My final area of concern is housing--recruiting and housing relate, I know.

I hope you will look at that and that there will be an equalization at some point so that the newer designees are not treated less robustly.

This is an important investment that was made last year to address the park's $190 million in deferred maintenance.

I hope that the Park Service begins now to think about how to sustain that funding, whether to fold it into the ongoing budget or what the strategy will be because limited funding--the deadline has a way of coming.

Publicizing some of these lesser-known parks just to spread the visitation somewhat.

Think about this congestion mitigation app, if you will, because I believe that addresses this overcrowding issue.

My final area of concern is housing--recruiting and housing relate, I know.

I hope you will convey to your staff and to the thousands of people that work for the Park Service the compliments of this Committee for the yeoman service that they provide to the country, to their visitors.

One of the things that they are talking about is that mission is an important part of recruitment.

Publicizing some of these lesser-known parks just to spread the visitation somewhat.

Senator Daines and I were prime sponsors of the Great American Outdoors Act to address deferred maintenance.

Will you commit to working with Senator Cantwell and the park in the efforts to rebuild the visitor center?

I have always thought a Waze for National Parks would be an important contribution.

What about shortening the time period for litigation from years to months?

I think it's important, as I listen to the discussion here today, no one, not a single witness and no one at this dais has talked about lowering environmental standards.

the National Park Service has lost almost 19 percent of its operations capacity since 2011

We are still not where we should be.

the National Park Service has lost almost 19 percent of its operations capacity since 2011

Whenever my staff tells me it's going to take a couple of years to do something--I will share this with you--I always remind them that Eisenhower retook Europe in 11 months.

Looking forward to today's hearing, we will be focusing on the National Park Service's Fiscal Year 2024 budget request.

You cannot love EVs and hate lithium mines. This is a national security issue as well as an environmental issue.

But you are intent on getting that road open as soon as possible, given that the road itself is an attractive asset.

I think one of the things that is important to realize here is that we are all talking about projects that get delayed or take a long time, and it's a lengthy and cumbersome process.

Senator Daines and I have been advocating for.

The National Parks Subcommittee of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will come to order.