Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB4497

Introduced
7/6/23  

Caption

To expand the mission of the National Park Service to include active use of System units located in urban areas, and for other purposes.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will amend Title 54 of the United States Code to officially recognize 'active use' as a key component of national parks, particularly those situated in urban settings. This change will open the door for increased community programming and investment in recreational facilities, directly impacting local quality of life. It will create new opportunities for local governments and community organizations to partner with the National Park Service to foster active engagement among residents.

Summary

House Bill 4497 aims to expand the mission of the National Park Service by placing an emphasis on promoting active use of park system units located in urban areas. This initiative is designed to enhance community engagement and improve quality of life by encouraging recreational activities such as sports, events, and the development of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Furthermore, the bill seeks to redefine the scope of national parks to include a broader array of uses that prioritize enjoyment and accessibility for urban populations.

Contention

One potential area of contention lies in how 'active use' is defined and implemented at existing national parks. Advocates argue that this shift will benefit urban areas by transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant community hubs. However, critics may raise concerns about the potential commercialization of national parks or distractions from conservation priorities. There might be fears that an emphasis on active use could lead to increased foot traffic and environmental degradation if not managed properly.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB2450

A bill to improve coordination between the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation on activities carried out under the National Quantum Initiative Program, and for other purposes.

US HB4516

To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the inclusion of a biological attribution strategy, and an early warning strategy and implementation plan, in the National Health Security Strategy, and for other purposes.

US HB4993

To amend title 46, United States Code, to include the replacement or purchase of additional cargo handling equipment as an eligible purpose for Capital Construction Funds, and for other purposes.

US HB4952

To amend title 10, United States Code, to establish the Office of Strategic Capital in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and for other purposes.

US HB649

To establish the National Commission on Domestic Terrorist Attacks on the United States by Antifa, and for other purposes.

US HB4912

To require the evaluation of certain criteria relating to locations for deployment of successor radar systems of the National Weather Service, and for other purposes.

US HB5069

To amend title 5, United States Code, to require Federal political appointees to sign a binding ethics pledge, and for other purposes.

US HB5045

Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act

US HB2

Secure the Border Act of 2023 This bill addresses issues regarding immigration and border security, including by imposing limits to asylum eligibility. For example, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume activities to construct a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border; provides statutory authorization for Operation Stonegarden, which provides grants to law enforcement agencies for certain border security operations; prohibits DHS from processing the entry of non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) arriving between ports of entry; limits asylum eligibility to non-U.S. nationals who arrive in the United States at a port of entry; authorizes the removal of a non-U.S. national to a country other than that individual's country of nationality or last lawful habitual residence, whereas currently this type of removal may only be to a country that has an agreement with the United States for such removal; expands the types of crimes that may make an individual ineligible for asylum, such as a conviction for driving while intoxicated causing another person's serious bodily injury or death; authorizes DHS to suspend the introduction of certain non-U.S. nationals at an international border if DHS determines that the suspension is necessary to achieve operational control of that border; prohibits states from imposing licensing requirements on immigration detention facilities used to detain minors; authorizes immigration officers to permit an unaccompanied alien child to withdraw their application for admission into the United States even if the child is unable to make an independent decision to withdraw the application; imposes additional penalties for overstaying a visa; and requires DHS to create an electronic employment eligibility confirmation system modeled after the E-Verify system and requires all employers to use the system.

US HB5558

To establish the Prairie du Rocher French Colonial National Historical Park in the State of Illinois, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.