Us Congress House Bill HB2167

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/29/23

Caption

To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, Historic Preservation Fund for fiscal year 2024.

Impact

The introduction of HB2167 reflects ongoing debates about the funding priorities of the federal government, especially regarding environmental and conservation efforts. By limiting the available funds for the National Park Service and its associated programs, the bill may hinder the service's ability to maintain, preserve, and restore national parks and historic sites effectively. This reduction in funding could lead to scaled-back maintenance, safety inspections, and conservation efforts, potentially impacting the visitor experience and the preservation of natural resources and historical landmarks.

Summary

House Bill 2167 aims to impose a limitation on the availability of funds for the U.S. Department of Interior's National Park Service and its Historic Preservation Fund for the fiscal year 2024. Specifically, the bill proposes capping the amount of appropriated funds to $102,660,000. This move is part of wider budgetary constraints that align with similar fiscal policies being discussed at the federal level, intending to prioritize or restrain government spending in certain domains. By setting this limit, the bill brings attention to how federal funding is allocated to natural and historic preservation initiatives.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HB2167. Proponents of the bill, including particular legislators, argue that such limitations are necessary to maintain fiscal responsibility and to redirect funds toward other urgent needs. However, opponents, including environmental advocates and organizations focused on conservation, argue that scaling back funding for the National Park Service and the Historic Preservation Fund undermines critical efforts to protect cultural heritage and natural landscapes. They contend that this might exacerbate challenges in park management and historic site preservation, sparking a debate on the balance between fiscal restraint and environmental stewardship.