By Organ Mountain News on Jul 1, 2026

Vasquez backs bipartisan bill to fund public lands maintenance

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez is backing the bipartisan America the Beautiful Act, which would invest $1.9 billion over five years in public lands maintenance.

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez speaks at a public lands event with “Not for Sale” signs behind him. Vasquez is backing bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund and invest $1.9 billion over five years in public lands maintenance. (Courtesy photo / Office of U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez)

The America the Beautiful Act would reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund, investing $1.9 billion over five years in national parks, forests and public lands.

Organ Mountain News report

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez is backing bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund and invest $1.9 billion over five years in national parks, forests and public lands.

Vasquez, D-N.M., is one of four co-chairs of the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus supporting the America the Beautiful Act, along with Republican Reps. Ryan Zinke of Montana and Mike Simpson of Idaho and Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan.

The bill would support deferred trail maintenance, fund projects on lands used for hunting and fishing and generate revenue in gateway communities, according to Vasquez’s office. The legislation also would not allow funding to be taken from the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

“Throughout our history, the one thing Americans have always been able to agree on — Democrats and Republicans alike — is that we love this land,” Vasquez said. “Public lands are America’s best idea, and what better moment to protect and celebrate them than on our nation’s 250th birthday.”

Vasquez said the legislation would help ensure Americans can continue enjoying public lands for “hiking, hunting, fishing, birding, camping and joy.”

Zinke said the Great American Outdoors Act was one of the “crowning achievements” of President Donald Trump’s first administration and said the new legislation would build on that work.

“Six years later, we’ve seen the results,” Zinke said. “Roads have been rebuilt, trails restored, visitor facilities modernized, and access improved for hunters, anglers, hikers, campers, and families.”

Simpson said reauthorizing the Great American Outdoors Act is fitting as the country approaches its 250th birthday, while Dingell said investing in public lands is a way to honor the nation’s history.

The bill was previously named the Great American Outdoors Act 250, according to Vasquez’s office.

The Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus is co-chaired by Vasquez, Zinke, Simpson and Dingell. Vasquez’s office said 20 additional bipartisan members joined the caucus to support conservation and outdoor recreation.

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