secured Senate passage of the bipartisan Every Kid Outdoors Extension Act as part of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act to continue a Department of the Interior program offering fourth graders and their families free entrance to all federally managed public lands.

Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representative and passed the House Natural Resources Committee chaired by Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04).

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