In face of layoffs, Golden co-sponsors Protect our Parks Act of 2025

Image May 29, 2025 Press Release Bill ensures adequate staffing at Acadia and national parks nationwide WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) this week announced
the introduction of H.R. 3555, the Protect our Parks Act of 2025 , to ensure the country’s
63 national parks and hundreds of other sites managed by the National Park
Service (NPS) are adequately staffed. “If there’s one thing Mainers know, it’s the value of the great
outdoors. As we approach the busy summer season, Congress must act to ensure
our treasured national parks have the resources they need to meet their
mission,” Golden said. “Prior generations ensured the federal lands
managed by the National Park Service were protected for us. Now it’s our turn
to step up and guarantee their future for our grandchildren.” Golden is an original co-sponsor of the bill, which directs the
Secretary of the Interior to ensure adequate staffing within the NPS for the
overall safety and wellbeing of visitor safety and natural and cultural
resource protection. It orders the reinstatement of any individuals terminated as part
of the Administration’s mass firings ,
beginning on January 20, 2025, providing staffing levels necessary to keep
critical federal projects moving — including those funded by the Great American Outdoors Act; Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act; Inflation Reduction Act; and Federal
Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Golden is a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources and
the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. In a May committee vote, he opposed the House GOP’s plan to slash $279 million
from the NPS . He has a long track
record of support for America’s parks system. “Our national parks are invaluable treasures,
preserving America’s natural and cultural heritage,” said Eric Stiles, president and CEO of Friends of
Acadia. “Ensuring national parks
are fully staffed is crucial for conservation, the visitor experience, and the
success of vital projects. The Protect Our Parks Act calls for the reinstatement of dedicated
personnel and safeguards key investments like the Great American Outdoors Act.
Friends of Acadia applauds Congressman Jared Golden’s leadership in
co-sponsoring this bill, ensuring these cherished places remain protected and
accessible for future generations.” “Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters thanks
Congressman Golden for cosponsoring the Protect Our Parks Act ,” said Brian Hinrichs, executive
director of Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters. “At this critical time, we value his leadership in
voicing the need for the National Park Service to be fully staffed and funded.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument not only protects a treasured
landscape, but serves as an economic driver in the community, especially when
full hiring is permitted and critical projects can move forward.” Maine’s 2nd Congressional District is home to
Acadia National Park — one of the ten most visited national parks in the United
States — and the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. With annual
visitation numbers continuing to increase, these public lands need significant
infrastructure investments. In the 118th Congress, Golden helped pass the Great American Outdoors Act to address maintenance backlogs at places such as
Acadia and to establish permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation
Fund. Full text of the bill can be found here . ### Issues : Infrastructure Energy & Environment Related Items Golden votes against cutting funds that support Maine’s marine resources, Acadia National Park