On the recordJanuary 11, 2019
I yield to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum). Ms. McCOLLUM. I agree with my colleague that this administration, when it comes to public lands, is making matters worse, not better, by choosing to keep some parks open during the Trump shutdown. This political attempt to minimize the consequences of the shutdown will only result in further damage to our national treasures and place the safety of visitors at risk. Using funds from fee collections to provide operations support to the parks hurts the parks in two ways: This small funding stream cannot replace the $2.5 billion we provide for park operations each year that ensures the safety of visitors, maintains clean and orderly park operations, and safeguards park assets. Redirecting these funds away from their intended purpose delays the capital improvements needed to sustain our parks for our future. Because of this, I join the gentleman in urging the President to close the parks for the remainder of this Trump shutdown or, better yet, to sign this bill into law so that our parks can open fully and safely.
