On June 10, 2026, Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) introduced the Great American Outdoors Act 250 (GAOA 250 or H.R. 9250). The bill would reauthorize the original Great American Outdoors Act’s National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), maintain BIE’s five percent (5%) allocation of approximately $95 million annually, and extend the fund from FY26 through FY30. It would also add revenue sources and make reforms intended to improve project delivery, transparency, partnerships, and outdoor recreation access.
The House Natural Resources Committee held a June 12, 2026 field hearing on GAOA 250 near Hot Springs National Park and a markup on June 24, 2026. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee also passed a bipartisan substitute amendment at a business meeting on June 17, 2026. The changes in both chambers reflect a desire to reach consensus on language in the GAOA 250 and the Senate LRF reauthorization legislation, the America the Beautiful Act (S. 1547). The hearings demonstrated bipartisan interest in moving the bill, but Tribal issues received limited discussion. The current legislation in both chambers also solicits annual project recommendations from governors of states with federal lands and from Tribes. Legislators indicated that they are interested in feedback from Tribal schools and Nations, creating an opportunity to seek improvements before the bill advances.
We will continue monitoring the progress of these bills. Please reach out if you would like a deeper analysis of this legislation and how it might impact your schools, or assistance in providing feedback on how these proposals could affect BIE facilities, deferred maintenance, and Tribal consultation.
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Inquiries may be directed to:
Adrianne Elliott (aelliott@hobbsstraus.com)
Autumn Parrott (aparrott@hobbsstraus.com)
