What Happened?

Congress has not yet set fiscal 2027 funding for national parks, and the Trump administration and House appropriators are far apart on the amount. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) examined how National Park Service funding for fiscal 2027 compares with current spending and with House action. ​

The Trump administration asked Congress for $2.21 billion for the National Park Service (NPS) for fiscal year 2027, a 32 percent cut from the agency's current $3.28 billion budget. The request would reduce four of NPS's five discretionary accounts and eliminate one.

The administration also proposed a new $10 billion Presidential Capital Stewardship Program, funded through mandatory spending, for construction and beautification projects in and around Washington, D.C.

Why Does it Matter to Me?

The account that pays for day-to-day park operations would drop 26 percent to $2.14 billion, affecting programs and services at individual park units across the country.

The administration's budget would support 13,119 full-time equivalent employees, an 18 percent reduction from current staffing levels. NPS has already lost roughly 25 percent of its workforce since the start of the current administration.

For nonfederal assistance, the administration requested $6 million for the National Recreation and Preservation account, a 93 percent cut, and $11 million for the Historic Preservation Fund account, a 94 percent reduction.

Both Sides, Now

The administration says the $10 billion D.C. program would fund priority construction and beautification projects, including safety, accessibility, and historic rehabilitation work.

Senate Appropriations Committee ranking member Jeff Merkley (D-OR) called the D.C. program a "slush fund" and described the projects as "ego-driven vanity projects," while criticizing proposed cuts elsewhere in the department.

Opponents point to disruptions already underway: the National Parks Conservation Association reported that 90 parks had staffing impacts, nearly 70 cut visitor-center hours or services, 22 postponed maintenance, and 11 closed facilities or delayed their openings.

NPR reported that Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument said it would close its visitor center on Tuesdays because of staffing shortages, and that Saguaro National Park's visitor centers would be closed on Mondays until further notice.

The House Appropriations Committee reported H.R. 9171 out of committee on a 35-27 vote, proposing about $3.23 billion for the National Park Service (NPS), 46 percent above the administration's request.

What Happens Next?

The full House, the Senate, and ultimately a conference between the two chambers must agree on a final spending bill before any of these numbers become law. Will Congress fund your national parks at current levels, or will the administration's cuts take hold?

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