S. 949

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To ensure that the National Park Service is fully staffed, and for other purposes.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES · March 11 (legislative day, March 10), 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Kelly · Committee: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Table of contents

• S. 949
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Definitions
  • SEC. 3. National Park Service staffing and personnel
  • SEC. 4. Continuation of authorized National Park Service projects

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Protect our Parks Act of 2025.

SEC. 2. Definitions

• In this Act:
  • The term means the Secretary of the Interior.
  • The term means the National Park Service.

SEC. 3. National Park Service staffing and personnel

• As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, using funds previously appropriated to the Secretary for such purposes, the Secretary shall—
  • take such actions as are necessary—
    • to ensure that the units of the National Park System are fully staffed to ensure visitor safety and enjoyment and natural and cultural resource protection at the units of the National Park System; and
    • to ensure that all maintenance staff positions at the Service are filled; and
  • reinstate any individuals who were involuntarily removed or otherwise terminated from employment with the Service during the period beginning on January 20, 2025, and ending on February 25, 2025.

SEC. 4. Continuation of authorized National Park Service projects

• The Secretary shall have the authority to continue to carry out any Service project for which funds are authorized or appropriated under—
  • the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (); 16 U.S.C. 6801 et seq.
  • the Great American Outdoors Act (; 134 Stat. 682); Public Law 116–152
  • the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (; 135 Stat. 429); or Public Law 117–58
  • Public Law 117–169 (commonly known as the ) (136 Stat. 1818). Inflation Reduction Act of 2022