Congress Moves to Make National Park Entrance Fees for International Visitors Permanent

Senator Jim Banks is leading a push to make the increased entrance fees for international visitors to U.S. national parks permanent, following President Donald Trump’s executive order from 2025. The proposed Patriot Parks Act aims to address the National Park Service’s $23 billion maintenance backlog, which has endangered the upkeep of park infrastructure, trails, and conservation efforts. Critics argue that the policy might deter tourism, while proponents believe it is fair, pointing out that Americans already fund parks through taxes.

The bill follows Trump’s 2025 executive order titled